EMU Today

YPSILANTI – Eastern Michigan University has enrolled an academically strong and diverse entering freshman class as classes begin today, Wednesday, Sept. 5.

While final enrollment numbers will not be available for several weeks, the class displays solid academic preparation and spotlights the distinct level of diversity to be found on Eastern’s campus. The enrollment also continues to reflect Eastern’s goal of aligning its academic programs with the state’s economic needs.

Higher GPAs and ACT scores

This year's incoming freshman class is well prepared academically, continuing a trend of improved GPAs and ACT scores in recent history. The average GPA of incoming freshmen is 3.24, an increase from 3.12 in 2011. Average ACT scores have increased to 22.2  from 21.06 seven years ago. The largest number of new incoming freshmen students fall into the 3.5 to 4.0 high school GPA category.

Increasing diversity

The entering freshman class also underscores the continuing level of diversity at Eastern, a key point of pride and distinction, with students of color making up 31 percent of the entering class.

Recent University activities

• Students on University tours are taking notice of the $90 million Science Complex, which serves as the centerpiece of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) education at Eastern. This fall, the University is continuing renovations on adjacent Strong Hall, the third and final phase of the Science Complex. The Michigan legislature approved funding for the project, with the estimated cost to renovate Strong Hall at $40 million, with a funding mix of 75 percent state and 25 percent University.

• Over the last 10 years, Eastern has continually reinvested in improving its academic facilities and residence halls, along with upgrading classroom technology.

• For example, this past year’s construction activity featured academic facility enhancements, along with improvements in campus safety and security, IT infrastructure and classroom technology. Efforts also include sustainability enhancements that will significantly reduce energy consumption/costs, as well as further expansion and renovation of dining options.

• Along with Strong Hall, other noteworthy projects beginning this year include the renovation of Sill Hall, home of the College of Technology, and major improvements to the REC/IM building.

• Eastern has also recently invested in more advising services, including increasing staff and recently opening the Francine Parker Advising Center in the Student Center, and opening an additional financial aid walk-in center in McKenny Hall.

• Eastern continues to focus on adding new academic programs in high demand, high pay fields that meet the needs of today’s employers. In just the last 20 months, new programs added include:

• Mechanical Engineering
• Electrical and Computer Engineering
• Data Science & Analytics
• Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages
• Master of Science in Finance
• Information Technology
• Fermentation Science

• Affordability for students continues to be a priority. This past year, Eastern Michigan announced the TRUEMU Global Rate tuition plan, offering in-state tuition pricing to international students.  Eastern has a five-year goal to double the number of international students enrolling at the University, and has been recognized as a national leader in the The #YouAreWelcomeHere campaign, designed to ensure international students and scholars know they will find a friendly and supportive environment at U.S. universities.

About Eastern Michigan University

Founded in 1849, Eastern is the second oldest public university in Michigan. It currently serves about 20,000 students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, specialist, doctoral and certificate degrees in the arts, sciences and professions. In all, more than 300 majors, minors and concentrations are delivered through the University's Colleges of Arts and Sciences; Business; Education; Health and Human Services; Technology, and its graduate school. EMU is regularly recognized by national publications for its excellence, diversity, and commitment to applied education. For more information about Eastern Michigan University, visit the University's website.