University of Missouri reports modest increase in student enrollment for first day

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The University of Missouri's student body was a few hundred people larger on the first day of classes this year compared to last year.

Total enrollment for Monday's first day was projected to top 31,650 students, the university stated in a news release. MU reported about 31,300 students on the first day last fall.

The number includes 9,138 students new to MU and 6,078 first-time college students -- about the same number of first-time students as in fall 2025.

MU reported its first-year retention rate is 91%, and the graduation rate is 77%.

Official enrollment numbers are compiled after the fourth week of classes.