Marina
While higher education enrollment nationally has seen noticeable declines—falling from over 21 million in 2010 to around 19.3 million in fall 2024—Missouri stands out for its stability.
The University of Missouri (Mizzou), specifically, is beginning another academic year with enrollment figures hovering just above 31,500, consistent over the last several years.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| National Enrollment (Fall 2024) | ~19.28 million undergraduates |
| Enrollment Decline Since 2010 | ~8.4% drop nationwide |
| Mizzou Fall 2024 Enrollment | 31,543 total students |
| Graduate Students at Mizzou | 7,094 |
| New Freshmen at Mizzou | 5,955 |
| First-day Freshman Boost (2023) | +16.1% increase over 2022 |
Missouri’s Resilient Return to Campus
Stable Enrollment at Mizzou
Despite national declines, Mizzou’s Fall 2024 total enrollment reached 31,543, including 7,094 graduate and professional students and 5,955 incoming freshmen—demonstrating a solid pipeline of new students each year.
Freshman Surge
Preliminary figures showed a 16.1% increase in freshmen compared to the previous year, complemented by a healthy boost in transfer students—giving Mizzou a bright start to the academic year.
Understanding the National Decline
Long-Term Enrollment Slide
Undergraduate numbers have dipped significantly—from a peak of about 21 million in 2010 to roughly 19.3 million in fall 2024.
That marks an 8.4% overall decrease, driven by factors like demographic shifts, waning interest in traditional four-year degrees, and economic uncertainty.
Accelerated Drop Post-Pandemic
Some data highlights an 8% drop in enrollment from 2019 to 2022, indicating that the decline intensified during and after the COVID-19 era—due in part to rising tuition, student debt concerns, and evolving attitudes toward the ROI of college.
Why Missouri Might Be Defying the Trend
Institutional Appeal & Tradition
For many, choosing the University of Missouri is a family legacy or a natural fit—offered through strong academic programs like physical therapy, rich campus traditions, and a close-knit community.
For incoming freshman like Lauren Garrett, whose family are Mizzou alumni, the university represented both heritage and opportunity.
Campus Engagement
Mizzou fosters a strong sense of “Mizzou spirit” through vibrant welcome events—such as painting the iconic Rock M and walking the columns—helping students feel at home from day one.
Academic Strength
As a major land-grant, research university, Mizzou offers diverse programs that appeal to both in-state and out-of-state students, helping sustain enrollment even as broader trends dip.
Missouri’s universities, especially the University of Missouri, are bucking the nationwide decline in college enrollment.
With consistent numbers near 31,500 students, a surge in freshmen, and effective campus engagement, Mizzou exemplifies resilience amid shifting higher-education dynamics.
While the rest of the nation grapples with shrinking enrollment numbers, Missouri’s flagship institution stands strong—showcasing how tradition, engagement, and academic strength can sustain student interest even during turbulent times.