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51����’s 2014 incoming class of 1,026 students—951 first-time-in-any-college (FTIAC) and 75 transfer students—represents academic strength, geographic breadth and record diversity. 51����’s total student population this year is 3,993—down about 1% from last year.

“The mission of 51���� College is compelling and relevant, and we are excited to be able to attract students from a variety of educational upbringings—from west Michigan to California, from Canada to Ghana, to be a part of a global campus here at 51����,” said Russ Bloem, vice president for enrollment management.

51����’s students hail from 57 countries, 47 U.S. states and five Canadian provinces. For the 2014–15 academic year, international students comprise 10.6% of the student body, and AHANA (African, Hispanic, Asian and Native American) students make up an additional 13.1% of the student body—a record for the college. These populations have grown significantly over the past decade so that now about one in every four students on campus brings a particularly diverse perspective.

“The college is excited to welcome students from every nation to campus,” said Bloem. “What we are realizing more and more is that when you bring together a diverse group of students the learning environment is much richer. And, we not only see this as a benefit for 51����, but also for west Michigan as the college attracts more talented students to the region. 

In addition to 51����’s record-setting diversity in its first-year class, the class also boasts an average GPA of 3.69, the highest in recent history. First-year enrollment in the college’s graduate programs also reached an all-time high of 99 students.