Despite a tumultuous FAFSA rollout and the resulting financial aid challenges, schools across the state are reporting increased enrollment and retention, as well as more diverse student bodies, following the start of the fall 2024 semester.
Bay College
“We are incredibly proud to welcome our largest student body in over ten years. This milestone is a testament to the hard work of our faculty and staff, as well as the trust that students and their families place in Bay College. Programs like Michigan Reconnect are vital in our mission to provide opportunities for all students, and we are committed to supporting each and every student on their academic journey,” said Dr. Nerita Hughes, president of Bay College.
Bay College reported over 2,000 students enrolled this semester.
Read the full article from Radio Results Network →
Central Michigan University
“This is the first time since 2014 that we’ve seen an increase in overall enrollment. There’s been some challenging times for colleges and universities, but we’ve been able to turn that around,” said Bob Garcia, executive director of admissions at Central Michigan University. “This is the third consecutive year that we’ve seen growth with freshman students as well as transfer students.”
Read the full article from 9&10 News →
Ferris State University
“The annual count day tally indicated 9,959 students enrolled for the Fall 2024 semester. The university is welcoming 1,689 first-year students this fall, a 5.2% increase, and 720 transfer students who chose to continue their education at Ferris State.”
Ferris State University also saw boosts in African American and Hispanic student enrollment – increasing by 95 students and 27 students respectively – as well as in student retention rates.
Additionally, FSU has made strides to ensure the success of their off-campus and adult students. “We also have Student Success Hubs in five locations across the state, many serving older students who are scheduling classes around home and work responsibilities to advance in their careers,” said Associate Vice President for Marketing and Communications David Murray.
Read the full articles from WYBR and MLive →
Grand Valley State University
GVSU reported 4,278 first-year students enrolled this fall.
“It’s slightly less than last year’s record amount, but it is more diverse, with a 21% increase in black students, and a nearly 8% increase in Hispanic students,”
Read the full article from WHTC →
Keweenaw Bay Ojibwa Community College
Keweenaw Bay Ojibwa Community College began its fall semester with “record-breaking enrollment for returning and new college students.”
“We are really blessed to have a personal relationship with each and every one of our students,” KBOCC President Lori Sherman said. “Sometimes you can get lost in a system that is so much bigger than you, but here you get personal and individual care.”
Read the full article from the Daily Mining Gazette →
Michigan Technological University
“This year, Michigan Tech’s overall enrollment has increased by 110 students, bringing the total to 7,430 — a 1.5% rise from last year. This continues Tech’s steady trend of growing enrollment, marking the largest student body on campus since 1982. Undergraduate enrollment has seen a significant boost, up by over 2%. The University also achieved its highest-ever retention rate at 88.7%, reflecting its commitment to student success.”
“I am enthusiastic about Michigan Tech’s continued growth,” said Koubek. “It’s a testament to the value our students place on a degree from Tech, which was recently affirmed by our ranking as Michigan’s number one public university for salary impact, according to The Wall Street Journal.” – MTU President Rick Koubek
Read the full articles from Radio Results Network and TV6 →
Northern Michigan University
NMU Spokesperson Derek Hall says student retention is a large reason for the high enrollment numbers.
“We’re really excited to report a record number there – 78% retention, which is really good for an institution like us,” said Hall. “We plan on taking that number higher.”
Hall also said NMU is proud to report minority student enrollment is up 15% this year.
Read the full articles from TV6 and Northern Today →
Saginaw Valley State University
SVSU noted a 6% increase in freshman enrollment, as well as around 8-9% more transfer students. Retention rates are also up, at just over 77% of last year’s freshman class. Although overall enrollment is down by 1%, Ken Fettig, SVSU vice president for Enrollment Management, doesn’t see this as a negative.
“We attribute that to our students coming in to us with more credits as either freshmen or transfer students,” said Fettig.
Read the full article from WNEM 5 →
University of Michigan-Flint
Enrollment is up at UM-Flint by 6.5%.
"Many are attributing it in part to the strength and support from the state in scholarship funds," said [past UM Board Chair Sarah] Hubbard, referring to the relatively new, biggest in decades Michigan Achievement Scholarship, which provides up to $27,500 to qualified students to attend a state higher-education institution.”
Read the full article from The Detroit News →
Western Michigan University
WMU has the highest retention rate of students in their history, with just over 80% retention.
“Counselors work with incoming students on what a unique “success journey” looks like for them, Vasquez-Heilig [WMU Provost] said. All students meet with counselors to develop a graduation path so they’re taking necessary classes to reach graduation.”
“‘There’s a lot of innovation that we’re undertaking to ensure that we remain an access oriented institution as we go forward,’”
Despite a tumultuous FAFSA rollout and the resulting financial aid challenges, schools across the state are reporting increased enrollment and retention, as well as more diverse student bodies, following the start of the fall 2024 semester.