Enrollment rises at NMU, Michigan Tech

What's happening: Both of the Upper Peninsula’s largest universities — Northern Michigan University and Michigan Technological University — are reporting an increase in student enrollment this semester. NMU's enrollment increased by 212 students to a total of 7,409; Michigan Tech increased by 110 to 7,430 students. 
This marks the largest student body on Tech’s campus since 1982. 

Identifying the students: Universities in the Upper Peninsula have been looking at how they provide education, identifying majors and certificates for fields in need of skilled labor. By identifying what type of students are attending the university, they can continue to uphold a higher standard for their programs. At Michigan Tech, undergraduate enrollment saw the largest boost while also having an 88.7 percent retention rate (a new record of retention for the university).

Northern Michigan is relying on increased enrollment in graduate programs and its global campus initiative, which are up 30.5 percent and approximately 20 percent, respectively. Both universities are also celebrating diversity of their student body. At NMU, the number of African American students has nearly doubled, and Native American populations have increased by almost 30 percent. In total, the students of color population increased 15.2 percent, according to NMU. At Tech, 30 percent of the student population is female, with increased interest in women’s student organization, women’s outreach programs and emphasis on greater gender equality in STEM fields. 

What they're saying: “I am enthusiastic about Michigan Tech’s continued growth,” said University President Rick 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 No. 1 public university for salary impact, according to The Wall Street Journal.” 

“We’re thrilled to see our enrollment numbers continue to climb, especially in light of the challenges facing higher education today — challenges that are even more pronounced for regional public institutions like ours,” said Jason Nicholas, assistant provost and director of Institutional Effectiveness. “Our incoming freshman class has grown for the second consecutive year, building on last year’s impressive 10% increase. Additionally, our graduate programs are experiencing unprecedented growth, with the highest count of degree-seeking students in at least the last 20 years. These figures reflect the increasing value and appeal of an NMU education in a competitive landscape.”

What's next: Both schools will use the data from their student body to continue the effectiveness of their master plans and make small adjustments to make sure that both Northern Michigan and Michigan Tech continue to be leaders in the Upper Peninsula and beyond.