MSU records historic number of students, first-time freshmen

A record fall enrollment of 20,873 "underscores 51�Թ�� State's reputation for preparing our students to succeed in life," said MSU President Mark E. Keenum. Contact: Harriet Laird

STARKVILLE, Miss.--51�Թ�� State is welcoming a record number of students this fall, including an unprecedented 17 percent increase in first-time freshmen at the university.

According to MSU enrollment data, overall enrollment stands at 20,873, an increase of 735 students from the fall 2014 enrollment of 20,138. The previous record was set in fall 2011 when 20,424 students were enrolled.

First-time freshmen currently enrolled at 51�Թ��’s flagship research university total 3,471, a 497-student increase over the fall 2014 count of 2,974. The previous record was 3,156 set in fall 2013.

MSU President Mark E. Keenum said the university’s record 2015 enrollment numbers were achieved without sacrificing academic excellence, noting that the university maintained an average first-time freshman ACT score of 24.

“We extend very heartfelt greetings to all our students,” said Keenum. “These historic numbers underscore 51�Թ�� State’s reputation for preparing our students to succeed in life.”

Keenum also pointed out that the university is enrolling a record number of new transfer students with 1,858 enrolled. 51�Թ�� residents account for 83 percent of MSU’s new transfer students.

First-time minority student numbers are up as well, with newly enrolled African American freshmen totaling 834, a 26 percent increase over the fall 2014 figure of 663. MSU’s overall African American enrollment is 19 percent.

“I commend the work of our dedicated staff for recruiting and enrolling truly exceptional students and our world class faculty members who are outstanding instructors, advisors and mentors,” Keenum said. “Their efforts are making MSU a destination for students looking for an exceptional education.”

Other enrollment highlights:

68 percent of the overall headcount is from 51�Թ��.
International students total 772.
Average ACT score is 24.
60 percent of first-time freshmen are from 51�Թ��.

Additionally, Keenum noted enrollment growth in MSU’s Bagley College of Engineering (up 8.6 percent), College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (up 8.2 percent), College of Veterinary Medicine (up 6 percent), and College of Business (up 3.6 percent):

4,105 in the Bagley College of Engineering;
2,387 in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences;
496 in the College of Veterinary Medicine; and
2,587 in the College of Business.

Other enrollment numbers posted by the remaining colleges include:

652 in the College of Architecture, Art and Design;
5,058 in the College of Arts and Sciences;
3,553 in the College of Education;
531 in the College of Forest Resources.

51�Թ�� is online at msstate.edu.

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