Enrollment inches up at SEMO

Southeast Missouri State University on Tuesday marked two consecutive decades of steady enrollment growth with a total student count of 11,580 -- up 2 percent from this time last year.

Enrollment is expected to continue growing through the fourth-week census, when the figure is expected to top last year's record enrollment of 11,917 students, officials said in a news release. Southeast's fall 2014 semester began Monday.

Beginning freshman enrollment has grown by 132 students, or 7.6 percent, and standing at 1,859 on Tuesday.

Debbie Below, vice president for enrollment management and student success and dean of students, said one of the most significant areas of growth in beginning freshmen occurred in Cape Girardeau County, with 187 in 2013 versus 244 in 2014 -- a 30 percent increase, she said.

Dual-credit enrollment is up 169 students, or 37 percent, over this time last year, she said.

Below also said the number of students taking only online coursework has surpassed 1,000 for the first time and stands at 1,086.

Pertinent address:

One University Plaza, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701