After a record-setting 57,898 applications were submitted for the upcoming academic year, more than 9,800 first-year students are expected on campus starting Thursday, Michigan State University President Samuel L. Stanley Jr., M.D., announced today.

The fall 2022 entering class sets a new record for the university, exceeding last year’s largest entering class of 9,200 students. And with new students from 82 of Michigan’s 83 counties, MSU is positioned to maintain its place as a top choice of in-state students.

“The excitement of the fall semester is growing, and so too is our momentum in building a more diverse and engaged community that will make a difference in the world,” Stanley said. “It’s clear students are choosing Michigan State University for a world-class education they know will prepare them for the future. And our commitment to their success, safety and well-being will remain our foremost priority.”

The 2022 entering class is among the most diverse in recent history with students of color increasing by 175 over last year — a 7% increase. The largest increase among diverse students is with students of two or more races — from 328 in 2021 to 515 this fall, an increase of 57%. There also are more Indigenous students enrolled over last year.

The entering class has a significant increase in international students, growing from 570 in 2021 to 794 this fall. The university also has a higher number of transfer students and will welcome 1,465 transfers to campus for the fall semester, an increase of 189 over last year.

“We are so proud to welcome so many new Spartans this semester,” said John Ambrose, MSU’s executive director of admissions and recruitment. “We are working hard to ensure all students in this class get the attention and resources they need to succeed as Spartans.”

Topping the list of the most popular MSU colleges among new students were the Eli Broad College of Business (1,990 students), the College of Engineering (1,784), the College of Social Science (1,262) and the College of Natural Science (1,257). Together, the four colleges account for 64% of the entering class, who selected majors within those colleges.

The university’s enrollment projection is based on the number of admitted students who paid deposits. Final enrollment numbers will not be available until after the university’s deadline for tuition refunds on Sept. 23.  

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