Missouri State University (MSU), located in Springfield, Missouri, is a comprehensive public university known for its commitment to student success and community engagement. The university was founded in 1905, and its mission emphasizes a focus on excellence in teaching, research, and service, which is encapsulated in its motto, "To develop educated persons." With a student enrollment of over 26,000, MSU offers a vibrant campus life enriched by diverse academic programs and extracurricular activities. The university has established a strong reputation for its commitment to applied learning, reflected in its extensive internship and cooperative education opportunities that prepare students for successful careers.

The campus itself is characterized by its beautiful landscape and state-of-the-art facilities, including modern classrooms, laboratories, and recreational centers. One of the notable features of MSU is its strong emphasis on community service and involvement, encouraging students to participate actively in local initiatives through programs like the Office of Public Affairs. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines, particularly excelling in areas such as business, education, health, and public affairs. Moreover, MSU's athletic programs foster a strong sense of school spirit, with the Bears and Lady Bears teams competing in NCAA Division I. With a focus on academic excellence, a supportive learning environment, and strong community ties, Missouri State University stands out as an institution that values both education and engagement, preparing its graduates to make meaningful contributions to society.

Analysis of Key Data Trends at Missouri State University

Missouri State University has shown notable changes in several key areas over the past decade, particularly regarding tuition costs, graduation rates, and student demographics.

Firstly, the trend in tuition costs for both in-state and out-of-state undergraduate students reveals a consistent upward trajectory. For in-state students, tuition increased from $6,908 in 2014 to $9,024 in 2024, marking a 30.6% rise. This increase has similarly occurred for out-of-state students, whose tuition escalated from $13,388 to $17,928 during the same period, a staggering 33.9% increase. These hikes in tuition may contribute to the financial burden on students and families, prompting discussions about the affordability of higher education.

Secondly, graduation rates have shown a positive trend. The on-time graduation rate for undergraduate students improved from 31.9% in 2014 to 38.5% in 2024, while the extended graduation rate (150% time) rose from 54.5% to 59.5%. This upward movement indicates that more students are successfully completing their degrees, suggesting improvements in academic support and retention strategies at the university.

Additionally, the gender ratio among undergraduate students demonstrates a shift toward a more balanced enrollment. While women consistently constituted a majority of the undergraduate population, their share marginally increased from approximately 57% in 2014 to nearly 60% in 2024. This trend reflects broader societal changes and may influence social dynamics and program offerings at the university.

In summary, Missouri State University is experiencing a blend of challenges and achievements. While rising tuition fees may pose concerns for future students, the improvements in graduation rates are promising and indicative of the university's ongoing dedication to fostering student success. Moreover, the changing gender ratios suggest an increasingly inclusive academic environment, aligning with contemporary educational goals.

Analysis of Graduation Data at Missouri State University

The graduation data from Missouri State University reveals intriguing insights into the academic landscape of the institution. A notable standout is the popularity of Bachelor’s degrees in Psychology, which boasts an impressive total of 259 graduates in the most recent year. This trend reflects the growing interest in mental health, particularly following increased awareness during the pandemic, as society seeks to address psychological well-being.

In contrast to traditional majors, the program in Dispute Resolution achieved modest success, with one Bachelor's degree awarded. This suggests a niche but potentially vital area for conflict resolution amid rising tensions in various social contexts. Moreover, the program in Industrial Production Technologies produced one graduate, highlighting the university's efforts to prepare students for specialized technical roles in manufacturing.

The data shows a stark contrast in international student participation. Among Bachelor’s graduates, only a small fraction comes from international students, with Psychology having only five international Bachelor’s graduates. However, the Master’s program in Business Administration stands out with 23 international students graduating, indicating the program's global appeal and the university's commitment to inclusive education for diverse cultural backgrounds.

This highlights a broader trend in higher education, where international students increasingly gravitate towards business and technology fields, possibly influenced by career prospects and opportunities in these domains. As Missouri State University continues to adapt to these evolving educational dynamics, understanding these patterns will be crucial for future curriculum development and student recruitment strategies.

Analysis of Enrollment Trends at Missouri State University

Missouri State University has experienced notable fluctuations in both its ranking and admission rates over recent years. The ranking data reveals a concerning trend, with the university dropping from 293rd place in 2020 to 352nd in 2025. This decline may reflect challenges in maintaining academic standards or could be influenced by increased competition among universities nationwide. In terms of enrollment and admission rates, the data shows a significant increase in the female admission rate, which peaked at approximately 94.8% in 2022, suggesting a growing emphasis on gender equity in the admissions process. Meanwhile, the overall admission rate increased to about 92.0% in the same year, which indicates that the university has become more accessible to prospective students. This accessibility is further illustrated by a substantial number of applicants being deferred, reaching approximately 6,566 in 2022. However, the admission rate began to decline in subsequent years, dropping to around 88.7% in 2024. Such a decrease might reflect strategic changes in the university's approach to admissions, as it balances the desire for a diverse student body with the need to maintain standards. Overall, the trends at Missouri State University highlight the complexities facing higher education institutions today. As the university prepares for future challenges, addressing these ranking declines and ensuring high-quality education will be vital for attracting top talent and maintaining a competitive edge.

Analysis of Admissions Test Scores at Missouri State University

The admissions data for Missouri State University reveals fluctuating patterns in standardized test scores and the percentage of applicants submitting these scores from 2007 to 2024. Over the years, there has been an observable trend in the test scores required for admission. The 25th percentile scores for reading and math sections of the SAT have shown a gradual increase, indicating a rise in the academic standards expected of incoming students. For example, the SAT reading scores ranged from a low of 480 in 2007 to a high of 520 in 2020.

Conversely, the percentage of applicants submitting SAT scores has seen some variability. It peaked at 9% in both 2020 and 2021, while in the earlier years (2007-2012), it was notably lower, with figures below 6%. This change suggests an increase in testing states, possibly influenced by broader societal trends encouraging standardized testing as part of college admissions.

The shift in scores can also reflect changing demographics of applicants, including a more competitive applicant pool, as well as changing educational standards across high schools. Moreover, with the rise of test-optional admissions policies becoming prevalent in many universities, it will be interesting to see how Missouri State University adapts in response to these broader trends in higher education.

Overall, the data illustrates a dynamic environment at Missouri State University, as they navigate both the challenges and opportunities presented by the evolving landscape of college admissions criteria.

Analysis of Student Demographics at Missouri State University (2024)

The student demographics at Missouri State University for the year 2024 reflect notable trends in both gender representation and racial diversity among different student classifications. The total enrolled students can be segmented into four categories: undergraduate freshmen, undergraduate upperclassmen, undergraduate transfer students, and graduate students, each showcasing distinct male-to-female ratios.

The undergraduate freshmen category, comprising 2,841 students, reveals a substantial 64.1% of enrollment being female, while only 35.9% are male. This trend of higher female presence continues in the upperclassmen group, where females represent 60.2% of the 9,303 students. Interestingly, the male representation marginally increases in the transfer students category, reaching 40.8% among 1,263 enrollees. Graduate students maintain a similar pattern, with females accounting for 63.5% out of 4,159 students.

Racially, it’s apparent that White students dominate all groups, with 22,208 undergraduate freshmen identified as White. The high percentage of female students within various categories indicates a shift in gender dynamics in higher education, aligning with national trends showing increased female participation in university settings.

Moreover, the presence of male students across all classifications reflects the ongoing efforts to promote diversity and inclusion within higher education, targeting not only racial but also gender representation. As universities face challenges in creating balanced demographics, Missouri State University’s data demonstrates both the successes and potential areas for improvement, particularly in increasing male enrollment and enhancing racial diversity among its student body. Overall, these findings provide a snapshot into how student demographics are evolving at Missouri State University amidst changing societal norms.

Analysis of Student Age Distribution at Missouri State University

The student age composition at Missouri State University showcases a diverse demographic profile. The largest age groups fall under 18-19 and 20-21 years, indicating a significant presence of traditional college-aged students who typically represent the bulk of undergraduate enrollment. Notably, the 18-19 age bracket accounts for 21.4% of the total student population, while 20-21-year-olds make up approximately 18.9%.

As students progress in age, the number of enrolled individuals gradually declines, particularly in the 25-29 and 30-34 age groups, which reflect 8.9% and 4.3% of the total enrollment, respectively. This trend might suggest a career hiatus for higher education or the challenges faced by older students in balancing education with personal and professional responsibilities.

Interestingly, the presence of graduate students is more apparent in the 22-24 age range, where we see over 26.5% of graduates enrolled. This suggests that many students continue their education immediately after completing their undergraduate studies.

While there is a notable demographic of mature students aged 30 and above, comprising about 6.7% of the total, it highlights an encouraging trend towards lifelong learning. However, the overall low enrollment among individuals aged 50 and above, under 1% of the total, reflects societal trends where advanced education is less common in this age demographic.

This varied age distribution can enhance the academic experience, fostering a multifaceted environment that combines youthful energy with the rich insights that older students bring, ultimately contributing to a more vibrant learning community at Missouri State University.

Analysis of International Student Trends at Missouri State University

The data for Missouri State University highlights a fluctuating yet generally increasing trend in international student enrollment over nearly two decades. From 2005 to 2024, the number of international undergraduate students rose from 265 to 451, representing an increase in proportion from 1.63% to 2.34% of the total undergraduate population. This gradual rise not only indicates a growing attraction of the university to international students but also reflects a broader trend in higher education where institutions are increasingly focusing on global engagement.

The graduate student segment also shows significant growth in both the number and percentage of international students. Starting from 202 as a proportion of 7.10% in 2005, the number increased to 656 by 2024, yielding an impressive increase in participation rate to 15.77%. Such figures demonstrate that Missouri State University is becoming a destination for international talent, particularly for graduate studies, where participation rates have consistently been higher than those for undergraduate programs.

Interestingly, there were fluctuations in international student enrollment, particularly during the pandemic years, with notable drops in 2021 and 2022. This was a common concern across many universities worldwide due to travel bans and the overall impact of COVID-19 on education. However, the data for 2023 and 2024 showcases a recovery, highlighting resilience and the university's appeal among prospective international students.

In conclusion, the trends in international student enrollments at Missouri State University reflect a commitment to diversity and a growing global footprint. This is vital as universities navigate the competitive landscape of attracting the best minds from around the globe, ultimately enriching the academic environment and contributing to the institution's mission of fostering an inclusive educational setting.

Here are some prominent institutions surrounding Missouri State University:

• The University of Arkansas, ranked 189 in the 2025 US News rankings, is a comprehensive university known for its diverse undergraduate and graduate programs.

• Missouri University of Science and Technology, ranked 196, specializes in engineering, technology, and applied sciences.

• The University of Missouri-Columbia holds a higher rank at 109, offering a strong array of research opportunities and degree programs across various fields.

• Washington University in St Louis is a prestigious institution ranked 21, recognized for its rigorous academics and research initiatives.

• Saint Louis University, with a rank of 105, is a Jesuit university offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs with a focus on community engagement.

These schools represent a mix of comprehensive universities and specialized institutions, providing a rich educational landscape in the region.

Analysis of Crime Trends at Missouri State University

The crime data from Missouri State University over the last decade reflects a notable decline in offenses per 1,000 students, suggesting improvements in campus safety. In 2013, the crime rate was at 9.04, which steadily increased over the following years, peaking at 16.14 in 2017. However, starting from 2020, there has been a remarkable downward trend that culminated in a rate of just 2.72 in 2023.

The figures indicate a significant drop in reported incidents, particularly in categories such as drug-related arrests and alcohol-related offenses. For instance, from 2018 to 2023, the severe reductions align with nationwide trends where many institutions have embraced preventive measures and resources for students—like counseling and community safety programs.

It's worth noting that while crime can never be entirely eliminated, these decreasing figures reflect effective policy implementations, student engagement, and community involvement. Moreover, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 may have contributed to lower activity on campus, which likely had a role in the figures.

Ultimately, these statistics should be viewed in a broader context, considering the ongoing strategies aimed at enhancing campus safety. The path toward further reduction in crime rates may involve continuous evaluation and adaptation of policies to ensure the wellbeing of all students at Missouri State University.

For further insights into crime rate calculations, you can refer to this link: Crime Rate Calculation.