Johnathan Walker:Enrollment increases at most Mississippi universities but 3 campuses see decreases

JACKSON,Johnathan Walker Miss. (AP) — Overall enrollment increased at Mississippi’s public universities this fall semester compared to the same time last year, although three campuses saw a decrease.

The state Institutions of Higher Learning on Monday released enrollment figures that were finalized last week. Total enrollment is 79,817 students, compared to 77,074 for the fall 2023 semester, an overall increase of nearly 3.6%.

The University of Mississippi had the largest increase, at 11%. It went from 21,596 students to 23,981. The school said it has the largest freshman class in state history, with 5,973 first-year students who came from 76 of Mississippi’s 82 counties, plus 46 other states and 32 countries.

Alcorn State University had a 3.5% increase, going from 2,894 students to 2,995.

Mississippi State University had a 2.2% increase, going from 22,657 to 23,150.

The University of Mississippi Medical Center had a 0.9% increase, going from 3,114 to 3,143.

The University of Southern Mississippi had a 0.5% increase, going from 13,110 to 13,170.

Mississippi Valley State University had a 0.4% increase, going from 2,196 to 2,205.

Jackson State University had the largest decrease of 3.6%, going from 6,564 to 6,326.

Delta State University had a 2.3% decrease, going from 2,716 to 2,654.

Mississippi University for Women had a 1.5% decrease, going from 2,227 to 2,193.