Class of 2030 Application Numbers Reach Record High

The Office of Admissions has announced that applications for the Class of 2030 have reached an all-time high of 65,420 — a 12% increase over last year's previous record and more than triple the number received a decade ago. The applicant pool is the most academically accomplished and socioeconomically diverse in the university's history.

By the Numbers

Applications arrived from all 50 U.S. states, four territories, and 142 countries. The international applicant pool grew by 18%, with notable increases from India, Nigeria, Brazil, and South Korea. First-generation college students represent 24% of the applicant pool, up from 19% last year — the result of a concerted outreach initiative launched in 2023.

A More Diverse Pipeline

Dean of Admissions Jennifer Liu credits the surge to a combination of strategic investments in outreach, the university's test-optional policy, and growing name recognition from recent research breakthroughs and national rankings.

"We've worked hard to ensure that talented students everywhere know about No.1 Education and believe they belong here — regardless of their zip code, family income, or background. These numbers tell us that message is resonating."

Key diversity milestones in this year's applicant pool:

• 24% of applicants are first-generation college students, up from 19% last year
• 22% of domestic applicants come from families earning below the national median income
• 18% increase in applications from international students
• 15% of applicants identify as multiracial, reflecting broader demographic trends
• Rural applicants increased by 20%, driven by a new virtual campus visit program and targeted high school counselor engagement

The Selection Process

Approximately 2,200 students will ultimately enroll in the Class of 2030. With an acceptance rate projected near 15%, the holistic review process will be more rigorous than ever. Every application is read by at least two admissions officers, with a third reader assigned for borderline cases. The committee looks beyond grades and test scores to evaluate leadership, intellectual curiosity, resilience, community contribution, and fit.

"We're not just looking for students who succeeded in their environment — we're looking for students who will thrive in ours and contribute to the community in meaningful ways," Dean Liu noted.

Financial Aid Commitment

The university reaffirmed its commitment to meeting 100% of demonstrated financial need for all admitted domestic and international students. The total financial aid budget for the incoming class is projected at $110 million, with an average aid package of approximately $48,000 per year for aided students.

Decisions for Early Decision applicants were released on December 15, 2025, with 780 students admitted from a pool of 8,200 — an acceptance rate of 9.5%.