William Woods welcomes largest incoming class

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

William Woods University in Fulton is set to welcome its largest incoming class in its history when classes begin Monday, according to a Thursday press release from the school.

The University is welcoming a total of 456 new students, with 298 being on campus and 158 online. This is a 40% increase in new enrollment, and combined with the previous class, represents the largest two year increase, according to the release.

This growth is in contrast to national trends which has seen a 3.4% drop in undergraduate enrollment since 2020, according to data from the National Student Clearing House Center. Missouri has seen a drop in enrollment at between 4.3-5.2% in the past year, according to the release.

Williams Woods increase comes as the university has increased educational offerings, including its first Ph.D program, where students can earn a doctorate in philosophy. The doctorate program begins this fall semester. The University announced the program in May.