LANSING — For the first time in 12 years, Michigan higher education enrollment is on the rise, a statistic experts said is a good sign for the future economy of the state.
It’s not good news for all Michigan public universities, however. The largest schools, Michigan State University and the University of Michigan, are seeing more students enroll but smaller schools like Central Michigan University continue to battle falling enrollment.
Michigan has seen a 0.5% increase in total enrollment over the past year, according to a report by the Michigan Association of State Universities.
“Enrollment (in higher education) is a critical metric … Not only for the institutional health of colleges, but also the state’s talent levels,” said Daniel Hurley, CEO of the Michigan Association of State Universities.
More employers want workers who have a four-year degree or more, Hurley said. Making sure that the state can compete with other states through education has been a priority for Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan legislature.