More than 62,000 aspiring Huskies from throughout Connecticut and the nation have so far applied for spots in the Class of 2029, propelling UConn to another record and underscoring its reputation for quality and value.
Admissions offers started going out in recent days for those who met the application deadline for the Storrs campus, while applications continue to roll in for spots at the regional campuses in Avery Point, Hartford, Stamford, and Waterbury.
So far, more than 62,000 people have applied for acceptance in this fall’s entering class, easily surpassing last year’s approximately 58,000 applicants.
In fact, as of mid-February, first-year student applications to Storrs had already increased approximately 27% in just the past two years, and 70% over the same time to the campuses in Avery Point, Hartford, Stamford, and Waterbury.
“The surging interest in UConn demonstrates that its reputation for high academic quality, strong value, and a positive student experience is well known both throughout Connecticut and nationally,” says Nathan Fuerst, UConn’s vice president for student life and enrollment.
The dramatic increase in applications to UConn’s regional campuses is driven largely by Connecticut residents, Fuerst says, adding that the numbers are up at every location.
Applicants are increasingly drawn to the unique offerings at those campuses, each of which are building on their strengths to become destination campuses as envisioned under UConn’s Strategic Plan.
“These trends are exciting not only for the University, but also for the campus communities and the students who are about to embark on their academic careers at these unique and vibrant locations,” says Anne D’Alleva, UConn’s provost and executive vice president for academic affairs.
Around 4,500 people are expected to enroll as first-year students at Storrs, along with almost 2,000 at the regional campuses.
UConn also anticipates enrolling about 950 students transferring from other institutions, including significant numbers from Connecticut’s community colleges.
UConn successfully launched an early-decision process this year, receiving about 1,500 applications and offering admission to about 60% of them, with most already having committed to join the incoming class.
“The early-decision process provided the chance for students with a strong interest in UConn to start their planning early in their senior year,” says Vern Granger, UConn’s director of undergraduate admissions. “It also helps UConn by providing us with a partial picture of the next incoming class, including their preferred majors and whether particular campuses are drawing strong interest.”
“Those who committed to UConn during that process, and those who accept the offers they are receiving now, will comprise a talented incoming class and a great addition to the UConn community,” he adds.
All told, UConn is on track to have about 26,200 undergraduates across all of its campuses this fall, including about 21,075 at Storrs.
The continually strong application trends at UConn defy state and national demographic trends, in which the number of school-aged teens has been decreasing and many institutions have struggled with declines in applications.
And as in recent years, the highly diverse pool of applicants includes students from a wide range of locations and backgrounds, including many who would be the first generation in their families to attend college.
Admissions offers started going out to Storrs campus applicants last Friday and over the weekend, and will continue in the days and weeks after that for late applicants.
The admissions offers also include financial aid packages for those who qualify, part of UConn’s commitment to helping ensure access for students at all income levels.
Of the new first-year students expected to enroll at Storrs for the Class of 2029, there will be notable areas of growth in nursing, fine arts, and several other disciplines along with the traditionally high numbers in business, engineering, and liberal arts fields.
