Enrollment at the University of Missouri–St. Louis is expected to surpass last year’s record of 16,548, according to university officials. First-day enrollment is up nearly 3 percent.

“Once again this year we see students and their families taking advantage of UMSL’s tremendous educational value in record numbers,” said Chancellor Tom George. “We have worked very hard to remain financially accessible as more and more Missourians understand the role advanced skill sets and higher education play in a challenging, changing economy. This is good news for St. Louis.”

The College of Education registered a 12.4 percent increase in students, the highest percentage increase among the colleges. College of Nursing numbers are up 5.3 percent over 2009, and graduate enrollment is up 4 percent to 2,903 students.

Official enrollment figures are not available until Oct. 1, but UMSL officials say this year’s increase in first day numbers nearly across the board indicate another banner year.

The University of Missouri-St. Louis is a public metropolitan research university located in Missouri’s most populous and economically important region. UMSL provides exceptional learning experiences and leadership opportunities to a diverse student body through the university’s outstanding faculty, ranked programs, innovative research and community partnerships.