Northern Michigan University’s 10th-day enrollment report shows a total headcount of 9,258, an increase of 128 students—or 1.4 percent—over last fall’s preliminary figure.

Paul Duby, associate vice president for institutional research, said the strength is at the junior level, where the number of students has increased by 107, or 6.5 percent. That has helped to offset a slight dip of 1.3 percent in graduate enrollment and a 3 percent decrease in new freshmen, which is a broad category comprised of part-time and full-time students. Undergraduate transfers are up significantly, from 435 to 524.

“I think the overall picture is very positive,” Duby said. “Given the roadblocks, with so many students at financial risk and the shaky economic outlook, the fact we could increase in this climate is encouraging. We have to analyze the data further, but it suggests that retention will be strong in terms of continuing freshmen who haven’t yet moved up to sophomore status.”

Duby said 66 percent of first-time, full-time freshmen are in the First Year Experience program, which is high compared with previous years. He said FYE students perform at a level 5-7 percent higher than non-participants in achieving a C average or better. “It’s related to performance and eventually retention, so it’s nice to see that level of participation,” he added.

Based on 10th day enrollment figures, Duby said the top three NMU academic majors and the number of students enrolled are: art and design, 614; nursing, 589; and criminal justice, 346.