Arkansas State University Mid-South (ASU Mid-South) is a prominent institution located in West Memphis, Arkansas, dedicated to providing quality education and fostering community engagement. Established in 1991, the university has developed a strong reputation for its commitment to student success and access to higher education. ASU Mid-South offers a variety of academic programs, including associate degrees and technical certificates that cater to the needs of the local workforce. The institution emphasizes practical learning experiences, preparing students for immediate employment or further studies.

The university's mission is centered around student engagement and community service, which is evident in its diverse campus culture and vibrant student life. ASU Mid-South promotes a supportive learning environment, where students can thrive academically and socially. The campus features modern facilities, including state-of-the-art classrooms and laboratories, which enhance the educational experience. Furthermore, the university is committed to fostering a spirit of inclusivity and respect among its students, staff, and faculty. Overall, ASU Mid-South plays a crucial role in the local community by empowering individuals through education and promoting lifelong learning.

Trends in Tuition, Enrollment, Graduation Rates, and Retention at Arkansas State University Mid-South

Over the years, Arkansas State University Mid-South has experienced notable fluctuations in tuition fees, student enrollment, graduation rates, and retention rates. The in-state undergraduate tuition has seen a gradual increase from $2,933 in 2014 to $3,552 in 2024, while out-of-state undergraduate tuition rose from $7,493 to $4,560 during the same period. This upward trend in tuition could pose challenges for prospective students and their families, especially in a climate where student debt is a growing concern nationwide.

Enrollment numbers have also shown a significant decline, dropping from 1,980 students in 2013 to just 979 in 2023. This nearly 50% decrease could signal issues such as increased competition from other institutions, shifting demographics, or even dissatisfaction with the educational offerings at the university.

On a more positive note, graduation rates have improved considerably. The on-time graduation rate rose from a meager 5.3% in 2013 to an impressive 24.1% in 2023. Additionally, the graduation rate at 150% of the expected time has increased from 14% to 33.6% in the same timeframe. This improvement suggests that the institution may be enhancing its academic support services, leading to better outcomes for students.

Retention rates have also shown a noteworthy increase, from 38.1% in 2013 to 71.8% in 2023. This significant rise indicates that the university has made strides in keeping students engaged and enrolled, which is crucial for long-term success.

In summary, while tuition rises and declining enrollment present challenges for Arkansas State University Mid-South, the substantial improvements in graduation and retention rates reflect positively on the institution's efforts to enhance the educational experience for its students.

Analysis of Graduation Data at Arkansas State University Mid-South

The graduation data from Arkansas State University Mid-South for 2023 reveals several noteworthy trends. Notably, the institution has not reported any graduates for bachelor's, master's, or doctorate degrees across various disciplines, indicating a potential area of concern for program viability and student interest. Conversely, the associate degree programs show a more promising picture, particularly in fields like Elementary Education and Teaching, which produced 13 graduates, and Health Services, which saw 15 graduates.

The total number of international students graduating with associate degrees is minimal, with only one student graduating in Elementary Education and one in Business. This reflects the need for universities to expand their outreach and support for international students, especially in high-demand areas. The absence of graduates in other categories may suggest an opportunity for the university to reassess its academic offerings, ensuring they align with labor market demands and student preferences.

Furthermore, the data shows a strong performance in Liberal Arts and Sciences with 31 graduates, suggesting that students may be gravitating towards versatile, multidisciplinary programs that prepare them for a variety of career paths. This trend aligns with national statistics indicating a growing interest in liberal arts education as it fosters critical thinking and adaptability in a rapidly changing job market.

Overall, while the associate programs show success, the lack of graduates in higher degree categories raises questions about the effectiveness of the university's recruitment and retention strategies. Addressing these challenges could enhance the institution's reputation and better serve its community.

Student Demographics at Arkansas State University Mid-South in 2023

The student composition at Arkansas State University Mid-South for the year 2023 reveals significant insights into gender representation and diversity among different student classifications. The data shows a predominant female presence, especially among undergraduate freshmen and juniors. For instance, the percentage of female undergraduate freshmen stands at 60.7%, while the junior category has an even higher female representation at 66.4%. This trend reflects a growing enrollment of female students, which is consistent with national patterns observed in higher education, where women are increasingly outpacing men in university enrollment.

In terms of racial and ethnic diversity, the distribution is varied. The breakdown indicates that white students form a considerable portion of the student body across all classifications, while there are smaller representations from other ethnic groups. This demographic composition highlights the need for universities to continue fostering an inclusive environment that caters to a diverse student body. The presence of international students and minorities is crucial as it enriches the academic experience and prepares all students for a globalized workforce.

The overall student population also suggests a strong commitment towards gender equity, with male students comprising less than half in most classifications. As the educational landscape evolves, it will be interesting to monitor how these trends impact academic programming and support services at Arkansas State University Mid-South, ensuring that all students have equitable opportunities to thrive. The insights from this data can also inform future recruitment and retention strategies aimed at enhancing diversity and inclusion on campus.

Age Demographics at Arkansas State University Mid-South

The age composition of students at Arkansas State University Mid-South reveals a significant trend towards younger demographics, particularly those under 24 years old. Notably, students under 18 years constitute the largest group, with a total of 460 students, comprising 200 males and 260 females. This suggests a strong appeal of the institution for high school graduates or those pursuing dual credit opportunities.

As we progress into the 18-19 age bracket, there are still considerable numbers, with 184 students in total (75 males and 109 females). However, there is a noticeable decline in enrollment as age increases, with only 105 students aged 20-21 and even fewer in the older age categories. This trend is reflective of a broader national pattern where younger students are primarily enrolling in higher education, possibly influenced by the increasing emphasis on early college programs and community college pathways.

Interestingly, the data shows no graduate male students, which raises questions about the institution's offerings at the graduate level, particularly for males. This could indicate a potential area for growth, as attracting graduate students could diversify the age and gender demographics.

Furthermore, the absence of older students (aged 30 and above) in the graduate male category suggests a potential gap in outreach or support for non-traditional students. As society increasingly recognizes the importance of lifelong learning, addressing the needs of these demographics could enhance enrollment and enrich the campus community. Overall, the data reflects a youthful and predominantly female student body, highlighting areas for potential development in graduate programs and outreach strategies for older students.

Trends in International Student Enrollment at Arkansas State University Mid-South

The data regarding international student enrollment at Arkansas State University Mid-South reveals notable trends over the years. Starting from 2004, the number of international undergraduate students was relatively low, with only 8 students enrolled, representing just 0.69% of the total undergraduate population. This percentage fluctuated in subsequent years, reaching a peak of 1.16% in 2021, which indicates an increasing acceptance and integration of international students into the university's community.

However, the overall numbers indicate an inconsistent trend. For instance, the total number of undergraduates saw a significant increase from 1,159 in 2004 to a peak of 2,192 in 2010, but this was not matched by a proportional increase in international enrollment until 2017. A noteworthy spike occurred in 2017, with 14 international students, accounting for 0.76% of the total.

The data from 2020 to 2023 shows a slight decline in both total undergraduate enrollment and the number of international students, suggesting that external factors, possibly including the global pandemic, may have impacted enrollment figures. The percentage of international students, however, remained relatively stable, indicating a consistent interest from international students despite the challenges faced.

Overall, while Arkansas State University Mid-South has seen fluctuations in international enrollment, the gradual increase in percentage highlights the institution's growing appeal to international students, which is an essential factor for enhancing cultural diversity and global perspectives within the academic environment.

Here are some notable institutions near Arkansas State University Mid-South:

1. Rhodes College - A highly regarded liberal arts college located in Memphis, ranked 56th in the 2024 US News rankings. Rhodes College is known for its rigorous academics and vibrant campus life.

2. University of Memphis - This comprehensive university is ranked 269th and offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. It serves as a key educational hub in the Memphis area.

3. University of Mississippi - Also known as Ole Miss, this comprehensive university is ranked 163rd. It is famous for its rich history, beautiful campus, and strong academic programs.

4. Mississippi State University - Ranked 216th, this comprehensive university is known for its research programs and has a wide range of undergraduate and graduate offerings.

5. Vanderbilt University - A prestigious university in Nashville, ranked 18th nationally. Vanderbilt is recognized for its strong programs in various fields and its beautiful campus.

These institutions not only provide quality education but also contribute significantly to the cultural and academic landscape of the region.

Crime Trends at Arkansas State University Mid-South

The crime statistics for Arkansas State University Mid-South show a fluctuating pattern over the years from 2013 to 2023. Notably, in the years 2013, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2019, 2020, and 2023, the campus recorded no crimes, indicating a period of relative safety. However, the years 2014, 2018, and 2021 saw minor incidents, with crime rates per 1000 students reaching a maximum of 1.92 in 2018 and 1.66 in 2021.

The majority of recorded incidents were related to gun arrests, with a notable increase in 2018, which raised concerns about safety on campus. This spike in gun-related arrests may reflect broader societal issues, including increased debates around gun control and public safety. In contrast, the data suggests that drug and alcohol-related offenses remained low, contributing to an overall perception of a secure campus environment.

While the uptick in incidents in certain years may cause alarm, it is essential to contextualize these figures within the larger national trends concerning campus safety. Many universities have experienced similar fluctuations due to various factors, such as changes in enforcement policies or increased reporting.

Overall, the data presents a mixed but generally positive picture regarding safety at Arkansas State University Mid-South, with the majority of years reflecting an absence of serious crime. Continued attention to campus safety measures will be vital to maintain this trend. For more information on how crime rates are calculated, you can visit this link: Crime Rate Calculation.