Missouri students head back to universities even as nationwide enrollment declines

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KY3) - Students are heading back to Missouri’s biggest university this week, the University of Missouri.

The school attracts students from all over the state despite a nationwide decline in higher education enrollment. Final enrollment numbers are not yet available for this semester, but the university has consistently seen a total of just above 30,000 students for the past six years. That’s still lower than its 2015 high of 36,000 students. However, that’s not uncommon nationwide. Data from the National Center for Education Statistics shows a 15% decline in college enrollment nationwide since 2015, and that’s expected to continue.

However, Mizzou still attracts students like incoming freshman Lauren Garrett, who said attending Mizzou is a family affair.

“I’ve always want