ANN ARBOR, Mich. – University of Michigan’s Ann Arbor campus received a record 115,125 undergraduate applications for the fall 2026 term.
That total includes 108,666 first‑year applications and 6,459 transfer applications, representing a 29% increase over the past five years, according to The University Record.
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“We are proud to offer an educational experience that, year after year, appeals to so many students from across our state, our country and around the world,” said Adele C. Brumfield, vice provost for enrollment management.
The university said first‑year applications were down slightly from 2025, even as applicants increased among several groups.
First‑generation in‑state applicants rose 4%, African American in‑state applicants rose 3%, students of color rose 1% and international applicants rose 5%.
Among transfer applicants, the university reported a 5% increase overall.
Applications from first‑generation transfer students rose 9%, students of color rose 7%, international transfer applicants rose 3% and low‑income applicants rose 7%.
Nearly two‑thirds of applicants, 71,893 students, sought early consideration this cycle, the university said.
For the first time, prospective students could choose between binding Early Decision with December notification and nonbinding Early Action with a January decision, according to university officials.
“Providing two options for early consideration allows high‑achieving students to affirm their commitment earlier in the application process so they can focus on their senior year of high school,” said Laurie McCauley, provost and executive vice president for academic affairs.
Students who applied by the Regular Decision deadline on Feb. 1, and applicants whose decisions were postponed from Early Decision or Early Action, will be notified by early April. Admitted students who choose to enroll must pay an enrollment deposit by May 1.
Through the admissions cycle, admitted students who completed the required financial aid application received their financial aid package within a week of admission, the university said.
“As a public institution, U‑M is committed to expanding access and addressing affordability for students of all backgrounds,” said Tammie L. Durham Luis, assistant vice provost of enrollment management and executive director of financial aid.
The university reiterated details of its Go Blue Guarantee and other institutional funding: eligible in‑state students from families with annual income and assets up to $125,000 may receive free tuition, and certain qualified students in the School of Nursing, Marsal Family School of Education teacher‑preparation programs and the School of Music, Theatre & Dance may receive full cost of attendance.
“The undergraduate admissions team is partnering with campus colleagues to showcase the U‑M experience to admitted students with events on‑campus and throughout the state and country,” said Erica L. Sanders, assistant vice provost and executive director of undergraduate admissions.
The university’s Ann Arbor campus will begin the fall term Aug. 31. Detailed fall 2026 enrollment figures are expected in October.