Missouri State University's systemwide enrollment dipped 1.1% this fall from last year's record level, but university leaders said that the institution remains on track with a strategic plan aimed at reaching 30,000 students by 2030.
The university reported a systemwide headcount of 26,917 students, according to a community announcement. Of those, 25,039 students are enrolled on the Springfield campus and 1,878 attend the West Plains campus.
"Overall enrollment is down just over 1%. Given the increased competition with the declining student population, both domestically and internationally, we feel very good about where we are and the foundation we have created on which to build," Dawn Medley, vice president for enrollment management, said in the announcement.
"There’s a real sense of excitement on this campus right now. We have just launched our strategic enrollment management playbooks so the entire campus can be part of our growth."
Undergraduate enrollment on the Springfield campus declined 0.9%, while graduate enrollment fell 3.4%. The university enrolled 2,506 first-time students this fall, and retention among that group increased to 76.9%.
Officials also said in the announcement that dual-credit enrollment numbers are expected to rise as Missouri high schools continue reporting participation later in the semester.
Health and education programs post gains
Several academic areas continued to grow despite the slight decline in overall enrollment.
The McQueary College of Health and Human Services became Missouri State's largest college by enrollment, increasing 4.7% to 4,742 students.
According to the announcement, the growth reflects continued interest in health care professions including nursing and other workforce-demand fields.
The College of Education also reported growth, rising 2.3% to 1,644 students. University officials said in the announcement that the college remains the state's largest producer of educators.
University continues enrollment strategy
University leaders said that enrollment efforts remain focused on attracting first-time freshmen, transfer students and adults returning to complete degrees.
"The university’s story has always been about opportunities for our students, for our region and for the state," President Richard B. Williams said in the announcement. "As we put our plan into action, we’re focused on meeting students where they are, whether that’s a first-time freshman, a transfer student or an adult who started a degree and didn’t finish. Missouri State is going to keep delivering for the state of Missouri."
More than 78% of students enrolled across the Missouri State system come from Missouri.
The university recently hosted its annual open house Showcase event alongside Family Weekend and continues to encourage prospective students to visit campus.
Additional information is available through Missouri State University's enrollment and admissions websites, including missouristate.edu and futurebears.missouristate.edu.
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This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Enrollment at Missouri State slips 1.1%, but growth plan continues
