Delta State University and Mississippi Valley State University were two of only four Mississippi four-year public colleges to gain in enrollment, according to a recent report.
The Cleveland-based university at Delta State grew more than any other public university at a 5.3 percent rate. Alcorn was second at 5 percent.
“I am very pleased with the increase in enrollment for the fall of 2017,” said DSU President William N. LaForge. “Early reports indicate we are up 190 students, or nearly 5.5 percent over last year. This significant uptick represents the fourth consecutive increase, and I couldn’t be more thrilled.”
According to a release from DSU, LaForge credited six major reasons for the enrollment increase:
• A great team of faculty and staff across campus.
• Smarter and more targeted recruiting in high schools and community colleges. This includes doubling community college recruiters, and increasing partnerships with high schools.
• Improved retention rates thanks to engaged faculty and programs such as the Student Success Center and First Year Seminar.
• Signature programs that continue to attract more students, including the Robert E. Smith School of Nursing, Delta Music Institute, Health/Physical Education/Recreation, and Aviation.
• Doubling the number of international students in the last three years.
• Offering a competitive tuition rate with stellar academics, including capstone projects for every major — all at an unparalleled value.
A total of 3,778 students enrolled at DSU this fall.
“I would be remiss not to mention that we have a welcoming student environment,” said LaForge. “Students feel very welcomed here and have the total college experience. There’s a buzz on campus, and there’s excitement all around.”
MVSU distinguished itself in the positive enrollment category with a slight 0.1 percent increase to 2,458 students.
Meanwhile, Mississippi Delta Community College had a slight 1 percent decrease in enrollment at 2,348 students for the school year.
Coahoma Community College enrollment fell 8 percent to 2,015 students. This was the largest decrease of any community college.
The largest increase was at East Central Community College, which saw a 10.3 percent rise in enrollment to 2,625 students.
Total four-year university enrollment dropped 1.6 percent to 81,350 students, while community college enrollment dropped 0.9 percent to 72.847.
