Missouri Southern State University: Student Population Insights

Missouri Southern State University is a public university located in Joplin, Missouri. It is a small institution with an undergraduate enrollment of around 2,500 to 4,000 students. The university has seen an increase in new student enrollment for the fall 2023 semester, with a growth in total freshmen, transfer, and graduate students for the second consecutive year. Missouri Southern State University offers a range of academic programs and is known for its high-quality education and vibrant campus life.

Undergraduate enrolment is 3,930 (fall 2023)

Missouri Southern State University, a public university located in Joplin, Missouri, has a total undergraduate enrolment of 3,930 for the fall of 2023. This figure represents a significant increase in student enrolment at the university, which offers a wide range of academic programs and extracurricular activities to its students.

The university has seen positive growth in its student population in recent years, with a 6.5% increase in new student enrolment for the fall 2023 semester. This includes a 19% increase in new transfer students and a remarkable 63% increase in new graduate students. The retention rate of first-time, full-time freshmen has also improved, increasing by 8% over the previous year and reaching the highest rate the university has seen in the past 17 years.

Missouri Southern State University's total undergraduate enrolment of 3,930 is spread across its 381-acre campus. The university offers a variety of undergraduate degrees, including popular majors such as police and criminal science, business, liberal arts and humanities, nursing, criminal justice, computer information systems, and biomedical science. The university's commitment to providing a well-rounded education is evident through its encouragement of extracurricular activities and its focus on hands-on learning and research opportunities.

The increase in undergraduate enrolment at Missouri Southern State University can be attributed to several factors, including the university's growing reputation for academic excellence and the attractiveness of its campus life. The university's ranking in the 2025 edition of Best Colleges as #131 in Regional Universities Midwest further enhances its appeal. Additionally, the university's focus on providing high-quality academic programs, combined with its array of scholarship opportunities, has made it an increasingly popular choice for students in the four-states region and beyond.

Overall fall enrolment is 4,107 (2022)

Missouri Southern State University, a public university located in Joplin, Missouri, had an overall fall enrolment of 4,107 students in 2022. This number includes both undergraduate and graduate students. The university has seen consistent growth in enrolment over the years, with a slight dip from 4,155 in the fall of 2022 to 4,107 in 2023.

Missouri Southern State University offers a range of academic programs and is well known for its high-quality education in fields like criminal justice, nursing, business, and education. The university also has a strong focus on hands-on learning and provides students with opportunities for internships and research. The campus size is 381 acres, and the university follows a semester-based academic calendar.

The enrolment figure of 4,107 includes a diverse group of students with varying backgrounds and interests. The university supports an inclusive environment and welcomes students from different parts of the world. While the majority of the freshmen class is from the "Four States," the class also represents 19 different states and seven different countries. This diversity adds to the richness of the educational experience at Missouri Southern State University.

The university has a retention rate of 8% for first-time full-time freshmen, indicating a high level of student satisfaction and commitment to their education. Missouri Southern State University's enrolment numbers reflect its reputation as a preferred institution for high-quality academics and a vibrant campus life. The university continues to attract students seeking a well-rounded and immersive educational experience.

MSSU has a 99% acceptance rate

Missouri Southern State University (MSSU) has a 99% acceptance rate, making it a highly accessible university for prospective students. This rate is impressive given the range of academic programs the university offers across multiple disciplines, including business, health sciences, engineering, and the arts.

MSSU is a public university located in Joplin, Missouri, with a total undergraduate enrollment of around 3,930 students as of Fall 2023. The university's retention rate for full-time freshmen has also been positive, increasing by 8% over the previous year and reaching the highest rate in the past 17 years.

The university offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs, with an emphasis on providing practical skills and knowledge that graduates can directly apply in their careers. Popular majors at MSSU include Police and Criminal Science, Business, Liberal Arts and Humanities, Nursing, Criminal Justice, Computer Information Systems, and Biomedical Science. The university also offers master's degree programs in fields like healthcare administration and data analytics.

MSSU's commitment to academic excellence is evident, with a focus on internships, hands-on learning, and research opportunities to prepare graduates for the job market. The university's ranking in the 2025 edition of Best Colleges further underscores its academic reputation, placing it at #131 in Regional Universities Midwest.

With its high acceptance rate, MSSU ensures that a wide range of students have access to quality education and the opportunity to explore their academic interests in a supportive and enriching environment.

MSSU has 45,444 student credit hours (2022)

Missouri Southern State University (MSSU) has seen a notable increase in student credit hours, reaching 45,444 in the fall of 2023. This represents a 1% increase compared to the previous year, when student credit hours totalled 45,027. While the overall fall enrolment at MSSU remained similar to 2022, with 4,107 students reported in 2023, the rise in student credit hours is a significant development.

MSSU's increase in student credit hours is a testament to the university's ability to retain students and encourage them to take on additional courses or credits. The retention rate of first-time, full-time freshmen who entered in fall 2022 and continued their studies in fall 2023 increased by 8% over the previous year, reaching the highest rate MSSU has seen in the past 17 years. This indicates that the university is successfully fostering a supportive and engaging environment that encourages students to continue their studies.

The rise in student credit hours can also be attributed to the diverse range of academic programs offered by MSSU. The university provides a broad spectrum of disciplines, including business, health sciences, engineering, and the arts. MSSU is particularly well-known for its high-quality programs in fields such as criminal justice, nursing, and education. The hands-on learning and research opportunities offered by the university may have contributed to the increased student engagement reflected in the higher credit hours.

Additionally, MSSU's commitment to fostering a rich campus life and supporting students from various backgrounds has likely played a role in the increased student credit hours. The university offers a wide array of extracurricular activities, from student clubs and athletic events to leadership development programs. This vibrant campus environment may have encouraged students to explore additional courses or pursue multiple interests, resulting in higher credit hours.

The increase in student credit hours at MSSU is a positive indicator of the university's ability to retain students and provide a stimulating and engaging academic environment. It reflects the university's success in creating a supportive and enriching community that meets the diverse needs and interests of its student body.

MSSU's retention rate increased 8% (2022-2023)

Missouri Southern State University (MSSU) has seen positive growth in its student retention rate, with an 8% increase for the fall 2023 semester compared to the previous year. This encouraging trend indicates that more students are choosing to continue their academic journey at MSSU, recognising the value and quality of the education it provides.

MSSU's retention rate increase is a testament to the university's appeal and the satisfaction of its student body. With a vibrant campus and strong academic programs, MSSU has become an attractive option for students, not only from the Four States region but also from across the country and the globe. The university's diverse range of academic programs, including popular majors such as nursing, criminal justice, and business, offers something for everyone.

The 8% retention rate increase is a significant achievement, especially considering the overall fall enrollment at MSSU has remained similar to the previous year. While the total student population only saw a slight dip from 4,155 in fall 2022 to 4,107 in fall 2023, the retention rate increase highlights a growing commitment from students to continue their studies at MSSU.

One key factor contributing to MSSU's improved retention rate is the university's dedication to providing a well-rounded and immersive educational experience. MSSU prioritises not only academic excellence but also extracurricular engagement and a vibrant campus life. The university offers various student clubs, organisations, and athletic events, ensuring that students can pursue their interests beyond the classroom.

Additionally, MSSU's commitment to accessibility and financial support plays a role in its retention rate success. With a 99% acceptance rate and a range of scholarship opportunities, MSSU ensures that a quality education is within reach for a diverse range of students. The university's focus on affordability and inclusivity likely contributes to students' decisions to continue their studies there.

MSSU's 8% retention rate increase is a positive indicator of the university's ability to meet the needs and expectations of its students. As MSSU President Dean Van Galen highlights, the university is becoming a first-choice institution for many, and this trend is expected to continue as MSSU further enhances its academic and extracurricular offerings.

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