CMU sees enrollment gains and retention boost amid new partnerships

Central Michigan University announced a waiver of application fees for all domestic freshman and transfer applicants through October 31, and reported a 76.2% first-to-second year retention rate, according to Vice President of Student Recruitment and Retention Jennifer DeHaemers.

Enrollment gains were driven by partnerships with charter schools, online programs, and community colleges. DeHaemers highlighted the Go Grant‑funded Charter to CMU Chippewa Program and the Central Bound program at Lansing Community College, which saw a nearly 50% increase over last year, while enrollment from Delta College rose more than 30%.

The university also received a $650,000 Accelerate Grant from the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement and Potential to expand community college collaborations. DeHaemers and CMU Online Vice President Kaleb Patrick noted that the Central Career Guarantee remains open for sign‑ups through October 15, and that the Strategic Enrollment Management plan will continue to drive enrollment growth.

Read the full story at cmich.edu.