MSU has proven once again that it is Michigan’s state university with a historic 52,089 students enrolled — the university’s largest-ever enrollment for a fall semester with 37,646 from the state of Michigan.
The impressive enrollment includes international students from 138 countries, students from all 50 states and 37,646 students representing all 83 counties in Michigan. This fall, MSU welcomed 10,978 new undergraduate students, comprised of first-year students and transfer students. Combined with 30,526 returning students for a total of 41,234, it is MSU’s largest number of undergraduate students to date.
“These enrollment numbers reflect what Spartans know to be true — that Michigan State offers a world-class education, a transformative college experience and excellent return on graduates’ investment in degrees that become appreciating assets throughout their careers,” said President Kevin M. Guskiewicz, Ph.D.
In addition to the high enrollment, this 2024-25 class is exciting for several other reasons.
- Students of color make up 27.8% of the domestic class, making it MSU’s most diverse student body.
- MSU received 62,138 applications for the fall class, exceeding last year’s 58,879 by 5.5%.
- Of the 10,978 new undergraduate students, 78.1% are from Michigan.
“These enrollment numbers are evidence of the strength of MSU’s reputation and success — and of our ongoing commitment to expand access and opportunity for all students,” said MSU Interim Provost Thomas Jeitschko. “They reflect sustained interest in MSU as the destination of choice for our in-state undergraduates and continued progress in opening our doors widely to the broadest range of students.”
MSU also continues to prioritize increasing access and reducing financial barriers to a quality, world-class education, which was highlighted during President Guskiewicz’s recent remarks at his Sept. 29 investiture ceremony, where he highlighted several key initiatives to accomplish just that. One is a new merit-based scholarship named after MSU’s first president and first lady, Joseph R. and Sarah L. Williams. The scholarship will fund tuition, food and housing as well as an education abroad or other experiential education opportunity for undergraduates.
President Guskiewicz also announced the establishment of the Native American Tuition Advantage program, an expansion of the current Spartan Tuition Advantage program. Students from anywhere in the United States or Canada who meet tribal affiliation criteria will qualify for in-state tuition levels and, potentially, the Spartan Tuition Advantage program.
The university also announced a nearly $1 million grant from the state of Michigan, as part of its Sixty by 30 initiative, which will allow MSU to improve credit evaluation, grow opportunities for the Credit for Prior Learning program and create partnerships with Michigan community colleges that will increase access to an MSU degree for students across the state.