The University of Michigan in Ann Arbor reports it continues to be the largest and most sought-after public research institution in the state, with record total enrollment this fall of 52,855 students.
The record enrollment is impressive given it comes at a time when the fertility rate in Michigan has been steadily declining — in 2022, the rate was 54.0 per 1,000 women aged 15-44. By comparison, the rate was 60.6 in 2014. The figures come from the March of Dimes.
U-M’s most recent total enrollment increased 1.5 percent from 2023, with undergraduate enrollment up 2 percent, from 33,730 undergraduate students last year to 34,454 students this year.
The incoming class decreased slightly to 8,858 students, from 8,880 in 2023, and includes a 2 percent increase in the number of students from within the state of Michigan.
“U-M is recognized around the world for the exceptional educational value provided on campus, and our fall 2024 enrollment record continues to demonstrate that,” says Adele C. Brumfield, vice provost for enrollment management at U-M. “Students from diverse backgrounds and experiences find a vibrant campus community at U-M in which they can learn and grow.”
Ph.D.-student enrollment rose 1.5 percent this fall to 5,825 from 5,742 last year. The university saw a small decline in the number of incoming Ph.D. students this fall, following a 32 percent increase the previous year. Overall graduate and professional school enrollment increased slightly to 18,401 this year, from 18,335 in 2023.
“Our continuing strong enrollment trends for graduate education at the university represent evidence that students perceive the value of these degrees,” says Mike Solomon, vice provost for academic affairs — graduate studies and dean of U-M’s Rackham Graduate School. “The breadth of graduate and professional training at Michigan provides a tremendous range of opportunity for our graduates to contribute to society through rewarding careers.”
Interest in the university from undergraduate first-year and transfer students continues to grow annually with a record 105,142 applicants. First-year applicants totaled 98,310, up 12 percent from 87,632 in 2023 and up 51 percent from 2020. This increase mirrors that for transfer students, with applicants totaling 6,832 this year, which is also up 12 percent from last year and 51 percent from 2020.
Erica Sanders, assistant vice provost of enrollment management and executive director of undergraduate admissions, says students and families recognize U-M is a place where students will learn and grow to pursue their passions.
“Throughout the recruitment process, we strive to encourage students from all backgrounds, throughout Michigan and around the globe, to consider what an education from the university will mean to their future,” Sanders says. “Our efforts include providing opportunities for students through in-person and virtual experiences to interact with students, faculty, staff and alumni, so they can truly picture themselves as a Michigan student.”
The 8,858 students in U-M’s incoming class include 52 percent from the state of Michigan, as well as students from all 50 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, five territories and 62 countries.
The class continues to help diversify the campus community, with 43 percent identifying as students of color. That includes those who are Asian, Black or African American, Hispanic or Latino/a, American Indian or Alaska native, native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, multiethnic and those who indicated two or more races or ethnicities.
The incoming class also saw a 13 percent increase in the number of Black or African American students—from 475 in 2023 to 537 this year — and an 87 percent increase since 2020. While the number of Hispanic or Latino/a students decreased 1 percent from 1,196 in 2023 to 1,181 this fall, there has been a 134% increase since 2020.
“Since the passage of Proposal 2 in 2006 restricting the use of race- and gender-conscious approaches in admissions, U-M has steadfastly been working within a race-neutral framework to attract, recruit and enroll talented students from all backgrounds,” Brumfield says. “We are proud of the strides that we have made, however there is still more work to be done.”
The university states it continues to prioritize the importance of being accessible and affordable to students through its commitment to financial aid.
U-M annually distributes more than $1.37 billion in institutional, federal and state aid, and is committed to meeting full demonstrated need for in-state students. This fall, preliminary data shows that more than $497.5 million in financial aid — including federal, state, institutional and private funds — was disbursed to more than 30,700 undergraduate and graduate students. Additional aid will be disbursed to students throughout the year.
“When Federal Application for Student Aid delays threatened the timeline for sharing financial aid packages with admitted undergraduate students, we pivoted to using CSS Profile data to develop packages, recognizing how important this information is to students as they evaluate their college options,” says Tammie L. Durham Luis, assistant vice provost of enrollment management and executive director of financial aid at U-M. “The university commits generous resources to our students so they can be successful throughout their time on campus and after they graduate.”
The Go Blue Guarantee, U-M’s signature campaign to support in-state students from low- and moderate-income backgrounds, annually supports more than 4,200 undergraduate students. Last year, it was expanded to include students from families with assets and incomes of $75,000 or less.
The university is also focusing on reducing student loan debt, which has decreased on average more than $11,600 per borrower for in-state students and $8,800 per borrower for out-of-state students over the last 10 years, when adjusted for inflation.
The report did not mention its two other campuses, University of Michigan-Dearborn and University of Michigan-Flint.
U-M’s final enrollment data is based on data from the Sept. 16 fall census date.
