JACKSON, Miss. — This fall semester has seen an increase in overall enrollment at Mississippi’s public universities compared to the previous year, despite three campuses reporting a decline.

The state’s Institutions of Higher Learning shared finalized enrollment statistics that document a total of 79,817 students this fall, a boost from 77,074 in fall 2023, marking a rise of approximately 3.6%.

The University of Mississippi recorded the most significant growth, with an 11% increase in student numbers, climbing from 21,596 to 23,981. The university proudly announced that it hosts the largest freshman class in the state’s history, welcoming 5,973 first-year students from 76 of Mississippi’s 82 counties, as well as from 46 other states and 32 nations.

Alcorn State University experienced a 3.5% growth in enrollment, rising from 2,894 to 2,995 students. Meanwhile, Mississippi State University noted a 2.2% jump in its student body, increasing from 22,657 to 23,150.

The University of Mississippi Medical Center also reflected a slight increase of 0.9%, moving from 3,114 to 3,143 students. Similarly, the University of Southern Mississippi saw a modest rise of 0.5%, with its enrollment going from 13,110 to 13,170.

Mississippi Valley State University likewise posted a small uptick of 0.4%, increasing from 2,196 to 2,205 students.

In contrast, Jackson State University experienced the largest decline, with a 3.6% drop, reducing its student population from 6,564 to 6,326. Delta State University also faced a decrease of 2.3%, falling from 2,716 to 2,654 students, while the Mississippi University for Women saw a reduction of 1.5%, dropping from 2,227 to 2,193.

Overall, while some institutions thrived, others faced challenges amid the fluctuating enrollment landscape.