ABC 17 News confirms fewer people applying to MU for next fall
ABC 17 News has learned early indicators show a downward trend in applications to the University of Missouri in Columbia following a number of very public issues and controversies on the campus last fall.
Applications made by incoming freshmen for the coming 2016-2017 school year have decreased noticeably since last year, based on a report obtained by ABC 17 News this week.
The memorandum from the Office of Enrollment management addressed to a number of administrators and faculty was sent out on Monday, January 4.
Among the highlights of the report, as of the compilation of this report, 941 fewer freshman had applied to enroll at Mizzou in 2016 compared to 2015. That is an almost 5% decrease year-to-year.
The report also notes a concern about diversity, stating that 19% fewer African American first-time college student applications have been received.
Another highlight from the report shows that graduate student applications have decreased by 354; that’s a 19% drop compared to last year. That number was also down 552 compared to 2 years ago.
Officials said deposits are down significantly, however more deposits are expected to arrive once students receive information about orientation near the end of the month.
The report said enrollment officials anticipate a decrease in fall enrollment after looking at the initial application numbers.
Here’s a breakdown of what demographics saw decreases in applications:
High ability (ACT of 30 or higher) decreased by 7.7%
African American applications decreased by 78 from last year, a 19% decrease
Hispanic applications down by 1
Transfer students decreased by 94 applications since last year
International applications decreased by 6
Graduate applications decreased by 19% and decreased 552 compared to 2 years ago
Non-Missouri resident applications decreased by 948 and non-resident deposits dropped by 25% since last year
Illinois applications have decreased by 7%, and deposits decreased by 31%
Missouri resident applications increased by 21, but deposits have decreased by almost 10%.
Texas applications have also increased by 5.2% compared to last year.
ABC 17 News is reaching out to officials in MU Admissions and lawmakers for their response to the enrollment numbers.
