Feb. 24, 2026–Missouri Western State University announced enrollment growth following the Spring census, marking the second consecutive year Spring headcount has increased year over year, alongside notable gains in student retention.
Total student headcount rose 1.52% to 3,132 students, reflecting sustained positive momentum across key student populations and geographic areas.
A major highlight of this Spring’s results is improved student persistence. The overall Fall-to-Spring retention for MoWest increased by 5% compared to last year. Degree-seeking students retention increased 3% overall, with particularly strong gains among adult learners. Retention for non-traditional students (age 25+) increased 7%, while retention among traditional students increased 3%, underscoring institutional progress in supporting students across life stages and pathways.
Freshman enrollment among degree-seeking students saw significant growth, increasing by 126 students compared to last Spring. Local impact was particularly strong, with degree-seeking freshman headcount from Buchanan County rising by 51 students. Overall, Buchanan County student headcount increased 8.54%, while total enrollment across the University’s service region grew 3.82%.
The University also experienced continued gains in new student pipelines, with new transfer enrollment up 2.9% and new first-time, first-year students up 2.33%.
Several academic programs led enrollment growth this Spring, including:
- Associate of Applied Science in Physical Therapist Assistant
- Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science
- Bachelor of Science in Education — Secondary Education
- Bachelor of Social Work — Social Work
- Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry/Molecular Biology
- Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity
“MoWest continues to build meaningful momentum, not only in who is choosing us, but in how well we are supporting students once they arrive,” said Dr. Elizabeth Kennedy, president. “We saw encouraging progress last Spring, we carried that into the Fall and now this Spring’s results reinforce that the positive changes underway are working. Strong retention gains, especially among adult learners, signal that our focus on student experience and support is making a real difference as we continue driving positive change into the Fall.”
University leaders attribute the sustained growth and retention gains to intentional enrollment strategy, expanded student support initiatives, strong regional engagement and continued alignment of academic programs with workforce demand.
MoWest will continue implementing strategic initiatives designed to support student success, expand access across the region, and build on this upward trajectory heading into the Fall term.
Missouri Western State University is a student-centered learning community preparing individuals for lives of excellence through applied learning. MoWest is located in St. Joseph, Mo., and is committed to the educational, economic, cultural and social development of the region it serves. Visit missouriwestern.edu.