Michigan Technological University continues its steady rise. For the second year in a row, more than 7,400 students enrolled as Huskies — the most the University has seen since the early 1980s. This year’s incoming class reflects not only the rising demand for a Michigan Tech degree, but also record academic quality, with an average high school GPA of 3.86 — the highest in University history.
Michigan Tech welcomed 1,601 new first-year and transfer students for fall 2025, a 6% increase from last year. Tech has also achieved a retention rate of 88.3%, highlighting the University's dedication to student success and strategic, measured growth.
Many of the University's most prominent programs saw double-digit percentage increases in enrollment, including electrical engineering, biomedical engineering, civil engineering, mechanical engineering, and forestry. The new aerospace engineering degree program welcomed 61 incoming first-year students, a testament to Michigan Tech's continued relevance in the fields where today's students and tomorrow's industries intersect.
Graduates continue to see strong returns on their investment, with a median early career salary of $82,400 and a 94.6% placement rate. These outcomes reflect both the caliber of students choosing Michigan Tech and the preparation they receive to lead in today’s high-demand fields.
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6%increase in first-year enrollment
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$82,400median early career salary for grads
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88.3%retention rate
The start of the 2025-26 academic year also marks Michigan Tech's largest incoming group of Thompson Scholars since the program began at Tech in 2020, with 125 first-year students receiving the Working Families Scholarship. In total, more than 580 Huskies have taken part in the program over the last five years, contributing over 16,000 hours of community service. A new dedicated space in the University's Alumni House now provides study areas, a lounge and a gathering space to support the program's continued growth.
Career Connections
Each year, Michigan Tech's Career Fair brings more than 400 companies and 2,000 recruiters to campus, connecting Huskies with employers across every industry. More than half of Tech's student body participates in the semiannual event, making it one of the best opportunities for students to explore career paths, build networks and launch their professional journeys.
Michigan Tech's steady enrollment growth stems from the Campus Master Plan adopted in 2022, which sets a deliberate course of expansion to ensure the University continues to offer high-quality education while strategically enhancing campus resources. By pursuing purposeful growth, Tech is drawing talented students from across the nation and the globe — all while preserving the close-knit community and personalized education that define the Husky experience.
University President Rick Koubek noted that Michigan Tech's continued growth underscores the University's long-standing reputation for academic excellence and forward-leaning educational strategy.
"This year's incoming class will be the first to participate in our new Essential Education program, an innovative general education curriculum that builds a 21st century skill set crucial for our students to become leaders who can respond to the increasingly frequent technological changes impacting our economy and society."
In February, a Carnegie R1 designation placed Michigan Tech among the nation's top research universities, and Tech is poised for continued momentum. From breakthroughs in aerospace, robotics and artificial intelligence to the launch of Essential Ed and the opening of new East Hall residential housing, Tech is leading with innovation, research excellence and an education that delivers impact far beyond campus.
Innovation in Aerospace, Robotics and AI
Huskies are preparing to lead in the industries of the future, with Michigan Tech advancing opportunities in aerospace engineering, robotics and artificial intelligence. Building on a strong foundation in mechanical engineering, Tech's aerospace program immerses students in aerodynamics, propulsion and space systems — and gives them the chance to apply their skills on projects like nanosatellites for NASA and advanced aircraft testing in Tech's state-of-the-art labs.
Robotics at Michigan Tech combines the University's strengths in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering and computer science to train students in the design and programming of intelligent machines. Whether they are competing in national robotics competitions or conducting research that will impact industries from manufacturing to health care, Huskies are developing the expertise to create the next generation of autonomous systems.
"Tomorrow needs every engineer, and the College of Engineering is preparing the next generation to lead in high-demand fields including aerospace and ecological engineering, as well as interdisciplinary areas like robotics and artificial intelligence. Huskies are ready to tackle tomorrow's challenges," said Michelle Scherer, dean of the College of Engineering.
"Industry leaders consistently tell me they hire Huskies because our graduates know how to problem-solve, collaborate, and communicate."
At Michigan Tech, artificial intelligence is seen as a powerful instrument — one that demands both skill and responsibility. Across disciplines, students are learning to integrate AI with human ingenuity, oversight and collaboration to create results that are both innovative and responsible. By treating AI as an instrument rather than a shortcut, students develop true proficiency. This approach ensures graduates enter the workforce ready to lead in a world being reshaped by AI — applying it with intention alongside their own judgment to solve real-world problems and drive meaningful change.
"AI is transforming how we live and work, but its true value comes from people who know how to use it well,” said Dennis Livesay, Dave House Dean of Computing for the College of Computing. “At Michigan Tech, we prepare students to approach AI with intention and deep understanding, using human creativity and judgment to unlock the full potential of the technology."
Research in Focus
As a newly designated R1 research-intensive university, Michigan Tech joins the University of Michigan, Michigan State University and Wayne State University as the fourth R1 institution in the state — and the only one located in a remote setting.
With research expenditures surpassing $100 million for the last two years, faculty and students are advancing solutions to pressing challenges in areas such as national defense, advanced manufacturing and human health. Michigan Tech's research reflects a strong connection to place while driving innovation with global reach.
Andrew Barnard, vice president for research, said the R1 ranking is a reflection of the innovation and productivity of Michigan Tech's faculty, staff and students over the previous decade, and that it inspires students through research experiences both locally and globally.
"We are unique in the R1 ranks, having a singular opportunity to bring a rural perspective to solving global grand challenges."
Essential Education Launches
This fall, Michigan Tech introduced Essential Education, a forward-thinking, student-centered core curriculum that replaces the University's previous general education requirements. Built around four learning goals and 12 Essential Abilities, Essential Ed equips Huskies with the critical skills tomorrow's workplaces demand.
The program gives students ownership of their learning through high-impact experiences, including first-year seminars, interdisciplinary coursework and an ePortfolio that highlights their accomplishments throughout their time at Tech. Essential Ed also offers flexible pathways — including the option to earn an interdisciplinary minor with no additional time or cost — ensuring that every Husky can tailor their education to their personal and professional goals.
By blending core STEM learning in science, technology, engineering and mathematics with disciplines in social sciences, humanities and the arts, Essential Education prepares Michigan Tech graduates to think deeply, work broadly and lead with confidence in a world where technology and society are increasingly intertwined.
East Hall: A New Home for Huskies
East Hall opened in August 2025, providing housing for more than 520 students in modern, collaborative spaces that foster community and connection. With features like a gaming lounge, music studio and shared kitchens, the hall offers students spaces to study, recharge and build friendships.
As the newest addition to campus, East Hall not only makes room for more Huskies, but also strengthens the vibrant, supportive community that defines campus life.
The hall is on track for LEED certification from the U.S. Green Building Council, reflecting Michigan Tech's commitment to sustainability and purposeful growth. The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design rating system measures a building's sustainability and resource-efficiency, ranging from Certified to Silver, Gold and Platinum certifications.
From the opening of East Hall to the launch of Essential Education and the University's growing research impact as an R1 institution, Michigan Tech is shaping a future built on innovation, connection and purpose. With a thriving Husky pack at its core, the University is sustaining momentum and building tomorrow.
Michigan Technological University is an R1 public research university founded in 1885 in Houghton, and is home to nearly 7,500 students from more than 60 countries around the world. Consistently ranked among the best universities in the country for return on investment, Michigan's flagship technological university offers more than 185 undergraduate and graduate degree programs in science and technology, engineering, computing, forestry, business, health professions, humanities, mathematics, social sciences, and the arts. The rural campus is situated just miles from Lake Superior in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, offering year-round opportunities for outdoor adventure.
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