St. Charles Times

Northwest Missouri State University is again breaking institutional enrollment records with the conclusion of its latest census showing that the University has the highest spring enrollment in its history.

The University reports overall enrollment this spring increased nearly 10 percent from a year ago to a headcount of 7,923. For the third consecutive spring, the University set record graduate enrollment with 3,407 students, an increase of 31 percent from a year ago. Although undergraduate enrollment decreased 2 percent, first-time freshman enrollment increased 7 percent.

Further, student credit hours at Northwest are up 4 percent overall. Undergraduate student on-ground credit hours declined about 5 percent while undergraduate credit hours for Northwest’s online programs increased 84 percent. In the graduate student sector, on-ground credit hours are up 34 percent, and credit hours for graduate online programs are up 19 percent.

Additionally, Northwest maintains a high fall-to-spring retention rate of 88 percent.

“We are excited about our continued growth,” Northwest Interim President Dr. Clarence Green said. “Our people and their commitment to student success is the differentiator in recruiting and retaining students, and our increase in first-time freshmen is promising. However, we still have work to do as we continue to focus on undergraduate enrollment growth on our Maryville campus.”

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