According to enrollment data released Nov. 2, the University of Mississippi continues to bring in record-breaking freshman classes and has the highest student population among universities across the state. 

You’ve felt the difference, but now the numbers are out to back it up: On Nov. 2, IHL released enrollment data for all of Mississippi’s public universities. The University of Mississippi stands with the highest number of students enrolled: 24,710 students across seven campuses, 7.7% more than last year. For fall 2023, Ole Miss has enrolled 5,241 freshmen, which beats last year’s record by 761 students. 

Overall, enrollment has increased across the state by 1.8% since last year, totaling 77,074 students enrolled in state universities. The largest increase was at Mississippi Valley State University which saw a 16.9% increase (317 more students). 

Kyle Ellis, director of the Center for Student Success and First-Year Experience, explained UM is experiencing higher rates of enrollment across the board, not just with freshmen.

“As the university continues to enroll record numbers of new freshmen, retention rates are also at all-time highs,” Ellis said. “The university is experiencing more second and third-year students enrolled on the main campus than ever before.” 

This fall, 88% of UM students returned to continue pursuing an education.

Alcorn State University, Jackson State University, Mississippi University for Women and University of Southern Mississippi were the four institutions to see an enrollment decrease. Mississippi State University, with 22,657 students, saw no percentage change, with enrollment increasing by just eight students between this year and last.

“It is an incredibly momentous time at the university, especially as more and more students are choosing Ole Miss to build their personal legacies,” UM Chancellor Glenn Boyce said in a press release. “This fall’s record-high enrollment is a testament to all we have to offer students and families, including an outstanding value, academic excellence and strong student support programs.” 

However, it is up for debate whether students are welcoming of these record-breaking numbers. Olivia Sallis, a junior finance major, is concerned.

“I personally like it smaller,” Sallis said. “One of the things that sold me on Ole Miss was that it is an SEC school but it is still pretty small.”

Senior business and entrepreneurship major Laura Kate May believes that the influx of students would not seem as bad if the campus also expanded. 

“If we are going to keep letting more people in then we need to expand campus, such as adding more buildings, parking and expanding sorority houses. If we did that I think it would be great,” May said.

In contrast, Brad Conaway, professor of integrated marketing and communications, expressed how the increasing number of students can be seen as positive. 

“More students, of course, create temporary issues; finding room in classrooms and classes and making sure you have enough qualified professors to teach them all. However, I think those are good problems to have,” Conaway said. “The more students we enroll, the more money for improvements to the university and the better overall education we can provide to all of our students.”