Overall enrollment at the University of Mississippi has grown for the fourth consecutive year, fueled by a record-setting freshman class and strong retention rates.

This fall, Mississippi’s flagship university enrolled 27,124 students across its seven campuses, reaching record enrollment for the second consecutive year.

Despite a national trend of modest enrollment gains of around 1.1%, Ole Miss enrollment spiked 11%, or 2,385 more students, over 2023.

“Our growth reflects the University of Mississippi’s position as a thriving destination of choice for higher education,” Chancellor Glenn Boyce said. “We are a flagship university in demand, as evidenced by a record number of applications and more than 32,000 campus visitors in the last year. Students and families recognize the value of our academic excellence, our student support programs and our experiences that build successful leaders.”

The university welcomed 5,973 freshman students for the fall 2024 semester, the largest incoming class in state history.

The class of 2028 includes a record number of Mississippi residents and students from racial minority populations. Freshman students came from 76 of the state’s 82 counties.

The incoming class also brings a strong academic record. Freshman students maintained an average ACT score of 24.3 and an average GPA of 3.52.

The freshman class includes:

• 81 valedictorians
• 59 salutatorians
• 78 student body presidents
• 85 Eagle Scouts
• 8 Girl Scout Gold Award recipients
• 27 National Merit finalists

The university’s Provost Scholars Program, established in 2010, attracts and rewards high-achieving students with special programming and other academic opportunities. This year, the university enrolled 805 new Provost Scholars with an average GPA of 3.87 and average ACT score of 29.3.

“For the past several years, incoming freshmen have cited having a ‘good program in their major’ and ‘academic reputation’ among the top three reasons for choosing the University of Mississippi,” said Noel Wilkin, provost and executive vice chancellor for academic affairs.

The freshman class also includes 14 recipients of the Stamps Scholarship, one of the nation’s largest and most prestigious merit scholarships, funded by the Stamps Family.

The University of Mississippi Medical Center enjoyed continued growth, with 3,143 students enrolled for the fall 2024 semester.

This fall, the School of Nursing at UMMC also expanded its bachelor’s program in nursing on the Oxford campus.

“It’s heartening that we are seeing another overall rise in our enrollment,” said Dr. LouAnn Woodward, UMMC vice chancellor for health affairs. “Because we are the state’s only academic medical center, this is good news not only for UMMC, but also for Mississippi as we prepare more and more caregivers committed to a life of service.

“I’m especially pleased to know that most of our schools had an increase, including another significant jump for the School of Nursing.

“As always, I am proud of the crucial part we play in the quest for a healthier Mississippi.”

The UM Graduate School enrolled 1,092 new graduate students, a 12% increase from last year. The school’s overall enrollment also grew 1.7%, or 38 students.

UM students once again outpaced their peers across the country in continuing their education. This fall, the university posted an 87.2% retention rate, significantly higher than the most recent national average of 68.2%.

This success illustrates how well the university serves its students and provides a supportive academic environment, said Kyle Ellis, director of the Center for Student Success and First-Year Experience.

“In addition to our record-setting enrollment, our retention rate has remained above 87% over the last four years,” Ellis said. “The university is fortunate to have numerous dedicated professionals who genuinely care about the success of our students.”

Students gather for a freshman science class at the Jim and Thomas Duff Center for Science and Technology Innovation. The new STEM education center opened this fall and provides classroom and laboratory space for a growing student body. Photo by Srijita Chattopadhyay/Ole Miss Digital Imaging Services

In pursuit of continued retention and graduation success, the university created the Division of Access, Opportunity and Community Engagement. The new division aims to boost student access and achievement by breaking barriers to resources.

A globally diverse group of international students, from nearly 100 countries, are enrolled across the university’s campuses, said Blair Thomson, senior international officer in the Office of Global Engagement.

“Representing 93 countries – from India, Bangladesh and Vietnam to Panama, Macau and Iceland – these bright scholars bring unique perspectives that enrich our entire campus community,” Thomson said. “Their presence reinforces Ole Miss’s commitment to creating an inclusive environment where students from around the world can thrive and contribute to our university’s warm and distinct culture.”

The UM Graduate School enrolled 1,092 new graduate students, a 12% increase from last year. The school’s overall enrollment also grew 1.7%, or 38 students.

“Our record enrollment is evidence that the University of Mississippi is a true destination for gifted students from throughout the great state of Mississippi, nation and world,” said Eduardo Prieto, vice chancellor for enrollment management.

“This yearly growth is a tribute to our entire campus community and passionate alumni who provide selfless service to current and prospective students and families.”