CMU welcomes its largest incoming class
Record enrolment highlights growing demand, strong student retention, and renewed interest in community living
Canadian Mennonite University (CMU) is celebrating its largest incoming class since the university's formation. This week, CMU welcomed 221 new undergraduate students to campus, contributing to a total student body of 775 on its main campus for the 2026/27 academic year.
The historic incoming class includes a full cohort of the new Bachelor of Education after-degree students as allocated by the Province of Manitoba, alongside 187 new students entering CMU's three- and four-year undergraduate degree programs.
"This year's enrolment reflects the growing confidence students and families have in the distinctive approach to higher education that CMU provides," said President Dr. Cheryl Pauls. "Students know that here they will find an education that combines academic excellence, outstanding work-integrated learning experiences, and proven outcomes that set them up well for their lives and vocations. "
The record-setting intake builds on a foundation of long-term enrolment strength. CMU has seen robust retention throughout the last decade, both throughout and following the pandemic.
Graduate student enrolment remains stable, while enrolment in Menno Simons College courses (CMU programming located at The University of Winnipeg) has experienced a slight decline.
A Growing Reach Across Manitoba
This year's incoming class reveals the growing number of students choosing CMU from outside Winnipeg, signalling that the university's reputation and appeal continues to build across rural Manitoba and smaller cities throughout the province. This year, almost half of Manitoban applicants were from outside Winnipeg. Approximately 95 percent of new students are domestic, with five percent coming from international locations.
The incoming cohort also reflects the CMU commitment to accessibility and inclusion. Approximately 28 percent are first-generation post-secondary students, while 19 percent identify as First Nations, Métis, or Inuit.
"These numbers tell an important story," said Sandra Koop Harder, Vice-President External. "Students from a wide range of backgrounds are finding a place at CMU and discovering a university community where they can thrive academically, personally, socially, and spiritually."
Residence Demand Reaches New Heights
One of the most striking trends this year is a growing number of students choosing to live on campus. The number of incoming students in residence more than tripled from last year. This surge marks the highest number of first-year residence students and the strongest demand for on-campus housing in decades.
The increase follows the university's announcement that, beginning in Fall 2026, first-year students can live in dormitory free of charge through the generous legacy gift of a significant CMU supporter. This initiative helps remove financial barriers and strengthens community connections as students transition to university life.
Strong Overall Enrolment
This year, CMU will be serving 810 full time equivalent (FTE) students across all programs. This includes 745 FTE on main campus, with an additional 65 FTE students enrolled in Menno Simons College courses at The University of Winnipeg.
As the academic year begins, university leaders see the numbers as evidence of CMU's growing reputation and enduring mission.
"Students today are looking for a credential... and more," said Pauls. "They want an education that challenges them to think deeply, lead well, and adapt to a future that is increasingly wild and unpredictable. At CMU, students find a community where they are known, supported, and equipped to make meaningful contributions in the world. This year's enrolment demonstrates that more students are choosing CMU to meet this need."