Despite enrollment decline W leads the state in degree completion
Once again, Mississippi University for Women is the state leader in degree completion. And while overall headcount was down, enrollment of first-time freshmen has increased.
For fall 2023, the university enrolled 2,227 students, accounting for a 4.8% drop in unduplicated enrollment. First-time freshmen increased by 27%.
“Within the overall decrease in enrollment, the increase in first-time freshman is a beacon of hope, lighting the way forward. We look forward to seeing positive results of changes in our recruiting process and a more inclusive name for the university,” said W President Nora Miller.
The university continues to lead the state’s public university system with the highest degree completion rate at 33.9 undergraduate degrees awarded per 100 undergraduate full-time equivalent (FTE) enrollment.
The W is ranked No. 2 for Best Value Schools among public southern regional universities and No. 5 among Regional Universities (South), according to U.S. News & World Report. The university additionally ranked No. 1 for Least Debt among Regional Universities (South) and tied for No. 5 in Top Performers on Social Mobility among public southern regional universities. The W was ranked No. 15 nationally by Washington Monthly’s 2023 Best Bang for the Buck Rankings: South.
In other student characteristics at The W:
- 86% are from Mississippi
- 33% are African-American
- Average student age is 24