UMSL is on pace for its third straight year of increased application numbers. (Photo by August Jennewein)
Undergraduate applications for the University of Missouri–St. Louis are up by 23.5 percent in fiscal year 2018.
As of Jan. 29, UMSL had received 3,640 freshman and transfer applications for the fall 2018 term. The campus is on pace for its third consecutive year of increased, record applications.
“We are delighted to see that an increasing number of students recognize that UMSL can offer them a great education at a great value,” UMSL Provost Kristin Sobolik said. “The future success of these students is evidenced by our graduates who have established themselves in premier roles throughout the country and particularly the St. Louis region.”
The uptick in first-year student applications was especially noticeable for students in St. Louis County as well as residents in east central, northern and southern territories of Missouri. The positive admission trends also carried to out-of-state students, particularly in Illinois, where there was a 126 percent increase in admittance from the previous year.
Since July 2017, all Illinois residents have been offered in-state tuition rates at UMSL. Previously, only students of the 22 Illinois counties nearest to St. Louis enjoyed in-state tuition rates.
“There always has been a strong interest among Illinois students to study in St. Louis,” Sobolik said. “The change in our tuition policy now makes it possible for more students – particularly from working-class families – to choose UMSL.”
Speaking to the University of Missouri System Board of Curators Friday, President Mun Choi said undergraduate applications across the four campuses are up collectively by nearly 19 percent.
“These numbers demonstrate that Missourians and out-of-state students recognize that they can receive exceptional and affordable educations while becoming career ready,” Choi said. “Our strong applications come at a time when there are fewer high school graduates throughout most of the country and increased competition among higher education institutions. This interest from potential students speaks to the value we provide and the reputation of our campuses. Our faculty are some of the best in the country, and our staff are working hard every day to provide students with an unmatched experience.”
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