Ed Kemmick/Last Best News
Fall enrollment at MSU Billings is up slightly over last year.
Enrollment is up at Montana State University Billings this fall semester.
MSUB announced Wednesday that as of its official 15th class-day count, 4,401 students are enrolled, up slightly from the headcount of 4,366 students in fall 2016. Of the 4,401 students, 2,830 are at University Campus and 1,571 are at City College.
The number of students from Yellowstone County — 2,391 — is the highest it has been in three years, according to the university, and student retention is also growing, with one-year retention rates for first-time freshmen up from last year.
“The fall headcount numbers are a step in the right direction,” Robert H. Hoar, provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs, said in a press release. “It shows that more students are choosing MSUB. We are also encouraged by improvements in student retention, which has been a focus for our faculty and staff. Our student success initiatives are progressing.”
Joe Oravecz, vice chancellor for student affairs, said the campus is also growing more diverse.
“We are seeing an increase in various components of our student body, which provides a more dynamic and inclusive campus environment,” he said.
Other fall 2017 semester enrollment information shows:
♦ MSUB continues to be an increasingly diverse campus as evidenced by a 10 percent growth in the number of Native American students.
♦ Montana resident undergraduate enrollment continues to grow.
♦ More students are transferring to MSUB to further their education.
♦ MSUB is attracting more part-time students. For example, the number of students enrolled in dual credit through the High School Connections program has increased by more than 100 since last year.
♦ MSUB continues to be the leader in the number of online courses in the Montana University System, with record online enrollment.
“MSUB is committed to our mission of ‘Access & Excellence,’” Interim Chancellor Ron Larsen said. “We strive to provide programs and services that meet the needs of both traditional and non-traditional students.”
