Preliminary Fall 2006 enrollment figures at Mississippi's universities show an increase of 0.4 percent in the student population, for an overall total of 69,889 students compared to 69,588 students in the Fall of 2005.

"This is the eleventh year in a row that enrollment at Mississippi's universities has increased overall," said Commissioner of Higher Education Dr. Thomas C. Meredith. "More education is what will help move Mississippi forward and enable our state to compete in the global economy."

Total enrollment figures at the University of Southern Mississippi dropped by only 1.7 percent, a positive move in light of the destruction the University incurred following Hurricane Katrina. "The fact that Southern Miss' enrollment is only down by such a small percentage following the worst natural disaster in our state's history is a true testament to the educational commitment of the university's students, faculty and staff," added Commissioner Meredith.

UNDUPLICATED headcount per Institution	Fall 2005	Fall 2006*	Percent Change
Alcorn State University	3,544	3,539	-0.1%
Delta State University	4,119	4,216	2.4%
Jackson State University	8,416	8,262	-1.8%
Mississippi State University	16,101	16,206	0.7%
Mississippi University for Women	2,285	2,428	6.3%
Mississippi Valley State University	3,165	3,145	-0.6%
University of Mississippi      University of Mississippi     University of Mississippi Medical Center	16,928 14,901 2,027	17,316 15,224 2,092	2.3%  2.2%  3.2%
University of Southern Mississippi	15,030	14,777	-1.7%
System Total	69,588	69,889	0.4%

*Preliminary Figures

Under the leadership of the Board of Trustees, IHL governs the public universities in Mississippi, including Alcorn State University; Delta State University; Jackson State University; Mississippi State University including the Mississippi State University Division of Agriculture, Forestry and Veterinary Medicine; Mississippi University for Women; Mississippi Valley State University; the University of Mississippi including the University of Mississippi Medical Center; and the University of Southern Mississippi.

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