More at MoWest: New student enrollment up nearly 10%, first increase in four years

Aug. 31, 2026-Missouri Western State University welcomed 755 new undergraduate students on the first day of classes Aug. 31, an increase of nearly 10 percent from last year. The incoming class includes 545 first-year students, an increase of 13.7 percent, and 210 transfer students, an increase of 1 percent.

"This is the first increase in total new student enrollment since 2022," said Dr. Andy Otto, vice president of enrollment management and marketing. "The growth tells a positive story about momentum at MoWest. More students are realizing that this is a great place to get an affordable education that prepares you for a rewarding career."

The incoming class reflects MoWest's position as the top-ranked public university in the state for social mobility, as 41% are first-generation college students. New students come from 28 states, but the numbers also show MoWest is serving the local community: 33 percent of first-year students come from Buchanan County and 19 percent from the Kansas City metro area. The number of first-year students from metro Kansas City is up 31 percent from last year.

"Our team has worked diligently throughout the entire recruitment process to identify and connect with the right students for MoWest," said Kristy Martin, director of admissions. "We are beginning to see the results of the recruiters' continued efforts to engage students and guide them through the enrollment process."

The incoming class is also choosing on-campus living at a higher rate. The number of freshmen living in MoWest residence halls is up more than 28% from a year ago, contributing to a 6.7 percent increase in total housing occupancy.

"The housing numbers reflect the growing vitality of our on-campus student experience," Dr. Otto said. "And our students are recognizing the value that our residence halls and meal plans provide."

The top five programs attracting new students include nursing, business, education, exercise science and psychology.

All enrollment numbers are preliminary. Official statistics will be established on the census date four weeks into the semester.

Missouri Western State University is a student-centered learning community preparing individuals for lives of excellence through applied learning. MoWest is located in St. Joseph, Mo., and is committed to the educational, economic, cultural and social development of the region it serves. Visit missouriwestern.edu.