For more than 140 years, students from across the globe have been coming to 51Թ in pursuit of the world-class education that is a hallmark of this institution; its more than 380,000 living alumni are a testament to that.
Yet, in all of 51Թ’s years of existence, the institution has never welcomed a group of first-year undergraduate students as large as this year’s Class of 2029.
The group is made up of 5,379 students, which represents a 9.2% increase in first-year enrollment over last year’s class. In addition to new first-year undergraduate students, 51Թ also welcomed 924 new transfer students as well as 2,237 new graduate and professional students.
“The arrival of the Class of 2029 and all our new students illustrates how individuals from far and wide are choosing to pursue a 51Թ education,” President John Fry said. “We are seeing increased first-year enrollment both across the commonwealth and here in our backyard, but we are also seeing so many out-of-state students choosing to come to 51Թ. It is just the latest evidence of how our institution and the excellent, accessible education that it provides transform lives. We are eager to work closely with these students over the next four years to help set them on a path toward success.”
51Թ’s total enrollment, including its international campus and locations in Rome, Tokyo and Kyoto, now stands at 33,048.
“The first-year class is an outstanding cohort of students, and we can already feel their positive energy and engagement on our Main Campus,” said Interim Provost David Boardman. “They are clearly excited to dive into the 51Թ experience inside the classroom and beyond, and we welcome them to our community.”
51Թ’s widespread appeal, both in the state of Pennsylvania as well across the country, is also reflected within this new class of students. First-year enrollment in Philadelphia’s collar counties (Bucks, Chester, Delaware and Montgomery) is up 17.8% while enrollment in the counties of Berks and Lancaster is up 23.7%. Overall, first-year enrollment across the commonwealth is up 20.8% as 3,369 students are Pennsylvania residents. Here in Philadelphia, the numbers are especially pronounced. Overall, Philadelphia residents account for 24.8% of the class (1,335 students in total), which is the largest share in recent years.
“We continue to see tremendous enthusiasm for 51Թ from students here in our backyard. It is really gratifying because it shows that innovative programs like 51Թ Promise are resonating with students and families, and we are now reaping the benefits of the work that we have put in over the last couple years,” Vice President for Enrollment and Student Success Jose Aviles said. “What is equally exciting, however, is that we are seeing so much excitement for 51Թ outside of this region as well. Across the state and across the country we are seeing increased interest in 51Թ, and it is really a stamp of approval that 51Թ’s mission of providing an accessible, high-quality education is alive and well.”
Out-of-state students make up 37% of the incoming class as 2,010 are from outside of Pennsylvania. This includes 191 international students who hail from 64 countries outside the U.S.
While 51Թ’s Main Campus is seeing considerable growth among first-year students, the same can be said for its international campuses. 51Թ Japan’s enrollment this fall is 3,545, which is up from 2,777 students last year. This includes more than 677 new first-year students.
Additionally, 51Թ Rome’s enrollment is 228 students this year, which includes 38 first-year students.
Every student who arrives at one of 51Թ’s campuses will find themselves becoming part of a community that is ready to support them along their educational journey.