FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sept. 4, 2003
CONTACT: Ward Mullens
Ward.Mullens@emich.edu
734.487.4400

EMU Fall Enrollment Could be Biggest, Smartest in School History

YPSILANTI – Eastern Michigan University’s 5,916 new students for fall 2003 have only been in class a couple of days, but if the numbers hold, they will have already distinguished themselves in the EMU history books.

“This is the strongest academic class in the history of EMU and, if the numbers stay on course, this class will be the largest in EMU’s history,” said Courtney McAnuff, vice president for enrollment services.

EMU saw increases in every category of new students that comprises fall enrollment. Compared to last year’s class, the number of first-time students increased by 2 percent to 2,761; transfer students increased 6 percent to 1,790; and the number of new graduate students increased 3 percent to 1,369.

The number of new freshman students from Ohio attending EMU rose 7 percent to 216, and the number of new international students making EMU their choice increased 1 percent to 261.

McAnuff said that the projected final enrollment is 25,200 students, or an overall increase of 4 percent. Currently, enrollment is 900 students ahead of last year at the same time.

And while some forgo quality for quantity, the new EMU students are showing a dramatic increase in grade point average.

“We saw a 16 percent increase in the number of students with a 3.5 grade point average or higher,” McAnuff said.

When adding 3.0 – 3.49 GPA students registering in fall 2003, the increase is 18 percent compared to fall 2002.

That has translated into an increase of 3.17 percent in total credit hours generated at EMU. Last year EMU students took 255,786 credit hours. This year, that total is expected to top 259,853 hours.

McAnuff attributes the across-the-board increases to return on investment.

“The University has invested significantly in recruitment, marketing and, most importantly, scholarship aid. We have seen a multi-million dollar increase in general fund scholarships,” he said.

The growth in enrollment could not have come at better time, considering the state of Michigan’s economy and budget cuts in higher education.

“This is critical enrollment growth that can help the University offset an almost $10 million reduction in state appropriation,” McAnuff said. “If there are no additional cuts from the state, we should be able to maintain our programs.”

Eastern Michigan University is a public comprehensive metropolitan university that offers
programs in the arts, sciences and professions. EMU prepares students with the intellectual skills
and practical experiences to succeed in their careers and lives, and to be better citizens.

Eastern Michigan University was recently named “A Best Midwestern College” by Princeton Review’s “The Best Midwestern Colleges: 150 Great Schools to Consider,” and a “best tuition value” by Kaplan’s “Unofficial, Unbiased Guide to the 328 Most Interesting Colleges.”

EDITOR’S NOTE: Looking for an expert source for a story. Check out EMU’s Eastern Experts on-line at www.emich.edu/univcomm/easternexperts
###