CLEVELAND, Miss. — Enrollment at Delta State University grew by 6.3% for Fall 2023, increasing from 2,556 to 2,716, a gain of 160 students from the previous year. This represents the largest percentage increase in fall enrollment at Delta State in more than 20 years. The university also saw its highest freshman retention rate in over 20 years, returning 73.6% of first-time, full-time freshmen from Fall ’22 to Fall ’23.
DSU President Dr. Dan Ennis said, “These record numbers show that more students are choosing to enroll at Delta State, as well as to remain at Delta State after their first year. I am optimistic about Delta State’s future, and these numbers prove that we fill an important role in Mississippi higher education. We will continue to recruit aggressively to ensure that these trends continue.”
Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning released enrollment statistics this week that show an overall increase in enrollment from Fall ‘22 figures. Fall enrollment for ‘23 is 77,074 for the system, compared to 75,739 students enrolled in Fall ‘22, representing a 1.8% increase. Delta State’s growth rate was the third largest in the IHL system.
“Our students recognize that a university education continues to be a good investment for their future,” said Dr. Alfred Rankins Jr., Commissioner of Higher Education. “In these challenging economic times, it is encouraging to see more students pursuing an education that will pay dividends throughout their careers and build a strong workforce to fuel our economy.”
As DSU closes in on its centennial celebration in 2025, Ennis and his colleagues are focused on continuing to increase enrollment. At a recent campus town hall meeting Ennis said, “There are good things Delta State can and will do to increase our appeal to students. Our focus on personal attention, faculty and staff who care about the whole student, graduates who are sought after because of Delta State’s reputation in the classroom, a campus filled with excitement and activity, and a university that is committed to this community and region – these essentials won’t change.”
For the full IHL report, click here. (http://www.mississippi.edu/pr/newsstory.asp?ID=1842) For more information about Delta State University, or to apply, visit their website at www.deltastate.edu.
