Enrollment decline in MI, steeper for some students of color

Overall undergrad enrollment in MI has dropped 26% since 2011, but the impacts are felt differently among students of color.

Michigan has lost 143,925 undergrad students since 2011. Part of this decline is related to expiring Federal Department of Labor programs tied to the Great Recession. However, the enrollment decline (or increase for some student groups) continued on its path even after these recession-era programs expired. Declines of this magnitude are already impacting the Michigan labor market.

Students of color felt enrollment impacts differently. Black students and American Indian students in particular had the largest declines.

Black students experienced a 42% decline, losing 32,500 students between 2011 and 2021. American Indian students experienced a 45% decline, losing nearly 2,000 students.

Hispanic enrollment in Michigan is growing, despite the declining overall trend. Hispanic enrollment in college in Michigan grew almost 50%, increasing from 17,567 in 2011 to 25,783 in 2021. A positive indicator given extensive declines for other students of color.

If you have any questions or would like further information, don’t hesitate to reach out.

Please contact MICU for further information or questions. ccesaro@micolleges.org