The University of Michigan is now solidly the largest university in Michigan in the number of overall students, but Michigan State University still enrolls more Michigan students.

Both universities saw large enrollments this year. UM said in a University Record article on Monday, Oct. 5 that this fall’s enrollment climbed to a record 54,181 students on the Ann Arbor campus, a 1% increase from last year’s total of 53,488.

MSU experienced a second year of declining enrollment, with 50,941 students on campus this fall, falling almost 2% from last year’s 51,838, the university said in an Oct. 5 press release.

But Michigan State enrolled more in-state students, university data shows. About 37,244, or most of the enrolled students, are from Michigan and all of Michigan’s 83 counties are represented at MSU, the university said.

Just over half of UM’s total students, about 27,742, are from Michigan. Last year was the first time in-state students outnumbered out-of-state and international students at the university.

“Students continue to look to Michigan as they prepare for their future for its exceptional academic experience, breadth of opportunities, significant resources and engaged faculty,” said Adele Brumfield, UM vice provost for enrollment management. “These reasons, and many more, explain why amid a challenging higher education landscape, U-M’s appeal remained strong, with record new and returning undergraduate student enrollment.”

UM saw undergraduate enrollment rise nearly 4.5%, from 35,358 undergraduate students last year to 36,945 students this year. Enrollment increased 6% for first-year students, from 8,178 to 8,659, the university said. The article added that graduate student enrollment declined slightly from last year.

Undergraduate enrollment at Michigan State totals over 40,800, the university said. The university welcomed 9,657 first year students, an increase of about 3%.

MSU saw more diversity in international enrollment with students from 127 countries attending the university. UM enrolled students from 54 foreign countries,

“As Michigan’s state university, our core commitment is to serve the people and communities of our state while preparing our graduates to lead on a global stage,” MSU President Kevin Guskiewicz said in a statement. “The strong demand for an MSU education demonstrates that Michigan families continue to place their trust in the practical, exceptional and transformative experience we deliver. Welcoming students from every one of Michigan’s 83 counties, across the country and around the world reinforces our land-grant mission and enriches our entire Spartan community.”

satwood@detroitnews.com

This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: UM sets enrollment record, while MSU is still tops in certain students

Reporting by Sarah Atwood, The Detroit News / The Detroit News

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