Michigan State University’s incoming freshman class is predicted to be the largest and most diverse in the school’s history, with more than 8,400 anticipated students.
The university’s enrollment projection of new incoming students for the 2018-19 academic year is based on the number of admitted students who paid their admissions deposit by the May 1 commitment date. Overall, the number of admitted students who have submitted deposits is up more than 2 percent from last year.
The colleges of Arts and Letters, Engineering, Natural Science, Nursing and Social Science all reflect double-digit freshman enrollment increases.
According to preliminary data, the 2018-19 freshman class represents the second-largest domestic non-resident total in university history.
Among domestic students, African-American enrollment is up nearly 24 percent. MSU continues to have the largest population of African-American students in the Big Ten. Hispanic enrollment is up 25 percent, while Asian enrollment climbed 36 percent.
The class represents an increase in in-state students. Currently, 76 percent of incoming freshmen are from Michigan, compared to 70 percent at this time last year. At the same time, the academic profile of the 2018-19 class remains consistent, with the middle 50 percent having an ACT composite score of 23-29 and SAT combined score of 1130-1300.
“The quality and value of the university continue to be validated by families who choose to invest in their students’ future at MSU,” said MSU Interim President John Engler. “I’m really pleased to see that Michigan State’s admissions numbers reflect students’ desire for world-class research and faculty.”
Notably, international student applications fell 31 percent, mostly among Chinese students, speaking to a national trend. However, MSU will likely see more students from India and Latin America.
MSU has already started to plan for the increase in students, which includes the hiring of additional faculty. In the fall, the university will offer more sections of basic courses – writing, science and mathematics – with more professors and graduate students teaching classes.
“MSU takes great pride in the trust the new freshman class has placed in our institution,” said Jim Cotter, executive director of admissions and recruitment. “Together, we will work to change our global community both socially and educationally.”