Three-peat: UM-Flint fall enrollment continues climb for third consecutive year

For the third year in a row, the University of Michigan-Flint has recorded an increase in total fall enrollment as 7,124 students are enrolled at the downtown campus, reflecting a gain of 595 students, a 9.1% jump from one year ago.

The numbers come from UM-Flint's release of its official 10-day count of students, which is used for state and national reporting purposes. This rise in enrollment follows a 2.4% climb in 2023 and a 6.5% increase in 2024.

This fall, UM-Flint eclipsed 7,000 students for the first time since fall 2019, when more than 7,200 students were enrolled.

"Three consecutive years of enrollment growth reaffirm UM-Flint's standing as a leading educational institution in the region," said UM-Flint Chancellor Laurence B. Alexander. "Prospective students appreciate the exceptional value we offer-combining academic excellence with affordability. This sustained growth also signals to our stakeholders that our career-focused programs are driving workforce development and making a measurable impact on the future of our communities."

The overall gain is contributed to by a 10.5% increase in undergraduate students (+528) and a more than 4.4% rise in graduate students (+67).

Another notable growth area is the record-setting number of undergraduate transfer students, 1,041, which represents a 26.6% categorical increase. The previous mark of 957 was established in fall 2011.

"At UM-Flint, our approach to academic programming remains intentional and responsive, aligning market-driven degrees with the evolving goals of our students," said Abby Parrill-Baker, provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs. "This strategy is a key reason why more students choose UM-Flint each year. By collaborating closely with industry partners, we ensure that our curricula equip graduates with the skills employers need today and tomorrow. That preparation is reinforced through hands-on opportunities - from internships and clinical placements to mentored research - that allow students to apply what they learn in real-world settings. Our commitment goes beyond preparing students for careers - it's about empowering them to contribute meaningfully to their communities and navigate a rapidly shifting world with confidence."

The 577 new first-time students entering UM-Flint do so with an average high school GPA of 3.54, tying the previous high-water mark from fall 2021.

The jumps in first-time and new transfer students continue their upward trend that began in 2022, when those categories showed gains for the first time in six and 11 years, respectively.

"This fall, we welcomed our largest class of first-time students since 2019 and the largest transfer class in the 70-year history of UM-Flint," said Joe Vainner, director of undergraduate admissions. "Our transfer enrollment has more than doubled since 2021. At a time when the number of high school graduates in Michigan is declining, the fact that UM-Flint continues to grow is a testament to the value of a University of Michigan degree."

"We are seeing tremendous momentum in graduate education," said Christopher Lewis, director of graduate programs. "Applications for graduate study were up 34.2% compared to last year, with the number of total graduate students increasing by 4.4%. We are confident this growth trend will continue and are excited about the positive direction of graduate enrollment at UM-Flint."

Each of UM-Flint's five colleges and schools saw enrollments increase, with the School of Management (+224) leading the way, followed by the College of Health Sciences (+133), the School of Nursing (+106), the College of Arts, Sciences & Education (+79), and the College of Innovation & Technology (+53).

The Go Blue Guarantee, which offers qualifying students free tuition, also contributes to these increases in new enrollment and student persistence.

"I am delighted that the expansion of the Go Blue Guarantee has further accelerated the impressive gains in enrollment and student success we've seen over the past several years," said Jon Davidson, UM-Flint Office of Enrollment Management. "In addition to a rise in first-year and transfer enrollment, our first-year retention rate is the second highest in more than 18 years. The Go Blue Guarantee is helping to make a University of Michigan degree more accessible and valuable than ever before."

UM-Flint's fall 2025 enrollment includes 5,539 undergraduates and 1,585 graduate students, compared to last year's figures of 5,011 and 1,518, respectively.

Credit hours have also significantly increased, with 75,610 credits registered for fall 2025, representing a 10.7% increase over last year's total.

Overall, 95% of the university's students hail from Michigan, and more than 80% of alumni reside in the state, strengthening the state's talent pipeline and regional workforce.