Their first classes and undergraduate research experiences have barely begun, but at more than 1,480 strong, Michigan Tech's Class of 2025 is one for the record books.
Michigan Technological University’s newest Huskies arrived on campus last week, and they are the largest incoming class the University has seen since 1982, accounting for a 23% increase in first-year student enrollment from fall 2020. Incoming academic credentials remain the highest in University history.
“We couldn’t be more excited to welcome such an incredible class of talented students to the Michigan Tech family,” said Michigan Tech President Rick Koubek. “We are a distinct research institution, offering opportunities and experiences unique to Michigan Tech. Students recognize that. That’s why they want to be here.”
MTU’s incoming class also has the highest number of first-year students from ethnically diverse communities, with 162 identifying as members of underrepresented racial and ethnic groups. And, the University has 2,054 students who identify as women enrolled — its highest number ever, accounting for 29% of the total student population.
“Tech's record-breaking enrollment this year is proof positive that Michigan Tech is one of the top universities in the world, and we are indeed a destination institution for talented women, minority, international and other students,” said Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students Wallace Southerland III.
Tech’s total enrollment currently stands at 6,977, an increase from 6,875 in 2020-21, a year in which the global pandemic overshadowed the myriad of factors that consistently affect college choice. Full-time student enrollment has increased 3%.
“Students are choosing Michigan Tech not only for academics and the famed Husky experience, but also because the University proved time and again throughout the previous academic year that we’re committed to providing in-person learning while keeping the health and safety of our community paramount,” said Assistant Vice President for Enrollment Management Kyle Rubin.
MTU Flex, Tech’s comprehensive plan to ensure continuity of learning, teaching, research and workflows while prioritizing the health and safety of the campus community, includes proactive measures unique to the University’s deep research resources and exceptional faculty, such as wastewater monitoring to detect possible outbreaks in residence halls and the state’s only COVID-19 testing lab situated at a university without a medical school.
Beyond enrollment, Michigan Tech is projecting record gains in research expenditures and institutional giving. During the 2020-21 academic year, as MTU faculty pivoted to continue providing the learn-by-doing experience MTU is known for, researchers did what they do best, resulting in what is expected to be an all-time record of nearly $81.7 million in total research expenditures, an increase of nearly 5% over fiscal year 2020. The 2020-21 academic year also saw the University’s second-largest fundraising total in 20 years, at nearly $44 million. Over the last three years, the institution’s endowment has grown by roughly 40%.
“The value of a Michigan Tech education is clear,” said Rubin. “While we are already seeing this demand spill over into next year’s class, our focus remains on preserving the integrity of the Michigan Tech educational experience. How we manage enrollment growth moving forward will be critical in the coming years.”
Michigan Technological University is a public research university founded in 1885 in Houghton, Michigan, and is home to nearly 7,500 students from more than 60 countries around the world. Consistently ranked among the best universities in the country for return on investment, Michigan’s flagship technological university offers more than 120 undergraduate and graduate degree programs in science and technology, engineering, computing, forestry, business, health professions, humanities, mathematics, social sciences, and the arts. The rural campus is situated just miles from Lake Superior in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, offering year-round opportunities for outdoor adventure.
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