Enrollment at the University of Michigan’s Ann Arbor campus grew again this fall, making the university the largest and most sought-after public research institution in the state.
Total enrollment reached 52,065 students — passing Michigan State University’s 51,000 total enrollment — and includes a record number of incoming students with 7,466 first-year students and 1,414 transfer students.
With total enrollment up 2% from 2022, undergraduate enrollment increased by 3% from 32,695 undergraduate students last year to 33,730 students this year.
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Ph.D. student enrollment rose 5% this fall from 5,477 last year to 5,742 this year, with the university welcoming 32% more first-year Ph.D. students than last year. Overall graduate and professional school enrollment declined slightly from 18,530 to 18,335.
“Our record enrollment demonstrates that students from all backgrounds are continuing to see the value in a University of Michigan education,” said Adele C. Brumfield, vice provost for enrollment management.
“U-M is a place of educational excellence that features a vibrant community with rewarding student life experiences, access to innovative facilities and research and a caring and engaged faculty and staff.”
With a record 93,745 applications, interest in the university from first-year and transfer students continues to grow. The university received 87,632 first-year applications, a 4% increase over last year and 6,113 transfer applications, a 9% increase. This mirrors U-M’s significant five-year application growth trend, with a 35% increase for first-year students and 43% for transfers from 2019-23.
The university is a top choice for in-state students, with 78% of first-year and transfer students who are admitted to the university choosing to enroll.
Erica Sanders, assistant vice provost of enrollment management and executive director of undergraduate admissions, said there are many reasons for that number.
“Throughout the recruitment process, we work to ensure that students and families recognize that U-M is a place where students will learn and grow as they pursue their passions,” Sanders said.
“We also strive to make the university accessible to students from all backgrounds, providing in-person and virtual experiences, travel stipends and fee waivers to ensure that all are able to truly experience the university, either in-person or in their home.”
Fall 2023 incoming undergraduate students
The 8,880 students in U-M ‘s incoming class are helping to diversify the campus community. The class consists of more first-generation students and students from low-income backgrounds, as well as a greater number of students of color, which comprise 44% of this year’s incoming class.
Students of color include those who identify as Asian, Black or African American, Hispanic or Latino/a, American Indian/Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian/Other Pacific Islander, multiethnic, and those who indicated two or more race/ethnicities.
“During challenging times, the university has shown progress in attracting and enrolling students of color,” Brumfield said. “While we still have strides to make, the increased diversity of the incoming class shows that our race-neutral admissions efforts show promise.”
Compared to last year, first-generation students increased by 9%, students from low-income backgrounds increased by 1%. The number of students of color increased by 16%, which includes a 25% increase in Black or African American students — from 381 to 475 — and a 29% increase in Hispanic or Latino/a students — from 927 to 1,196.
With more than 50% of incoming students hailing from the state of Michigan, nearly every county is represented in the student body. The global reach of the university also is demonstrated with students from all 50 U.S. states, the District of Columbia and 65 countries.
U-M’s commitment to financial aid continues
The university continues to demonstrate a strong commitment to financial aid, recognizing the importance of making the university accessible and affordable to students.
This fall, preliminary data shows that more than $351 million in financial aid — including federal, state, institutional and private funds — was disbursed to more than 24,000 undergraduate students. This is an increase of $18 million over last year. Additional aid will be disbursed to students throughout the year.
The Go Blue Guarantee, the university’s campaign to support in-state students from low- and moderate-income backgrounds, was recently expanded to include students from families with assets and incomes of $75,000 or less. Because of initiatives like this, U-M was recognized as a High-Flier, a national leader in college access and success, earlier this year by the American Talent Initiative.
“The university’s commitment to providing generous financial resources, allows more students to choose U-M and thrive once they arrive here,” said Tammie L. Durham Luis, assistant vice provost of enrollment management and executive director of financial aid. “We work to educate students on that commitment so that they can make an informed decision.”
U-M’s final enrollment data is based on data from the Sept. 18 fall census date.
“We’ve enjoyed welcoming the incoming undergraduate class to the university and having returning students back this fall, and can’t wait to see what they all accomplish,” Brumfield said.
