NATCHEZ — The number of students enrolled in Mississippi universities this semester is nearly equal to last year’s number, with local universities showing a slight increase in their enrollment and academic performance.

Mississippi Public Universities, the Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning reported Thursday in preliminary figures, show a decrease in enrollment by 1 percent, with 80,592 enrolled in the Fall 2018 semester and 81,378 enrolled in the Fall 2017 semester.

Alcorn State University, Mississippi State University, Mississippi Valley State University and the University of Southern Mississippi all reported increased enrollment over last year.

Alcorn’s Natchez, Lorman and Vicksburg campuses increased overall enrollment by 1 percent, with 3,716 students in fall 2017 and 3,753 students in fall 2018.

Alcorn had the third largest increase, behind Mississippi State University and the University of Southern Mississippi, which increased by 1.5 and 1.8 percent respectively.

Copiah-Lincoln Community College’s Natchez campus also increased its enrollment from 714 to 724 students.

Alcorn’s Lorman campus increased enrollment by 5 percent alone, with 711 students enrolled in the freshman class.

Alcorn Interim President, Dr. Donzell Lee attributes the rise in enrollment to Alcorn’s stellar reputation and the accolades the university earns throughout the year.

“Alcorn has proven to be an outstanding institution that shapes students into successful professionals,” Lee said. “The university’s reputation has attracted an abundance of students from across the state of Mississippi, the nation, and the world. We are proud of our growth progression.”

Lee said he is proud to see so many gifted students choose Alcorn as their place of study for the next four years.
“It is an honor to have some of the nation’s best scholars here at Alcorn. They are the key to our future, and we are proud of their efforts to help raise the academic profile of our campus.”

Mississippi State University in Starkville had a record number of transfer students this semester — 2,142 transfer students compared to 2,062 last fall — and had 318 more students enrolled than last year.

MSU President, Mark E. Keenum said the growth could be attributed to the expansion of student opportunities and offerings.

“We’re providing a signature educational experience that extends way beyond the classroom to show students that far-reaching goals are attainable and then positioning these students for long-term success. No matter where students begin their journeys with Mississippi State, they have countless possibilities to learn, lead and grow,” he said.

College education is important for the future of the state, said Dr. Alfred Rankins Jr., commissioner of higher education.

“Our students are investing in their futures when they enroll in one of our universities and this investment will pay off for them as individuals and for society as a whole,” Rankins said.

“College graduates earn more, pay more in taxes and are less likely to be unemployed or need social services. Earning a bachelor’s or advanced degree is a game-changer for an individual and increasing the number of Mississippians with a degree is a game-changer for our state.”