There are a lot of good things happening here at Alcorn State University such as the increase in freshmen enrollment. They are many contributing factors to this increase such as out-of-state fee waivers, the football team winning the SWAC championship back-to-back, and the hiring of Alcorn’s new president, Dr. Rankins.

For the 2015-2016 school year, there are about 661 freshmen enrolled here at Alcorn which is a 12.4 percent increase from the 588 students that were enrolled during the 2014-2015 school year. Not only has the freshmen enrollment increased, but even the average ACT scores of the freshmen have inclined.

After speaking with freshman Ri’Kayla Faulkner about her experience here at Alcorn thus far, she stated that “These first few weeks being at Alcorn has been a great pleasure. Everyone seems so nice, and helpful with anything. I know if I may need anything, anyone would be delighted to help.” This suggest many positive things are happening at this school and many positive people are around to help keep the freshmen here and on the right track which will help increase the retention rate.

Even though the freshmen population has increased, the overall student enrollment has actually decreased. After the last day of registration on September 11, 2015, the overall enrollment count for the 2015 fall semester is 3,594 students whereas last year the enrollment for the fall was 3,639 students. So the overall student body population decreased by about 45 students.

This is Alcorn State’s first year waiving out-of-state tuition fees and it seems to be a success because there are now many students from different states and countries enrolled and involved in different organizations and activities here at Alcorn. The diversity is definitely a good learning experience for the students as well as a good look for the University. Waiving out-of-state fees also helped with freshmen recruitment for different organizations such as the marching band, the football team as well as all other athletic programs.

It is important to retain the freshmen that are currently here and to also keep recruiting the brightest and the best so that the enrollment rate and retention rate can increase amongst out students. In doing so, it is imperative that faculty and upperclassmen do there part to keep students here academically and providing help when needed.