Ole Miss Sets Fourth Straight Enrollment Record
ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ freshman enrollment rises as retention and six-year graduation rates improve
OXFORD, Miss. – ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ enrolled a record number of students this fall, marking its sixth consecutive year of growth as more ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ freshmen chose Ole Miss.
This fall, 28,960 students enrolled at the state's flagship university, a 2% increase. This is the fourth consecutive year the university has achieved record enrollment.
This year's student body represents all 82 ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ counties, all 50 states plus the District of Columbia and 93 countries.
The enrollment growth reflects the demand for the university's strong academic programs, opportunities for experiential learning and vibrant student life, Chancellor Glenn Boyce said.
The university's strong academic programs and opportunities for experiential learning helped drive enrollment to another record this fall. Photo by Peyton Cody/Ole Miss Digital Imaging Services
"Ole Miss is an institution in high demand, and our six years of consecutive growth are proof of that," Boyce said. "The incredible opportunities, academic excellence and close-knit, vibrant community found here continue to draw students from all corners of our state and nation.
"The University of ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ has a bright future ahead, and we will continue to build on our momentum and expand our impact on ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ and beyond."
The school welcomed its third-largest first-time freshman class of 5,363 students, driven by a 6.2% increase in students from ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½.
enrollment also increased for the second consecutive year, reaching 2,468 students this fall, a 3.1% increase.
The enrolled 3,270 students, residents and fellows, a 2.7% increase. The state's only academic medical center experienced growth in all six schools with the greatest year-over-year jumps in the and , at 34.7% and 6.7%, respectively.
"As the health care needs of ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ans continue to grow, the Medical Center is meeting those needs by educating the next generation of physicians, nurses, dentists, researchers and health-related professionals who will help solve our toughest health challenges," said Dr. LouAnn Woodward, vice chancellor for health affairs and dean of the .
Ole Miss students walk to class on a sunny fall day. The university enrolled 28,960 students across all its campuses this fall, a 2% increase over fall 2025. Photo by Srijita Chattopadhyay/Ole Miss Digital Imaging Services
"Our future health care professionals have answered the call to serve our state to the benefit of our citizens' health and wellness."
Ole Miss' commitment to student success and student opportunity is reflected in its retention rate.
This fall, 87.6% of last year's freshmen returned for their sophomore year, which is the highest in the state and 18.5 percentage points above the national average of 69.1%. This marks the university's sixth straight year of retaining more than 85% of its freshmen.
The university's six-year graduation rate stands at 74.4%, which is tops in the state and 13.3 percentage points above the most recent national average of 61.1%. The six-year graduation rate is a widely used benchmark for measuring student success and comparing outcomes across universities.
"Two of the most important indicators of student success are retention rates and graduation rates," said Noel Wilkin, provost and executive vice chancellor for academic affairs. "This year's retention and graduation rates are a testament to the persistence of our students and the hard work of faculty and staff who help students navigate the many challenges and issues that might interrupt their studies."
Top: Members of the university's Class of 2030 gather to build a block 'M' and conduct a pep rally at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium earlier this fall. The university enrolled its third-largest freshman class ever, 5,363 students, driven by a 6.2% increase in students from ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½. Photo by Srijita Chattopadhyay/Ole Miss Digital Imaging Services