UMSL Chancellor Tom George discusses enrollment during his 2013 State of the University Address. (Photo by August Jennewein)

A record number of applications resulted in a near-record enrollment at the University of Missouri–St. Louis this fall. In total, 16,814 students are taking UMSL classes – a 1 percent increase over last fall.

“This is an outstanding turnout amid declining college enrollments locally and nationally,” Chancellor Tom George said, announcing UMSL’s official enrollment report. “It demonstrates the confidence students have in our quality programs and faculty. They understand that graduating with a UMSL degree means something in the marketplace.”

Among the highlights announced by George are:

• 24 average freshmen ACT score.
• Record GPAs for incoming freshmen and transfer students.
• University-owned housing is full – first time ever.
• Increases in minority students:
     ➢ 32 percent total minorities.
     ➢ 20 percent African American.
     ➢ More than 100 countries represented.

George said that UMSL intends to further build the university’s enrollment by continuing to provide quality education and adding $2 million of campus funds to its scholarship program.

“We want to make sure that UMSL remains accessible to the region’s best and brightest students,” George said. “Our donors have given generously to create private scholarships, but our campus leadership decided even more needed to be done to help students.”