Exploring Central Michigan University's Student Population

Central Michigan University (CMU) is a public research university located in Mount Pleasant, Michigan. Established in 1892, the university has seen a recent increase in its student population, with preliminary numbers placing total enrollment at 14,666 students. This marks the first time in ten years that CMU has experienced an overall increase in student numbers, with gains in both first-year and transfer student populations. CMU offers over 200 academic programs and is committed to providing an inclusive and equitable learning environment for its diverse student body.

Undergraduate enrollment is over 10,000

Central Michigan University (CMU) is a public research university located in Mount Pleasant, Michigan. It was founded in 1892 and currently offers over 200 academic programs to its students. CMU's undergraduate enrollment stands at over 10,000 students, with a total enrollment of around 14,000 to 15,000 students across all levels, including master's, specialist, and doctoral programs.

CMU's undergraduate enrollment has seen fluctuations over the years, with the latest data from fall 2023 indicating a total of 10,079 undergraduate students. This number represents a slight increase from previous years, marking the third consecutive year of growth in first-year and transfer student enrollment. The university's efforts to attract new students and its strong academic reputation have contributed to this positive trend.

CMU offers a comprehensive education that prepares students for successful careers and lifelong learning. The university is committed to providing an inclusive and equitable learning environment, fostering a diverse and welcoming community. With its wide range of academic programs, CMU ensures that students have numerous opportunities to pursue their academic and career goals.

The university has experienced an overall enrollment increase for the first time in a decade. This growth is attributed to gains in both first-year and transfer student populations. CMU's preliminary total enrollment numbers for the current year stand at 14,666 students. The university's various scholarship programs, such as the Centralis transfer scholars initiative, also contribute to its appeal for prospective students.

CMU's student body is diverse, with a notable increase in international students. The university's focus on global recruitment has resulted in a significant rise in international student enrollment, with a 42.2% increase from 2022. This contributes to the cultural richness and diversity that CMU values and promotes within its community.

Total enrollment is over 14,000

Central Michigan University (CMU) is a public research university located in Mount Pleasant, Michigan. It was founded in 1892 and currently offers over 200 academic programs across various fields, including business, education, health professions, humanities, social and behavioural sciences, and STEM. With a total enrollment of over 14,000 students, CMU provides a comprehensive education that prepares its students for successful careers and lifelong learning.

The university has seen fluctuations in its enrollment numbers over the years. In the fall of 2023, CMU's enrollment figures increased for the first time in ten years, with a total of 14,666 students. This includes 2,233 new freshmen, making it the biggest class of first-year students since 2019. The university also welcomed 971 transfer students for the fall semester, contributing to the overall enrollment increase.

CMU's student body is diverse, with students coming from different places and backgrounds. The university is committed to providing an inclusive and equitable learning environment for all its students. The majority of CMU students live in one of the 21 on-campus residence halls, which are arranged in four areas throughout the campus. These residence halls offer a mix of suite and bedroom options to accommodate different student needs.

In addition to its academic programs, CMU also offers a range of extracurricular activities, including Greek life, student-run media organizations, and athletic programs. The Central Michigan Chippewas compete in the NCAA Division I Mid-American Conference in six men's and ten women's sports. CMU's football program, for example, has produced notable players such as Antonio Brown and Joe Staley and has won the MAC Football Championship Game multiple times.

With its large student population, diverse academic offerings, and extracurricular opportunities, Central Michigan University provides a well-rounded and engaging educational experience for its students. The university's commitment to excellence and student success is evident in its diverse programs and initiatives, making it a top choice for higher education in the Midwest.

Enrollment has been declining since 2015

Central Michigan University (CMU) is a public research university located in Mount Pleasant, Michigan. It was established in 1892 and currently offers over 200 academic programs to its students.

While CMU has seen an overall increase in enrollment in 2025, with a total of 14,666 students, enrollment has been declining since 2015. In fact, between 2012 and 2022, CMU experienced a 46% drop in total enrollment. The last peak of enrollment was in 2015, with a total of 25,528 students, including 6,147 graduate students. Since then, the enrollment rates have been steadily declining.

The decrease in enrollment at CMU can be attributed to various factors. One reason is the competition from other universities in the state, which are also vying for students. Additionally, there has been a decline in the number of students within the 18-year-old age range in Michigan and across the United States, resulting in a smaller pool of prospective students.

Despite the overall decline in enrollment, CMU has seen an increase in new students in recent years. The university has witnessed an influx of new freshmen, transfer students, and re-admitted students since 2021. This positive trend is expected to continue, with projections for stabilization or even an increase in undergraduate enrollment in 2024.

The most notable increase has been in international students, with a significant rise from 2021 to 2022, followed by another substantial increase in 2023. This growth is attributed to the university's dedicated efforts in international recruitment and admissions, led by Dr. Ling Zhang, who has successfully built relationships with students and advisors worldwide.

Enrollment increased for the first time in 10 years in 2025

Central Michigan University (CMU) has seen its first increase in student enrollment in a decade. The university's overall enrollment figures for the 2025 academic year increased to 14,666 total students, up from 14,411 in 2023. This marks the third consecutive year of gains in first-year and transfer student numbers, with 2,233 new freshmen and 971 transfer students joining CMU in 2025.

The rise in enrollment is a significant shift for CMU, which has experienced a general downward trend in student numbers over the last eight years. The last peak in enrollment was in 2015, when the university had a total of 25,528 students. Despite this previous decline, CMU has seen an influx of new students in recent years, with increases in freshmen, transfers, and re-admitted students since 2021. This positive trend is attributed to various factors, including the university's reputation, academic programs, and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

CMU's integrative public relations program, along with its focus on student growth and support for marginalized communities, have been cited as attractive features for new students. The university's outdoor environmental recreation program is also recognized as one of the best in the country. Additionally, CMU's commitment to providing an inclusive and equitable learning environment sets it apart as a top choice for higher education in the Midwest.

The university offers over 200 academic programs across various fields, including business, education, health professions, humanities, and STEM. With its diverse range of educational opportunities and dedication to student success, CMU continues to be a leading public research institution in Mount Pleasant, Michigan.

The university has 21 on-campus residence halls

Central Michigan University (CMU) has 21 on-campus residence halls, which are arranged across four areas of the campus. The North Residence Halls include Larzelere, Trout, Calkins, and Robinson. The South Residence Halls include Beddow, Merrill, Thorpe, and Sweeney. The East Residence Halls include Saxe, Herrig, Woldt, Emmons, Celani, and Fabiano. The Towers include Carey, Cobb, Troutman, Wheeler, Campbell, Kesseler, and Kulhavi.

The majority of the rooms in the CMU residence halls are two-bedroom suites designed for four or five people. Three of the Original Towers (Cobb, Troutman, and Wheeler) are nine-story high-rise residence halls designed primarily for freshmen, featuring one-bedroom suites for three or four people. The fourth Original Tower, Carey, was renovated into double-occupancy rooms in 2020 to accommodate decreased enrollment. The New Towers, as well as Fabiano and Celani, are designed primarily for upperclassmen, with four-bedroom suites. Residents of Robinson, Carey, Celani, Fabiano, Campbell, Kesseler, and Kulhavi pay an additional charge over the standard room and board rate.

Each district is connected to one of four Residential Restaurants. The Towers feature the RFoC (Real Food on Campus), while the East Complex features the Fresh Food Company. Each area also has an after-hours snack shop.

Some of the residence halls are designated as official Living Learning Communities, associated with a particular academic department. This allows students living there to collaborate and study with others from similar programs. For example, Beddow Hall is designated for Business, Herrig Hall for Music, Emmons Hall for Health Professions, and Woldt Hall for Science and Engineering.

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