Missouri S&T freshmen during Opening Week 2014.

For the second year in a row, Missouri University of Science and Technology expects to break its all-time record enrollment when classes start on Monday, Aug. 25.

Missouri S&T officials estimate the total fall enrollment will be about 8,600, which would break the record of 8,130 set in 2013. The number of new, first-time freshmen is expected to be 1,285, which would be the fourth-largest freshman class in Missouri S&T’s history and slightly above the 1,263 that enrolled last fall. The larger freshman classes were more than 30 years ago, in 1980, 1981 and 1982.

“With starting salaries of over $61,000 a year, our graduates’ job prospects continue to be excellent and demand for S&T grads remains high,” says Laura Stoll, vice provost and dean for enrollment management at Missouri S&T. “Incoming freshmen report that they choose Missouri S&T for its academic reputation and return on investment.”

The quality of this year’s freshman class has also increased with the average ACT score at 28.3, up from 27.9 last year. This is among the upper 10 percent in the nation.

Record numbers of women and minority students are also expected when classes begin on Monday, Aug. 25. The official fall enrollment figures will be released after the fourth week of classes.