Northwest census shows enrollment of 7,923 students this fall

Northwest census shows enrollment of 7,923 students this fall

Northwest Missouri State University's total headcount is 7,923 students this fall, according to the University's latest census.

Northwest, which annually conducts its census 20 days after the start of the fall semester, tallied an undergraduate headcount of 4,921 students and a graduate headcount of 3,002 students.

Most notably, Northwest's freshman retention rate this fall is 75 percent and the institution's highest since fall 2021, when it documented a record rate of 80 percent. Similarly, the University cites strong engagement involving its newest students, with 66 first-year students joining the 136-member Bearcat Marching Band this fall.

Additionally, Northwest enrolled 921 students in dual credit coursework this fall, representing a 3 percent increase from a year ago and illustrating the University's strong partnerships with school districts. This fall, Northwest launched a scholarship for students who enroll in a degree program with previous dual credit coursework.

While its in-state student population is 5,370, Northwest students again hail from each of the 50 states this fall as the University continues to draw well from surrounding states. Northwest's reputation for providing a high-quality, affordable education again received national recognition in the recently released U.S. News and World Report's listing of "2027 Best Colleges" where Northwest is ranked among the top 25 public regional universities in the Midwest, a status the University has achieved three times in the last four years.

Building on its strength in the region, Northwest recently celebrated the opening of its expanded Martindale Hall and is positioned to pursue opportunities that enhance rural health initiatives. Northwest is laying the foundation now for a Center for Rural Health, and it is launching a four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree program next fall.

Further diversifying its enrollment and academic program portfolio, Northwest is adding degree programs that include an online Bachelor of Science in financial services and a Master of Science in Education in trauma studies, as well as a Bachelor of Professional Studies degree designed to attract students who have completed college credits or applied learning and need a more flexible and efficient pathway to degree completion.

Northwest's investments in academic programs are complemented by its continued commitment to modernizing campus infrastructure and strengthening the University's long-tern sustainability. Northwest is entering the final phase of a three-year, $105 million infrastructure modernization project that, when finished, will deliver more reliable, sustainable and cost-effective utility services to campus facilities.

"Northwest continues to show tremendous potential, and I am excited for our future," President Dr. Lance Tatum. "Our focus continues to be on building an institution that grows, responds to the changing needs of our students and creates opportunities that strengthen the communities we serve."

About Northwest Missouri State University

Northwest is a coeducational, primarily residential four-year university that offers a broad range of undergraduate and selected graduate programs on its Maryville campus and through Northwest Online.

Founded in 1905, Northwest boasts a high retention rate and a graduation rate in the 95th percentile among its peers. Furthermore, the University is a national model for student success and career placement, with nearly 100 percent of its graduates securing employment or continuing their education within six months of completing a degree at Northwest, according to the most recent data.

Northwest also places a high emphasis on profession-based learning to help graduates get a jumpstart on their careers while maintaining competitive tuition rates and generous financial assistance to help minimize the financial barriers students may face when pursuing a college degree.

Students have opportunities to build their résumés with experiences on campus in nearly every area of study, including the Horace Mann Laboratory School, National Public Radio affiliate KXCV, the R.T. Wright Farm, Mozingo Outdoor Education Recreation Area, a partnership with the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency or Knacktive, a student-driven integrated digital marketing communications agency. In conjunction with its emergency and disaster management program, Northwest organizes and hosts Missouri Hope, an annual mass casualty training exercise that attracts first responders and emergency workers from throughout the nation.

The University's vibrant and diverse learning community also offers more than 150 student organizations, and textbooks and a laptop are included in tuition, saving students an estimated $6,900 over four years. Northwest offers 1,200 student employment positions, allowing students to build professional skills through its internationally benchmarked student employment program.

For more information about Northwest and its performance, visit www.nwmissouri.edu/aboutus/facts/.