“This growth reflects the demand for SEMO’s academic programs which prepare students for the futures they are pursuing,” said SEMO President Dr. Carlos Vargas. “We are working hard to continue innovating SEMO’s academic programs and aligning them with the needs of business and industry. SEMO plays a pivotal role in driving economic growth for the state and the region, and we take that seriously.” 

Dr. Debbie Below, vice president for Enrollment Management and Student Success says she, too, hears from students that SEMO’s quality academic programs are sought after.   

“We are excited to welcome a strong class of new first-year students this year,” said Below. “Students are choosing SEMO because they see the value in a SEMO degree and the unique opportunities we offer to help them succeed.”  

Below said first-time students weren’t the only population where SEMO saw growth this year. Online student enrollment grew by five percent with more than 1,300 students purusing their degree through SEMO’s flexible and accessible online programs. Below said this rise demonstrates SEMO’s commitment to meeting the evolving needs of today’s learners and providing them the tools for success however they choose to pursue a degree. 

SEMO also saw a seven percent increase in transfer enrollment. Below said this shows the work of SEMO’s Transfer Center opened in fall 2023 is offering streamlined pathways for students transferring from other institutions, ensuring their transition to SEMO goes smoothly and efficiently. 

In addition to these increases, SEMO is seeing growth in other key areas: 

• High school students - SEMO’s Early College Program saw record participation, with more than 1,500 high school students earning college credit through dual enrollment programs. 

• International students – SEMO’s international student enrollment reached an all-time high of 1,241 students. 
• Graduation Rate – SEMO’s six-year graduation rate has risen steadily for the last five years, reaching 56 percent, a rate that is significantly higher than the national average of 50% for Master’s Colleges & Universities with a Larger Programs classification. 

Vargas says the areas where SEMO is seeing increases is tied to areas the University has worked to not only deliver quality education but also meet student’s individual needs. “With a rise in adult learners, flexible modalities are critical.   

“With concerns about the cost of college, our Early College Programs allow high school students to reduce their time to degree completion to just three years thanks to the credit they earn in high school,” said Vargas.  

Learn More About SEMO 

For interested students, now is the perfect time to learn more about SEMO! Apply today with no application fee. Prospective students can explore SEMO’s opportunities by scheduling a campus visit or participating in virtual tours at semo.edu/admissions. SEMO also offers a wide variety of online programs, with multiple start dates throughout the year. To learn more about balancing your studies with work or family commitments, visit semo.edu/online.