Spring graduation numbers expected to climb at the University of Missouri

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The University of Missouri is expecting to graduate more than 5,200 students this weekend, an increase from the number of spring graduates in 2023.

University spokesperson Christian Basi said MU is expecting to graduate 5,227 students, though that number can still change since grades aren't yet final.

Michael Miller is one of those graduating students. He is graduating Saturday with his medical doctorate and said he is grateful for the education he's been able to receive at MU.

"I feel very well prepped for the world beyond," Miller said. "I feel like I was in very good hands here. I feel very prepared for the next steps ahead."

Numbers provided by the university show recent graduation numbers have stayed within the 4,000-6,000 range over the last few years.

• May 2024: estimated 5,227 graduates
• May 2023: 4,979 graduates
• May 2022: 5,828 graduates
• May 2021: 4,298 graduates
• May 2020: 4,670 graduates

Basi said MU has received a record number of enrollment applications and said as the university continues to see larger freshman classes, there is an expected increase in graduation numbers.

However, an enrollment cliff is expected sometime in the next few years. Basi said this is when fewer students are graduating from high school and therefore there will be fewer students going to college. He said this will affect all colleges, not just MU.

Along with an increase in students recently, Basi said the university has also been seeing good academic success numbers.

This includes an over 91% freshman to sophomore year retention rate, a six-year graduation rate over 75% and over 95% of classes achieving their post-graduation goals within six months, whether it be a job in their field, higher education or the military.

"Their graduation goal was to find a job in the field that they came to study for, and they're finding it," Basi said. "They're coming to Mizzou and they're being successful and that's important."

Miller said he is off to a residency and is excited to get into the real world.

"I think there's a lot of caring people here in my class and we're really excited to get out in the world and be doctors and help people live better, healthier lives," Miller said.

Many students graduating this weekend began their college studies during the COVID-19 pandemic. The university hopes those students have been able to enjoy a more normal college experience over the last couple of years, including Miller.

"We started when the world was in a lot of chaos, but we've put in a lot of work, and it's really nice to see the fruits of our labor being paid off now," Miller said.

There will be 14 total graduation ceremonies. A schedule of events can be found here.

Basi said it's important for Columbia residents to be more aware this weekend with the increase in people and traffic due to graduation.

"Every relative you can imagine will be here," Basi said. "They may not be used to our traffic patterns, they certainly won't know necessarily the streets as well as those of us who live here do, so be a little patient. (If) somebody is going a little slower in front of you, just be a little patient on that, plan a few more minutes ahead to get to your stop."