UConn receives highest number of applications ever for Class of 2028

Tom Rettig / UConn Photo Aerial image of the University of Connecticut during Fall 2023.

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The University of Connecticut has received a record number of applications for the Class of 2028, the school announced.

More than 56,700 students applied for spots in this fall’s incoming class, marking the first time that the number of applicants has exceeded 50,000.

Of those, about 4,350 new first-year students are expected to enroll at the main campus in Storrs as members of the Class of 2028.

The new class will include higher numbers of students in nursing, fine arts, and other disciplines, the school said.

Last year, UConn received about 48,000 applications, and in 2022 the number was about 43,000.

This fall, UConn is set to have nearly 24,500 undergraduates across all of its campuses – including its regional campuses in Hartford, Stamford, Avery Point, and Waterbury. About 70% are Connecticut natives.

In the announcement, UConn said the growth defies national trends, which show declining applicant pools at some universities.

UConn cited the men’s basketball championship last year as helping to underscore the school’s national reputation for athletic and academic excellence. Also, the school ranked No. 26 among public universities in this year’s U.S. News & World Report rankings. It was ranked No. 9 among public colleges and universities by the Wall Street Journal.

“When I speak with other university presidents, many say that these trends have made it more difficult for their institutions to attract large applicant pools,” said UConn President Radenka Maric. “We are proud that UConn’s reputation for academic excellence continues to draw so many talented students each year.”

UConn said it’s committed to increasing the amount of financial aid it sets aside in the next fiscal year that begins this summer, but numbers have not yet been finalized.

Admissions offers will start going out to Storrs campus applicants on or shortly before March 1.