(News release) – As classes start at Missouri Western State University this fall, preliminary enrollment data indicates that about 1,000 incoming freshmen are starting their college career, an increase of 16.2 percent over last year’s number.

“A one-year increase this large is really unprecedented in today’s higher education environment, especially since we were also able to maintain the academic quality of the class,” said Dr. Paul Orscheln, associate vice president for enrollment management and student retention. “The competition for a dwindling high school graduate population is fierce, especially in the state of Missouri, and we are both honored and humbled that so many students have chosen to be Griffons this fall.”

Locally, there was a 22 percent increase in students from Buchanan County and a 13 percent increase from Andrew County. Other areas with significant increases included Jackson County, 31 percent; Kansas, 85 percent; Nebraska, 50 percent; and Iowa, 19 percent.

As of the first day, the unofficial undergraduate headcount is up 1.1 percent, and undergraduate credit hours are up 2.1 percent. Graduate headcount and credit hours are holding steady. Enrollment numbers will be finalized after the official census date four weeks into the semester.