
The University of Mississippi, commonly known as Ole Miss, is Mississippi's oldest public university and the state's largest by enrollment. Ole Miss has experienced significant growth in recent years, breaking overall enrollment records and attracting students from diverse backgrounds. With a rich history dating back to its founding in 1848, the university has played a pivotal role in Mississippi's academic landscape.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Total number of students enrolled in Fall 2024 | 27,124 |
| Percentage increase in enrollment between Fall 2023 and Fall 2024 | 11% |
| Number of additional students enrolled in Fall 2024 compared to Fall 2023 | 2,385 |
| Number of students enrolled in Fall 2023 | 24,739 |
| Total undergraduate enrollment in Fall 2023 | 19,094 |
| Number of new graduate students enrolled in Fall 2024 | 1,092 |
| Percentage increase in new graduate students from the previous year | 12% |
| University of Mississippi Medical Center enrollment in Fall 2024 | 3,143 |
| University's ranking in the 2025 edition of Best Colleges | #171 |
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What You'll Learn

Ole Miss's record-breaking student enrollment in 2024
The University of Mississippi, commonly known as Ole Miss, has experienced record-breaking student enrollment in 2024. With a history dating back to 1844 when it was first chartered, and officially founded in 1848, Ole Miss has established itself as Mississippi's oldest public university and the state's largest by enrollment.
In Fall 2024, Ole Miss enrolled 23,981 students, reflecting an 11% increase in enrollment from the previous year. This significant spike in student numbers positions Ole Miss as the leader in enrollment growth among Mississippi's universities. The University of Mississippi Medical Center also saw a notable increase, with 3,143 students enrolled, a slight rise from 3,114 in 2023.
This record-breaking enrollment solidifies Ole Miss's reputation as a thriving destination for higher education, attracting students from Mississippi, the nation, and the world. The university's appeal is underscored by its academic excellence, robust student support programs, and focus on building successful leaders. The retention rate at Ole Miss has remained impressive, surpassing 87% over the last four years, indicative of the university's commitment to student success.
The university's graduate school witnessed a substantial increase, enrolling 1,092 new graduate students, which signifies a remarkable 12% surge from the previous year. This growth is a testament to the university's ability to attract gifted students and foster an inclusive environment that values diversity and cultural exchange.
Ole Miss's seven campuses accommodate a globally diverse student body, with international students from nearly 100 countries. The university's dedication to creating an inclusive and vibrant culture is further emphasized by its efforts to break down barriers and enhance student access to resources. As a result, Ole Miss continues to thrive and excel, setting new records and shaping the future of higher education in Mississippi and beyond.
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The University of Mississippi's founding and early years
The University of Mississippi, also known as Ole Miss, is Mississippi's oldest public university. The Mississippi Legislature chartered the university on February 24, 1844, or 1848 according to some sources.
The university's first campus was an isolated, rural site in Oxford, selected as it was a "sylvan exile" that would encourage academic studies. In 1845, residents of Lafayette County donated land west of Oxford for the campus, and the following year, architect William Nichols oversaw the construction of an academic building called the Lyceum, two dormitories, and faculty residences.
The University of Mississippi opened its doors to its first class of 80 students on November 6, 1848. The curriculum was classical, focusing on ancient history, Greek, Latin, literature, philosophy, logic, and rhetoric. All but one of the students were from Mississippi, and they were all white, with most being the children of elite slaveholders. For 23 years, the university was Mississippi's only public institution of higher learning, and for 110 years it was the state's only comprehensive university.
In 1854, the University of Mississippi established the fourth state-supported, public law school in the United States, and also began offering engineering education. During the Civil War, the university served as a Confederate hospital and narrowly avoided destruction by Ulysses S. Grant's forces.
In the post-war period, the university was led by former Confederate general A.P. Stewart, who served as Chancellor from 1874 to 1886. To accommodate veterans, the university lowered admission standards, eliminated tuition, and allowed students to live off-campus. In 1882, the university became coeducational, although women were not permitted to live on campus or attend the law school. In 1885, the University of Mississippi hired Sarah McGehee Isom, its first female faculty member, becoming the first southeastern US college to do so.
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Ole Miss's graduate programs and research activities
The University of Mississippi, commonly known as Ole Miss, is a public research university in Oxford, Mississippi. It is the state's oldest public university and the largest by enrolment. Ole Miss offers a wide range of graduate programs and research activities.
Graduate Programs
Ole Miss offers various graduate programs across different schools and colleges, each with its own unique deadline and application process. The university provides graduate degrees such as PhDs and Master of Arts, Science, and Fine Arts. One notable program is the Mississippi Teacher Corps, a free graduate program that prepares teachers for critical-needs public schools. The Graduate School offers a step-by-step guide to help students navigate the application process, and students can also seek guidance from the Graduate Program Coordinators for each program.
Research Activities
Ole Miss is classified as an "R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity" institution. In 2018, the university spent $137 million on research and development, ranking 142nd in the nation. The Office of Research and Graduate Programs (ORGP) works with the academic departments housing the graduate programs to foster a culture of research excellence. They support graduate students' academic and professional development through various events, competitions, workshops, and community-building activities.
The university's research activities cover a diverse range of fields. For example, the Department of Writing and Rhetoric offers programs such as First-Year Writing and Speech Communication, leading to a B.A. in Rhetoric. In the field of pharmaceutical sciences, Ole Miss offers PhD programs with emphases in environmental toxicology, industrial pharmacy, and medicinal chemistry. These programs involve cutting-edge research to advance drug discovery and innovation.
Additionally, Ole Miss is one of 33 colleges and universities participating in the National Sea Grant Program and the National Space Grant College and Fellowship Program. The university also operates a medical centre in Jackson, Mississippi, which was established in 1955, and has since added a nursing school and other health-related schools.
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The University of Mississippi Medical Center's growth
The University of Mississippi, commonly known as Ole Miss, is Mississippi's oldest public university and the state's largest by enrolment. The university has grown significantly over the years, with a record number of students enrolling in recent years. In 2024, the university enrolled 27,124 students across its seven campuses, an 11% increase from the previous year. This growth reflects the university's position as a leading destination for higher education, with its academic excellence, student support programs, and leadership-building experiences attracting students and families.
The University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) has also experienced notable growth. In Fall 2024, UMMC enrolled 3,143 students, an increase of 29 students from the previous year. As the state's only academic medical centre, this growth is significant not just for the university but also for the entire state of Mississippi. The School of Nursing at UMMC expanded its bachelor's program in nursing, contributing to the overall rise in enrolment.
The University of Mississippi has a long history dating back to its founding in 1844 when it was chartered by the Mississippi Legislature. In 1848, the university admitted its first 80 students. Over the years, the university has faced challenges, including a race riot during the civil rights movement in 1962 when segregationists tried to prevent the enrollment of an African American student. Despite these difficulties, the university has persevered and grown.
The growth of the University of Mississippi Medical Center can be attributed to several factors. One key factor is the establishment of the School of Medicine in 1903, initially offering only two years of medical courses. However, in 1955, the School of Medicine was relocated to Jackson, Mississippi, and established on a 164-acre site, allowing for the expansion of medical education. The addition of the nursing school in 1956 and other health-related schools further contributed to the growth of the medical centre.
The University of Mississippi's commitment to inclusivity and diversity has also played a role in its growth. The university has actively worked to create an inclusive environment, attracting students from around the world and contributing to its vibrant and distinct culture. The establishment of the Division of Access, Opportunity, and Community Engagement further demonstrates the university's dedication to breaking down barriers and increasing student access and achievement. The university's retention rate has remained above 87% in recent years, indicating its success in supporting and retaining students.
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Ole Miss's international student population
The University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) is a public research university in Oxford, Mississippi. It is the state's oldest public university and the largest by enrolment, with a record 27,124 students enrolled across its seven campuses as of Fall 2024. This marks the second consecutive year of record enrolment for the university, with an 11% increase in enrolment from 2023.
Ole Miss has a diverse student population, with students from across the world. The university has a commitment to creating an inclusive environment where students from a range of backgrounds can thrive and contribute to the university's unique culture. While I cannot find specific numbers for the international student population, the university has students enrolled from nearly 100 countries.
The university's byname, "Ole Miss," was first used in 1897 when it won a contest for suggestions for a yearbook title. The term originated as a title used by domestic slaves to distinguish the mistress of a plantation from the "young misses." The university has since taken measures to improve its image, particularly in regard to its history of racial segregation.
Ole Miss offers a range of graduate and undergraduate degrees, including PhDs, Masters of Art, Masters of Science, and Masters of Fine Arts. The university also offers graduate programs such as the Mississippi Teacher Corps, a free program that educates teachers for critical-needs public schools. The university is classified among "R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity," and it spent $137 million on research and development in 2018.
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Frequently asked questions
As of Fall 2024, the University of Mississippi has 23,981 students enrolled.
Ole Miss University has seven campuses.
In Fall 2023, 21,596 students were enrolled at Ole Miss University.
As of Fall 2024, 3,143 students are enrolled at the University of Mississippi Medical Center.











































