The W welcomes largest freshmen class in four years despite slight decline in enrollment
COLUMBUS, Miss.– Mississippi University for Women has enrolled the largest freshmen class in four years, while enrollment remains steady at 2,193 unduplicated headcount, a 1.5% decrease from 2023.
“The growth in new freshmen is a testament to recent changes we have made in the recruitment process. We look forward to continuing that growth, while forging more pathways for community college transfer students to complete their baccalaureate degrees at The W,” said W President Nora Miller.
The W experienced a 9% percent increase in first-time freshmen enrollment for fall 2024 and a 4% increase in new graduate students. The College of Business and Professional Studies increased enrollment by 3%.
Other areas of growth:
- Masters of Business Administration: 59%
- Masters of Public Health: 47%
- Culinary Arts: 29%
- Master of Science in Nursing: 19%
- RN to BSN: 17%
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 compared to the IHL System average of 24.3 per 100 FTE.
The W is ranked No. 15 in Top Public Schools, No. 11 in Best Value Schools, and tied for No. 12 in Top Performers on Social Mobility among regional southern universities by U.S. News & World Report. The W ranked No. 4 in Best Value and No. 4 among Top Performers on Social Mobility among public universities in the south region. Additionally, The W ranked No. 4 in Washington Monthly’s 2024 Best Bang for the Buck Rankings: South.
In other student characteristics at The W:
- 86% are from Mississippi
- 36% are African-American
- Average student age is 24.5