NW Missouri Times

Northwest Missouri State University’s total headcount for the fall semester is 9,152 students, maintaining the threshold it crossed for the first time last year. This figure comes from the University's fall census count.

After achieving a record headcount of 9,664 students a year ago, Northwest’s fall 2024 total represents a 5.3 percent decrease and breaks six consecutive years of growth at the University. This period included record enrollments during the past four years. The unprecedented growth led to its headcount rising by 40.9 percent between 2018 and last fall’s census.

The census count, conducted annually 20 days after the start of the fall semester, recorded an undergraduate headcount of 5,241 and a graduate headcount of 3,911. Northwest enrolled 783 students in dual credit coursework this fall, and 716 of its students are classified as international.

“Enrollment remains a key priority at Northwest as we celebrate passing 9,000 students for a second consecutive year and continue our focus on maintaining a balanced enrollment portfolio,” Dr. Allison Hoffmann, Northwest’s associate provost for enrollment management and student success, said. “While our online enrollment segments continue to grow steadily, we remain laser-focused on our on-ground recruitment efforts to ensure Northwest continues to offer a vibrant collegiate experience.”

The census count recorded increases among first-time education specialist degree seekers by 6.7 percent and online graduate students by 7 percent.

Additionally, Northwest reports that its student population identifying with underrepresented groups increased by 10.6 percent to 1,245 students. First-time freshmen identifying as underrepresented students increased by 54.9 percent.

While the University’s in-state student population is 6,095, Northwest draws from a total of 49 states this fall with Vermont being the only state not represented by a Northwest student.

The international student population represents eight percent of the student body hailing from 47 other countries with most coming from India, Nepal, Nigeria, Morocco South Africa.

Northwest welcomed new students outside the Administration Building during Advantage Week in August (Photo by Todd Weddle/Northwest Missouri State University).

Northwest is primarily residential offering various undergraduate and selected graduate programs on its Maryville campus emphasizing profession-based learning opportunities (Photo by Chandu Ravi Krishna/Northwest Missouri State University).

Founded in 1905, Northwest boasts high retention rates and graduation rates in the top percentile among peers. According to results from Ruffalo Noel Levitz Student Satisfaction Inventory show that "Northwest students are more satisfied than students at national peers," with "78 percent of Northwest students report they would repeat their University experience."

Furthermore, "the University is a national model for student success and career placement" with high employment or continued education rates within six months post-graduation.

Northwest emphasizes profession-based learning helping graduates start their careers while keeping costs low through generous financial aid minimizing barriers for pursuing higher education.

Students have opportunities to build résumés across various study areas including integrated digital marketing communications agency experiences alongside annual mass casualty training exercises attracting nationwide emergency workers providing hands-on disaster preparation training.

The diverse community offers over150 student organizations along with significant tuition savings estimated at $6,800 over four years through its internationally benchmarked employment program providing professional skill-building opportunities through approximately1 ,200 positions available for employment.

For more information about Northwest visit [University's website].