Mississippi State University (MSU) has recorded another historic enrollment milestone, becoming the state’s only public university to grow in 10 of the past 11 years. Total student numbers have reached 23,563, up more than 400 from 2024’s 23,150, driven by a 12.6% increase in first-time in college students, as reported by the MS State.MSU continues to be the No. 1 choice for high school graduates in Mississippi. First-time in college students now total 4,049, while returning undergraduates and professional students have also contributed to overall growth. “Every day, we’re placing strong efforts in developing new programs and revising existing ones to ensure Mississippi State is a university that creates futures for students,” MSU President Mark E. Keenum said in conversation with the MS State.Record growth across colleges and programmesEnrollment increases are reflected across all major colleges. The Bagley College of Engineering remains the largest with 5,099 students, while the colleges of Veterinary Medicine, Agriculture and Life Sciences, and Architecture, Art and Design recorded their highest enrolments in history.
MSU has also invested in student success programmes, including artificial intelligence-assisted recruitment, enhanced career centre engagement, and expanded First-Year Experience initiatives, as quoted by the MS State.Diverse student population and first-time achieversThe university’s student body is increasingly diverse, with minorities now making up 29.2% of students, a 1.4% rise from last year. Veterans have grown 10.7% to 1,257 students. Distance education learners increased 11.5% to 5,061, representing a growing online presence, as reported by the MS State. International students hail from 95 countries.
MSU’s record-breaking enrolment is complemented by ongoing infrastructure expansion, including the Crossroads District and Hotel Madelon, Jim and Thomas Duff Center, Azalea Hall residence, and Perry Food Hall renovation. The university also continues to invest in high-tech and healthcare programmes, including cyber, AI, nursing, and physician assistant studies, as reported by the MS State.“MSU remains committed to providing academic and professional opportunities for all students while meeting statewide workforce needs,” Keenum said, as quoted by the MS State.
