Missouri State University in Springfield set several enrollment records this fall.

The freshmen class at Missouri State saw the biggest fall-to-fall increase in history. Total freshmen enrollment is 2,782, up 504 students or 22.1%.

The university also set a new enrollment record for graduate students, with 4,295 enrolled, up 71 students or 1.7%.

Fall enrollment on the Springfield campus is just 166 students short of the all-time high enrollment, set in 2018. Enrollment increased by 917 students to 24,224, a 3.9% increase over last fall.

The total number of credit hours taken by Missouri State students is also up 3.4% over last fall.

Enrollment on the Missouri State -West Plains campus was up 2% to 1,779.

Total system enrollment is 25,935, up 957 or 3.8%. A total of 68 students were enrolled on both campuses and were only counted once in the system total.

“We’re thrilled to see such strong enrollment numbers for this fall,” said MSU President Clif Smart. “This growth is a testament to the hard work of our faculty and staff, and to the quality of education we offer. We’re committed to providing our students with the resources and support they need to succeed, and we’re excited to welcome this new class of Bears to Missouri State.”

Students come from all 114 counties and an independent city in Missouri; 50 states plus the District of Columbia, territories of Guam, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, and military locations; and 96 other countries.

Apply to Missouri State

High school seniors are encouraged to apply for admission early in their senior year and to be aware of scholarship application deadlines.

New Missouri undergraduate students who are eligible for Pell Grants won’t pay any tuition or fees at Missouri State. The MoState Access Award will cover all tuition and fees that aren’t covered by other scholarships and grants.

Prospective students are encouraged to visit campus. The university will host Showcase, a special open house for prospective students, on Nov. 11.