Contact: Harriet Laird
STARKVILLE, Miss.--Mississippi State University welcomed another outstanding class of freshmen and transfer students for the Fall 2012 semester.
Overall enrollment at the state's flagship research university remained steady with a headcount of 20,365.
First-time freshmen and undergraduate transfer students total 4,511. "I'm pleased that we begin the fall 2012 semester with such a large group of new students, and we're focused on making their transition a smooth one. This reflects the confidence students and parents have that Mississippi State offers an outstanding educational opportunity, while placing an even greater emphasis on student quality of life and their overall campus experience," said MSU President Mark E. Keenum. He also pointed out that the university's overall undergraduate enrollment reached a record level of 16,390.
"Graduate school enrollment showed a decline. A key factor has been a sustained reduction of available research funding at the federal level, and this has had an impact on the number of graduate assistantship opportunities. In spite of these challenges, Mississippi State continues its robust research activities to meet the needs of our state and nation," he said.
Keenum said, "It is noteworthy that more than 76 percent of our undergraduate students are Mississippi residents."
The university's enrollment goal continues to be 22,000 students by 2015. "Our team is already at work on aggressive recruitment plans to continue to reach the best and brightest students in Mississippi and across our region. We will continue to highlight the message that Mississippi State is well-positioned to offer a nurturing atmosphere for learning and the resources to support students in pursuit of any career path they choose," Keenum said.
Moreover, enrollment figures include a total of 656 students at the Meridian Campus.
Other MSU enrollment information includes:
--1,941 in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences;
--729 in the College of Architecture, Art & Design;
--5,247 in the College of Arts & Sciences;
--2,621 in the College of Business;
--3,844 in the College of Education;
--3,337 in the Bagley College of Engineering;
--525 in the College of Forest Resources; and
--457 in the College of Veterinary Medicine.
For more information about Mississippi State University, see www.msstate.edu.