MC posts record retention rate, strong enrollment numbers for fall 2026

Total undergraduate enrollment at MC remained strong for the fall 2026 semester.

Mississippi Christian University (MC) maintained strong enrollment numbers for fall 2026, highlighted by a record student retention rate.

MC’s 85-percent retention rate – the percentage of first-year students who return for their second year – is six percentage points higher than the University’s 10-year average.

“The diligent work of our faculty and staff, especially our Office of Student Success and Division of Student Experience, has contributed to this year’s record retention rate. I am grateful for the work that every employee at MC does to support our students,” said Blake Thompson, Mississippi Christian University President.

Total undergraduate enrollment at MC held steady at 2,605 for the fall 2026 semester, compared with 2,608 in fall 2025.

As of Sept. 23, graduate enrollment is 1,248, with additional students remaining to enroll in mid-October. MC’s total graduate enrollment is expected to exceed last year’s total of 1,261.

Interest in MC also remains strong, with new student applications increasing across both undergraduate and graduate programs.

Campus residence halls are at capacity for fall 2026, reflecting strong demand for the residential student experience on the Clinton campus.

Michael Wright, MC dean of enrollment management, said the numbers demonstrate the University’s ability to attract students seeking strong academics in a distinctly Christian environment.

“These recruitment numbers reflect that we have a strong and well-rounded educational experience to offer students,” Wright said.

Wright pointed to two factors strengthening MC’s recruitment efforts: the University’s focus on attracting students seeking the educational and campus experience MC offers and the June 1 implementation of the Mississippi Christian University name.

“MC’s new name more clearly states who we are, and the new name is contributing positively to how we market and present ourselves at college fairs and at recruiting events,” Wright said.

The MC School of Law recorded significant enrollment growth, with total enrollment at 431 students, an increase of 30 from fall 2025.

Jay Armstrong, assistant dean of admissions at MC Law, said several factors are contributing to MC Law’s enrollment growth.

“Our strong bar passage rate and employment outcomes have been a tremendous asset in recruiting students to MC Law. We’ve also made significant upgrades to our facilities, placed a strong emphasis on AI, and continued to build on the excellence of our faculty. All of these things have helped us attract and recruit some outstanding students to MC Law,” Armstrong said.

For more information about undergraduate and graduate opportunities at Mississippi Christian University, visit mc.edu/admissions/. For more information on MC Law, visit law.mc.edu.