MSU reports record fall attendance

Missouri State University reported systemwide enrollment of 24,489 for the fall semester, beating the school's previous record of 23,838 set last fall.

The Springfield campus also set an enrollment record, with 22,385 students this semester, a 2.7 percent increase compared to last fall. The West Plains campus reports a 3.3 percent increase to 2,193 students, and about 90 students are enrolled at both campuses, according to a news release.

Enrollment at the state's second-largest university includes students from 49 states and 89 countries. The number of first-time college students at MSU this fall is 2,801, a 4 percent increase from last year.

Enrollment figures are based on the 20th day of classes, Missouri's official enrollment census date.

At least one other local higher education institution reported record enrollment this fall, as well.

Last month, the Mercy College of Nursing and Health Sciences of Southwest Baptist University reported 746 students on its first day of classes Aug. 25, beating a previous record of 695 set in 2009, according to a news release.