WEST PLAINS, Mo. – A total of 1,875 students are enrolled this fall at Missouri State University-West Plains, according to official enrollment statistics for the 2018 fall semester.

In 2017, 1,930 students were enrolled at the close of business on the 20th day of the semester, the university’s official census day, university officials said.

“For the past several years, two-year colleges in Missouri have been feeling the effects of declining high school enrollment numbers and lower unemployment rates statewide,” Missouri State-West Plains Chancellor Shirley Lawler said.

“Although it’s nice to see so many of our friends and neighbors find jobs and experience a more robust economy, it takes a toll on campuses like ours. Two-year degree granting institutions and the economy have a very inverse relationship – when people go back to work, enrollment at two-year colleges decline,” she explained.

Enrollment highlights

Even so, this year’s enrollment figures showed several positives.

• New student enrollment is up 3 percent, going from 515 students last fall to 531 students this year;
• More students are taking classes at the Mountain Grove campus. Enrollment there went from 88 students last fall to 91 students this semester, a 3 percent increase;
• Online enrollment continues to increase. Last fall, 915 students took classes via the internet; this fall, 957 were enrolled in online classes, amounting to a 5 percent increase.

“We are encouraged to see the increase in our new student numbers,” Lawler said. “Missouri State-West Plains is an excellent option for students who want to attend a two-year institution that is affordable and offers a quality education.

“As we move forward, we will continue to evaluate our programs to make sure we offer the education and training our students need to find successful careers,” she added. “Already, we are looking to expand our career education programs to meet the ever-changing needs of our part-time and non-traditional students.”

Missouri State-West Plains’ final overall enrollment figure includes students taking classes at the West Plains and Mountain Grove campuses, as well as online, through high school dual credit/dual enrollment programs, and through the Viticulture and Enology Science and Technology Alliance (VESTA) of which Missouri State-West Plains is a member.

Missouri State Outreach numbers

In addition to the 1,875 students enrolled in Missouri State-West Plains courses this fall, 118 students are enrolled in bachelor’s and master’s level courses offered locally through Missouri State-Springfield’s Outreach office.