MU has seen a steady increase in applications from out-of-state students over the last six years. Superfluous enrollment notwithstanding, this is good news.
An increase in out-of-state applicants provides proof our university is beginning to gain a positive national reputation. Knowledge of MU’s existence, programs and success is no longer limited to people living in Kansas City, Columbia, St. Louis or elsewhere inside state lines.
Generally speaking, when high school graduates consider further education and see that MU has a high number of out-of-state students, they’ll know MU has good enough programs to draw those individuals out of their home states. Out-of-state students pay higher tuition rates and this means more money for our school, which needless to say is a plus, especially in these times.
Most of this increase in out-of-state recruitment can be attributed the low cost of out-of-state tuition relative to in-state tuition of other states and the success of the university’s athletic program. Having our teams play on national television gets the word about our university out to people who may never have heard of MU otherwise. This will only increase with our move to the SEC, where many high school students in the South will be introduced our school. Part of the reason we joined the SEC was to attract more national attention and more students from southern states.
An important point to note is that out-of-state applicants are increasing for many academic programs, not just a select few. The School of Journalism isn’t the only reason students are traveling here to study. This corresponds with a strengthening of academic programs through campus.
This comes with a responsibility to manage enrollment. MU still struggles with housing issues, accepting more students than it can house on campus. Additionally, this rise in money from out-of-state tuition should hopefully be accompanied by an increase in scholarships to help affordability.
As Missouri’s flagship university, it’s important we represent Missouri in the best light. By increasing out-of-state recruitment, we’re boosting national awareness of the successful programs MU has to offer. As long as the university does not blindly increase enrollment beyond maximum capacity and ensures a place for in-state students, the more out-of-state students the better.