Enrollment in Michigan Universities on the Rise, but Larger Schools Dominating
LANSING — Michigan is experiencing a surge in higher education enrollment, providing hope for the state’s future economy. However, while larger universities like Michigan State University and the University of Michigan are thriving, smaller colleges such as Central Michigan University are struggling to attract students.
According to a report by the Michigan Association of State Universities, Michigan has witnessed a 0.5% increase in total enrollment over the past year. This upward trend is viewed as a positive indicator for both the financial well-being of colleges and the state’s talent pool.
Daniel Hurley, CEO of the Michigan Association of State Universities, emphasized the significance of higher education enrollment, stating, Not only is it critical for the institutional health of colleges, but it also affects the state’s talent levels. He highlighted the growing demand for workers with a four-year degree or higher among employers, underscoring the importance of equipping Michigan with competitive educational institutions.
Governor Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan legislature have prioritized educational advancement to ensure Michigan’s competitiveness with neighboring states. The aim of the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential is to increase the percentage of Michigan adults with a college degree or skill certificate to 60% by 2030. Currently, 50.5% of Michigan adults possess some form of post-secondary education.
However, achieving this ambitious goal does not solely rely on traditional high school graduates pursuing higher education. Ryan Fewins-Bliss, executive director of the Michigan College Access Network, emphasized the urgent need to target adult and nontraditional students in order to reach the state’s educational targets.
While larger universities have successfully bounced back from enrollment declines during the pandemic and have even exceeded pre-pandemic levels, smaller regional state colleges are still grappling with dwindling student numbers. Fewins-Bliss referred to this as a trickle-down effect, whereby Michigan State University and the University of Michigan expanded their acceptance rates, attracting students who would have otherwise attended smaller institutions like Grand Valley or Western Michigan University. Consequently, these smaller colleges began accepting students who may have opted for community college in the past.
The pandemic also impacted international student enrollment, further contributing to the decline in enrollment at smaller institutions. However, larger universities remain highly attractive due to their diverse offerings and strong school spirit, as evidenced by high attendance from Michigan residents.
Despite the challenges faced by smaller colleges like Central Michigan University, strategic enrollment planning can make a significant difference. Hurley expressed confidence in these institutions, stating, Schools like Ferris, Western, Central, they can all turn around. He encouraged colleges to effectively package their financial aid and praised the state’s efforts in creating and enhancing financial aid assistance.
The Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential has initiated Michigan Reconnect to assist community colleges in attracting and admitting students. The program provides financial support for eligible adults aged 25 and older pursuing an associate degree or skills certificate at their local community college.
To incentivize high school graduates to attend Michigan colleges, the state has introduced the Michigan Achievement Scholarship, which offers up to $5,500 per year for five years to students committing to a four-year degree. The scholarship has already granted over $53 million to eligible recipients.
However, both Hurley and Fewins-Bliss stressed the importance of changing perceptions about college and showcasing its value to students and their families. Fewins-Bliss urged students to understand the power of college, regardless of the chosen educational path, emphasizing the significance of having options to make informed decisions about their future.
In conclusion, while Michigan is witnessing an overall increase in university enrollment, the growth is concentrated in larger institutions. Smaller colleges face challenges in attracting students, but strategic planning, financial aid assistance, and changing perceptions about higher education can help reverse this trend. As the state works toward its educational goals, diverse initiatives aim to ensure a well-equipped and competitive labor force for Michigan’s future economy.
