Ole Miss Hits Record 28,405 Students, Fueled by STEM Surge in Oxford

OXFORD, Miss. -- The University of Mississippi announced a record total enrollment of 28,405 students for fall 2025 across its seven campuses, marking the third consecutive year of breaking records and five straight years of growth.[1] Enrollment at the Oxford and regional campuses surged 5.2%, reaching 25,222 students compared to 23,981 in fall 2024, excluding the University of Mississippi Medical Center.[3] The freshman class of 5,464 students -- the second-largest in university history -- hails from all 82 Mississippi counties, every U.S. state and 93 countries, underscoring Ole Miss' pull as the state's flagship institution.[3] Driving the increase are expanded scholarships in science, technology, engineering and math fields, as initially reported by Mississippi Today. Biology tops the state's baccalaureate programs with 3,932 enrollees systemwide, while business administration leads at 4,024.[2] University leaders credit strong academics, vibrant campus life and retention efforts -- holding steady at about 88% -- for keeping students on track to graduate.[1][5] Seven of Mississippi's eight public universities posted gains, pushing combined enrollment at major schools to 81,961, up 2.7% from 79,817.[3] The growth reflects broader momentum: Mississippi Valley State rose 3.2% to 2,276 students, Jackson State and Mississippi State also climbed, while Alcorn State dipped 3.2% to 2,900.[3] At Ole Miss, the influx promises enhanced networking and research opportunities in Oxford, bolstering the local economy and Mississippi's workforce pipeline in high-demand STEM sectors.[1][3]