MU’s enrollment on track to break record

      University of Missouri enrollment is on track to reach a record high again this fall. The number of freshmen who have been admitted and paid an initial enrollment deposit as of May 1 has increased by more than 26 percent from the same time last year.
      MU officials attribute the increase to a successful recruiting drive, the academic reputation of the university, improvement in campus facilities and grounds, and increased recognition of Mizzou with the recent success of the athletics program. The football team was ranked as high as No. 1 in the nation last season and quarterback Chase Daniel was a finalist for the Heisman Trophy.
      Preliminary figures show that more than 5,700 freshmen have paid the initial enrollment deposit for the fall semester. If the number does not change, it would represent the highest freshman class on record. Last year’s opening day freshman enrollment was 5,027 and the official enrollment, which is determined after the 20th day of classes, was 4,982.
     Last year, MU’s total enrollment reached 28,070, the fifth straight year that MU had broken the enrollment record.
      “Based on our current figures, we’re convinced that we’ll have a larger first-day enrollment than last year,” said Ann Korschgen, vice provost for Enrollment Management. “We’re taking steps to plan for this increase, including housing, class availability and advising.”
      Korschgen said that the university is continuing to grow in quality and diversity in the freshman class. According to preliminary data, the number of freshmen who have scored a 30 or higher on the ACT is up 24 percent. The number of African-American freshmen is up 53 percent and the number of Hispanic students is up 44 percent.