MoWest shares unofficial first day attendance numbers

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) -- Missouri Western State University welcomed more than 800 new students on its campus for the first day of classes.

The new students include over 700 undergraduate freshmen and transfer students hailing from 24 different states.

MoWest cites an increase in the number of local students enrolling, compared to last year. Stating in a press release that a 4.8% increase in incoming freshmen came from MoWest's 10-county service region, an 8.1% increase in new transfers from the 10-county region and a 10.2% increase in new freshmen with no prior college credit from Buchanan County.

"These numbers tell an important story: MoWest is becoming the school of choice for students in our own community," said Andy Otto, the vice president of enrollment management and marketing. "We've seen strong growth not only among local transfer students who recognize the quality and support available here, but also among more students from right here in St. Joseph and the surrounding region who are choosing to start their college career with us."

MoWest's graduate programs also saw just over 100 students.

The university said total enrollment on the first day of classes is currently flat year-over-year, indicating positive momentum in the enrollment trajectory.

MoWest said official enrollment data will not become official until four weeks into the new semester.