Enrollment across Mississippi's public university system has grown for Fall 2025, with seven of the state's eight institutions reporting an increase in their student populations. The total number of students reached 81,961, marking a significant 2.7% rise from the previous year, according to data released by the Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning.
This positive trend reverses previous patterns of decline for several universities, signaling renewed interest and successful recruitment efforts across the state. While most institutions celebrated growth, Alcorn State University was the sole exception, reporting a modest decrease in its student count.
Key Takeaways
- Total enrollment in Mississippi's public universities is 81,961 for Fall 2025, a 2.7% increase from 2024.
- Seven out of eight public universities saw enrollment numbers rise. Alcorn State University was the only one to see a decline.
- Mississippi University for Women reported the largest percentage increase at 8.1%.
- The University of Mississippi remains the state's largest university by student population, with 25,222 students.
Statewide System Shows Robust Growth
The latest figures from the Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning (IHL) paint a picture of a healthy and expanding higher education system. The combined student body of 81,961 represents a notable increase from the 79,817 students recorded in Fall 2024. This system-wide growth is a welcome development, especially considering that in the previous year, three universities had reported decreases.
The data, which includes both on-campus and off-campus students, suggests that universities are successfully attracting and retaining students. This growth is critical for the state's workforce development and economic future. The consistent upward trend for most institutions indicates a sustained recovery and strengthening of the public university system.
By the Numbers: Fall 2025 Enrollment
- Total Students: 81,961
- Year-Over-Year Increase: 2.7%
- Universities with Growth: 7
- Universities with Decline: 1
Standout Performers and Turnarounds
Several universities posted particularly impressive numbers, reversing previous downward trends and setting new records. The most significant percentage jump came from Mississippi University for Women (MUW), which saw its enrollment climb by an impressive 8.1%.
MUW's student population reached 2,371 this fall, a substantial increase from 2,193 in 2024. This marks a major turnaround for the institution, which had experienced enrollment declines of 1.5% and 4.8% in the two preceding years. The sharp reversal suggests that new strategies or programs at the university are resonating with prospective students.
Another notable success story is Delta State University, which grew by 5.2% to 2,791 students. This increase effectively reverses the 2.3% decline it experienced last year. Similarly, Jackson State University grew by 2.2%, ending a two-year pattern of declining enrollment.
Leaders in Total Enrollment
While smaller universities showed strong percentage growth, the state's largest institutions continued to expand their already substantial student bodies. The University of Mississippi (Ole Miss), excluding its medical center, once again holds the title of the largest public university in the state.
Ole Miss reported a total of 25,222 students, a 5.2% increase from the previous year. This continues a remarkable period of sustained growth for the university, which saw its enrollment increase by 11% in Fall 2024 and 8.7% in Fall 2023. The consistent, high-rate expansion underscores its powerful draw for students both in-state and nationally.
UMMC Also Growing
The University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) also reported growth, though more modest. Its student count rose by 1.3% to 3,183. When combined, the University of Mississippi and UMMC serve a total of 28,405 students, solidifying their position as the largest educational entity in the state system.
Mississippi State University, the state's second-largest institution, also continued its growth trajectory. Enrollment reached 23,563 students, a 1.8% increase from Fall 2024. This builds on the 2.2% growth seen the previous year and confirms a steady upward trend for the university.
Detailed University Breakdown
A closer look at the data reveals unique stories at each institution, with most showing positive momentum.
Jackson State and Southern Miss
Jackson State University's 2.2% increase brought its student total to 6,464. This is a significant development, as it breaks a cycle of decline where the university saw enrollment drop by 3.6% and 5% in the prior two years.
The University of Southern Mississippi recorded a slight but positive increase of 0.2%, with enrollment now at 13,191. While modest, it marks the second consecutive year of growth for the university after a 3.1% decline from 2022 to 2023.
Valley State and Alcorn State
Mississippi Valley State University continued its recent pattern of growth with a 3.2% increase, reaching 2,276 students. This follows a period of significant expansion for the university, including a remarkable 16.9% jump between Fall 2022 and Fall 2023.
In contrast, Alcorn State University was the only institution to report a decrease. Its enrollment fell by 3.2% to 2,900 students. This follows a fluctuating pattern for the university, which had seen a 3.5% increase in the previous year but a 1.3% decrease the year before that.
Fall 2025 Enrollment at a Glance
- University of Mississippi: 25,222 (+5.2%)
- Mississippi State University: 23,563 (+1.8%)
- University of Southern Mississippi: 13,191 (+0.2%)
- Jackson State University: 6,464 (+2.2%)
- Alcorn State University: 2,900 (-3.2%)
- Delta State University: 2,791 (+5.2%)
- Mississippi Valley State University: 2,276 (+3.2%)
- Mississippi University for Women: 2,371 (+8.1%)
Overall, the Fall 2025 enrollment data indicates a period of strength and recovery for higher education in Mississippi, with nearly every public university contributing to the positive statewide trend.
