Student Enrollment

Current student body demographics and enrollment patterns at Southeast Missouri State University

Cape Girardeau, MO

Total Enrollment

9,686

Currently enrolled students

Program Options

134

134 programs

Full-Time Students

5,967

2,132 part-time

Total FTE

7,958

Full-time equivalent students

Student-Faculty Ratio

20:1

Students per faculty member

What Is the Student Body Size?

Training Program Focus

110
Certificate Graduates
Short-term specialized training
2415
Total Recent Graduates

With 9,686 students, Southeast Missouri State University is a large institution offering diverse educational programs and extensive facilities. The school offers 134 specialized programs designed for immediate workforce entry.

How Do Students Attend?

Attendance Status Distribution

Full-Time Students 5,967 (73.7%)
73.7%
Part-Time Students 2,132 (26.3%)
26.3%
Total Students 8,099

Balanced mix of full-time (73.7%) and part-time students, accommodating various schedules.

Full-Time
Part-Time

A majority of students (61.6%) attend full-time, with a significant part-time population balancing work and studies.

Who Are the Students?

Student Demographics

Gender Distribution

Gender Split
Women
59.1%
5,726 students
Men
40.9%
3,960 students

Race/Ethnicity Distribution

Primary Ethnic Group
White
71.0%
6,876 students
White
71.0% (6,876)
International Students
11.9% (1,153)
Black/African American
6.7% (648)
Two or More Races
3.0% (287)
Hispanic/Latino
2.8% (268)
Asian
1.0% (95)
American Indian/Alaska Native
0.2% (21)
Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander
0.0% (2)

Demographics Summary

Gender: Balanced gender distribution across 9,686 students

Largest Ethnic Group: White students make up 71% of the student body (6,876 students)

The student body reflects diverse backgrounds and demographics.

Interested in Academic Quality & Learning Environment?

Explore retention rates, student-faculty ratios, distance education options, and academic intensity on our dedicated Academics page.

View Academics Page

How Are Students Distributed by Level?

Undergraduate students

8,099 students

40% Men, 60% Women
5,967 Full-time 2,132 Part-time
Diversity Index: 40% • Minority Students: 12%

Graduate students

1,587 students

47% Men, 53% Women
987 Full-time 600 Part-time
Diversity Index: 58% • Minority Students: 6%

What Are the Attendance Patterns?

Full-Time Students

All Full-Time

6,954
All full-time students
2,950 men, 4,004 women
Diversity: 52%

FT Undergraduate

5,967
Full-time undergraduate
2,406 men, 3,561 women
Diversity: 43%

FT Degree-Seeking

5,846
Full-time degree/certificate-seeking
2,353 men, 3,493 women
Diversity: 43%

FT First-Time

1,235
Full-time first-time students
480 men, 755 women
Diversity: 51%

FT Continuing

4,611
Full-time continuing students
1,873 men, 2,738 women
Diversity: 41%

FT Transfer

343
Full-time transfer students
157 men, 186 women
Diversity: 43%

FT Continuing

4,268
Full-time other continuing
1,716 men, 2,552 women
Diversity: 40%

FT Non-Degree

121
Full-time non-degree seeking
53 men, 68 women
Diversity: 48%

FT Graduate

987
Full-time graduate students
544 men, 443 women
Diversity: 46%

Part-Time Students

All Part-Time

2,732
All part-time students
1,010 men, 1,722 women
Diversity: 34%

PT Undergraduate

2,132
Part-time undergraduate
815 men, 1,317 women
Diversity: 29%

PT Degree-Seeking

742
Part-time degree/certificate-seeking
325 men, 417 women
Diversity: 39%

PT First-Time

52
Part-time first-time students
25 men, 27 women
Diversity: 61%

PT Continuing

690
Part-time continuing students
300 men, 390 women
Diversity: 37%

PT Transfer

60
Part-time transfer students
23 men, 37 women
Diversity: 37%

PT Continuing

630
Part-time other continuing
277 men, 353 women
Diversity: 37%

PT Non-Degree

1,390
Part-time non-degree seeking
490 men, 900 women
Diversity: 23%

PT Graduate

600
Part-time graduate students
195 men, 405 women
Diversity: 49%

Understanding Student Categories

First-Time: Students starting their first postsecondary program

Continuing: Students who previously enrolled and are returning

Transfer: Students who transferred from other institutions

Degree-Seeking: Students enrolled in certificate or degree programs

Non-Degree: Students taking courses without pursuing a formal credential

What Is the Diversity Picture?

Undergraduate students

6,243
White
585
Black/African American
249
Hispanic/Latino
79
Asian
349
International
Diversity Index: 40% Minority Students: 12%

Graduate students

633
White
63
Black/African American
19
Hispanic/Latino
16
Asian
804
International
Diversity Index: 58% Minority Students: 6%

Want to See Student Success & Outcomes?

Explore completion rates, transfer patterns, and detailed 8-year student outcome tracking on our dedicated Student Outcomes page.

View Student Outcomes

Student Life & Campus Experience

Diverse Student Community

Students from various backgrounds come together to learn career-focused skills in a supportive environment.

Flexible Scheduling

Many students balance work and family commitments with their studies through part-time and evening programs.

Career-Focused Learning

Students are goal-oriented, seeking practical skills and credentials that lead directly to employment opportunities.

AI-generated illustration of diverse students on a college campus with enrollment statistics, charts showing student demographics, attendance patterns, and campus life activities

Key Takeaways About Southeast Missouri State University's Student Body

Training Environment: Large institution with 9,686 students offering extensive programs and state-of-the-art facilities.
Study Patterns: Mix of full-time (61.6%) and part-time students accommodating various schedules.
Academic Intensity: 7,958 FTE students indicates mix of full-time and part-time study patterns.
Learning Format: Hybrid learning approach with 62% taking some online courses.
Academic Environment: Good student-faculty ratio (20:1) allows for meaningful instructor interaction.
Student Diversity: Growing diversity with students from various backgrounds and experiences.
Learning Environment: Students benefit from career-focused education with hands-on training, experienced instructors, and support services designed to help them achieve their professional goals.
Community: The student body includes diverse learners from various backgrounds, creating a rich learning environment where students can network and learn from each other's experiences.

Contact Information

Address

One University Plaza, MS2025

Cape Girardeau, MO 63701

Student Success

The student body at colleges often includes:

  • • Working adults seeking career changes
  • • Recent high school graduates
  • • Military veterans using education benefits
  • • Students upgrading skills in their field
  • • Individuals seeking fast-track credentials
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