Preliminary Numbers Indicate Record Fall Enrollment at MU
Figures show continuing increases in quality, diversity
May 7, 2008
Story Contact: Mary Jo Banken, (573) 882-6211, BankenM@missouri.edu
COLUMBIA, Mo. - As of May 1, the number of freshmen who have been admitted and paid an initial enrollment deposit to the University of Missouri has increased by more than 26 percent from the same time last year. MU officials attribute the increase to a successful recruiting drive, the academic reputation of the university, improvement in campus facilities and grounds, and increased recognition of Mizzou with the recent success of the athletics program."We're extremely excited about the number of students who have shown an interest in attending Mizzou in the fall," said Ann Korschgen, vice provost for Enrollment Management. "We’re taking steps to plan for this increase, including housing, class availability and advising."
Korschgen said that the university is continuing to grow in quality and diversity in the freshman class. According to preliminary data, the number of freshmen who have scored a 30 or higher on the ACT is up 24 percent. The number of African-American freshmen is up 53 percent and the number of Hispanic students is up 44 percent.
For the past several months, Mizzou officials have been preparing for the increase. Administrators have been reviewing plans related to the number of classes offered, hiring additional faculty, and the current housing plan to determine alternatives for housing students beyond the current capacity. Other areas being reviewed include staff support for the Student Success Center and the Counseling Center.
Preliminary figures show that more than 5,700 freshmen have paid the initial enrollment deposit for the fall semester. If the number does not change, it would represent the highest freshman class on record. Last year's opening day freshman enrollment was 5,027 and the official enrollment, which is determined after the 20th day of classes, was 4,982.
"It is very common for our enrollment statistics to decrease between the summer and the time when we count our students for our official figures," Korschgen said. "Based on our current figures, we're convinced that we'll have a larger first-day enrollment than last year. I'm very pleased with the efforts of our staff and elated to know that so many students want to be Tigers."
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