Hailey
Missouri State University is celebrating a big win this fall. The university has reached new enrollment records across its campuses, showing strong growth in student numbers.
More high school students, transfer students, and in-state learners are joining, proving that Missouri State is becoming a top choice for affordable and accessible higher education.
Let’s look at the details behind this success, what it means for students, and how the university plans to keep growing.
Enrollment Records at Missouri State
Missouri State University’s total system enrollment rose from 26,874 to 27,235 students this fall. On the Springfield campus, numbers went up from 25,038 to 25,238.
Here’s a clear view of the growth:
| Category | 2024 Enrollment | 2025 Enrollment | Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total System | 26,874 | 27,235 | +361 |
| Springfield Campus | 25,038 | 25,238 | +200 |
| West Plains Campus | 1,942 | 1,997 | +2.8% |
| Dual Enrollment | 7,128 | 7,778 | +9.1% |
| First-Time Transfers | 1,305 | 1,342 | +2.8% |
| Missourians Enrolled | 20,699 | 21,266 | +567 |
Why Enrollment is Rising
The rise comes mainly from three areas:
- Dual enrollment growth: More high school students are taking Missouri State classes, with a 9.1% increase.
- Transfer students: Community college transfers went up by 2.8%.
- Stable retention: The university is keeping its students, with a retention rate of 76%.
President Richard B. Williams explained that the strategic plan, called “Igniting Opportunity”, focuses on giving students clear and affordable pathways to higher education.
Strategic Enrollment Plan
While enrollment is growing overall, graduate numbers dipped because of fewer international students. Their share fell from 6.9% to 5.7%. To balance this, the Strategic Enrollment Management (SEM) plan will target:
- Doctoral program development
- Workforce development
- Adult student re-engagement
Vice President for Enrollment, Dawn Medley, shared that Missouri State is working on attracting more out-of-state students, supporting community college transfers, and refining scholarships so more learners can afford their education.
Focus on Retention and Support
Provost Dr. Clarenda Philips highlighted that faculty and advisors are making student success a top priority. Plans include:
- Expanding doctoral programs
- Adding more academic support services
- Aligning studies with workforce needs
- Building smoother pathways from undergraduate to graduate studies
Scholarships and Access
One of the biggest advantages for students is the MoState Access Award. Under this program:
- New Missouri undergraduate students who qualify for Pell Grants will pay no tuition or fees.
- The award will cover costs left after other scholarships and grants.
- To qualify, students must submit the FAFSA by Feb. 1 and apply for admission by June 1 for fall 2026.
Apply and Visit the Campus
High school seniors are encouraged to apply early to increase their chances of receiving scholarships. Missouri State also invites prospective students to visit the campus and experience college life.
The next big event is the Showcase Open House on October 25, where students and families can explore opportunities firsthand.
Missouri State University’s record-breaking enrollment shows how it is delivering affordable, accessible, and student-focused education.
With strong growth in dual enrollment, transfer pathways, and scholarships, the university is opening doors for more students across Missouri and beyond.
Its focus on retention, academic support, and affordability ensures that learners can not only start their journey but also finish it successfully.