Classes began Monday at Missouri Western State University and at Northwest Missouri State University with both reporting increased enrollment.

Preliminary enrollment data at Missouri Western indicate more than 1,050 incoming freshmen are beginning their college career. That is an increase of approximately seven percent over last year and more than 22 percent higher than it was in fall 2016.

Overall enrollment, both in headcount and credit hours, is also projected to rise again. Enrollment numbers will be finalized after the official census date four weeks into the semester.

Northwest reported record retention and one of its largest-ever freshman classes.

Northwest entered its first day of classes Monday with 78.66 percent of its 2017 freshman class returning to the University for a second year, which breaks the University’s 2007 record of 73.51 percent. Northwest’s freshman headcount is 1,351, an 11 percent increase from last fall.