Michigan State University’s preliminary total fall enrollment topped 51,000 students, nearly 40,400 of which are undergraduate students – the largest undergraduate enrollment on record.

As one of the top research universities in the world comprised of nationally recognized faculty and robust graduate programs, MSU also continues to be an institution of choice for more than 7,700 graduate students and nearly 3,100 professional students, which includes those seeking a doctorate degree from MSU’s colleges of Human Medicine, Osteopathic Medicine, Veterinary Medicine, Nursing, Law and Business.

“It is exciting to see campus come alive again as we welcome students back for another academic year," said Interim President Teresa K. Woodruff, Ph.D. “MSU is an institution grounded in providing a world-class education with dedicated faculty and staff that will simultaneously challenge students and be an advocate for them on their academic journeys.”

This academic year also brings the most diverse student body in the university’s history. Students come from all 50 states, each of Michigan’s 83 counties and 130 different countries. Students of diverse backgrounds make up approximately 27% of the student body — more than any previous academic year. More specifically, enrollment among Asian students reached 9%, Hispanic/Latinx students rose to 7% and students of two or more races increased to 4%.

Delivering on the university’s commitment to ensuring a higher education degree is attainable for all students, MSU is on track to provide a record $390 million in federal, state, institutional and private alternative financial aid to more than 40,000 students by the end of the fall semester, including approximately 7,100 Pell-eligible students — an increase of $8 million in financial aid disbursed to approximately 41,000 students last fall.

“The Office of Financial Aid works diligently to eliminate financial barriers our students might encounter,” said Keith Williams, executive director of the Office of Financial Aid. “We believe Spartans should be able to focus on their studies and not have to worry about how to finance their education."

“As we embark on another exciting academic year, I am encouraged by the diversity within this student body,” said Board Chair Rema Vassar, Ph.D. “With diversity comes discovery and opportunity — working in tandem to eliminate barriers and obstacles for students, academically and socially. I wish all of our students a successful academic year and journey ahead.”

The university’s total preliminary fall enrollment data, which was presented to the Board of Trustees during Friday’s meeting, is based on the number of students enrolled as of Sept. 6. Final enrollment numbers will not be available until after the university’s deadline for tuition refunds on Sept. 21, 2023.

Read about MSU’s ranking as the No. 1 choice for a higher education degree among Michigan first-year students on MSUToday.