CMU kicks off the academic year with more Michigan students

More new domestic undergraduate students — and more students from its home state of Michigan — enrolled at Central Michigan University this fall. And, with gains in new enrollments and a 76.2% first-to-second year retention rate, total undergraduate enrollment remains even with last year, according to Vice President of Student Recruitment and Retention Jennifer DeHaemers. 

“While our student retention rate is higher than the national average among public four-year institutions, we know we can keep that number growing,” DeHaemers said. “The Central Career Guarantee offers even more opportunities for CMU to engage with students early in their academic journey, provide strong academic and career counseling, and help students find support and encouragement along the way.” 

DeHaemers said another boost to enrollment came from charter schools authorized by the Governor John Engler Center for Charter Schools. 

“We have been able to do some amazing partnership events with the CMU Center for Charter Schools team, including the Go Grant-funded Charter to CMU Chippewa Program,” she said. “It’s a very intentional program designed to help students see themselves in higher education and know that a college degree is something they can really achieve.” 

CMU Online also saw enrollments even with last year, said CMU Online Vice President Kaleb Patrick. 

“We are ensuring that CMU offers the highest quality, flexible and affordable online programs for students,” Patrick said. “Whether we’re connecting with a high school student looking to start a degree online or an adult learner looking for career advancement opportunities, we have something great to offer. We’re making it easier than ever for students to earn a CMU degree online.”  

New partnerships with community colleges 

CMU also saw growing enrollment from its community college partners. Enrollment from the Central Bound program at Lansing Community College is up nearly 50% over last year, and enrollment from Delta College, which has a strong articulation agreement with CMU, is up more than 30% over last year. 

“With Michigan’s tremendous investment in community colleges through programs like the Community College Guarantee and Michigan Reconnect, we know more students are beginning their higher education journey at our state’s many community colleges,” DeHaemers said. “We want to offer them a seamless opportunity to continue their education at CMU, and we’re thrilled to be partnering with so many wonderful colleges to make that possible.” 

The Central Bound program received a significant investment this year from the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement and Potential — a $650,000 Accelerate Grant to expand partnerships with community colleges.

DeHaemers and Patrick both noted several additional partnerships now in works with community colleges in nearly every corner of the state. 

Overall enrollment 

Overall enrollment is down slightly, which DeHaemers said had been expected due to significant reductions in international student enrollment. 

“With several federal changes affecting international students last year, we were prepared to see a decline in our international student enrollments this year,” DeHaemers said.  

However, she said she expects to see international student recruitment rebound in the coming years, and said CMU will continue to build awareness and establish relationships with students around the globe. 

She also indicated great optimism in the future of enrollment at CMU. 

“We began the implementation of our Strategic Enrollment Management plan this year, and we expect to see our efforts reflected in enrollment numbers in the coming years,” DeHaemers said. “We know that many new students and their families were inspired by the new Central Career Guarantee, which is still accepting sign-ups through October 15. We are going to keep doing the important work of connecting with prospective students and supporters and showing them all the amazing things CMU has to offer.”