Higher education at private institutions remains a popular option for students in Minnesota. In fall 2010, enrollment at Minnesota Private College Council (MPCC) member institutions increased to 63,324, including undergraduate and graduate students. This is a 1.1% increase from fall 2009 and an increase of 18% over 10 years.

The increase in graduate enrollment represents the largest change — up 2.6% from fall 2009 and up 30.7% since 2000. Undergraduate enrollment has grown at a slower rate — up 0.5% from 2009 and up 13.6% since 2000.

The number of entering students has increased from 2009 as well. New freshmen enrollment is up 1.3% while transfer students enrollment is similar to last year (+0.1% increase).

Increasing diversity
Enrollment of students of color has gone up significantly, especially in the last four years. In 2010, of all new entering students, 17.2% of freshmen and 22.9% of transfer students were students of color.

MPCC member institutions enroll a third of all students attending four-year institutions in Minnesota. This includes Minnesota residents and students coming from other states. For further data on enrollment, see the Minnesota Private College Research Foundation’s Fall 2010 Enrollment Report.