UofL’s freshman class is large, diverse and has many out-of-state students

August 9, 2018

LOUISVILLE, Ky.  – Preliminary figures released today by the University of Louisville show that the university’s incoming freshman class is large, diverse and represents a growing number of out-of-state students.

Of the nearly 2,800 incoming students, 22 percent are from outside Kentucky. Administrators believe that may be the highest percentage of out-of-state freshmen in university history.

“Attracting students beyond Kentucky is a trend we’ve been seeing for years,” said UofL President Neeli Bendapudi. “It’s gratifying to know that students from near and far are choosing our university. This will be my first incoming class and I’ve been counting down the days until the fall semester begins.”

Here’s a snapshot of the incoming class:

  • 55 percent have some college credits
  • 15 percent are African American
  • 6 percent are Hispanic/Latino
  • 73 percent will live on campus
  • 16 percent are first-generation college students
  • 25.6 is the average ACT score, well above the 2017 Kentucky average of 20
  • 3.6 is the average high school grade-point average, based on a 4.0 scale
  • 78 percent are Kentucky residents
  • 22 percent are from out of state
  • 12 foreign countries are represented
  • Engineering, biology, business, education and nursing are the five most popular majors.

The fall semester also marks a new record for the J. B. Speed School of Engineering: its largest incoming class ever. Speed expects 521 first-year engineering students, a significant jump over last year’s 472 first-year students.

Jim Begany, vice provost for enrollment management and student success, said his enrollment team was pleased to see positive trends in overall growth, academic preparedness and diversity.

“The class is 5 percent larger than the previous year. Plus, the ACT scores and high school GPAs continue to tick upward,” said Begany. “Those are trends we like to see.”

As part of the university’s ongoing efforts to boost enrollment and improve college affordability, Begany said the university also launched a new need-based scholarship program specifically for Kentucky students. The grant provides $3,000 per academic year as long as the student continues to qualify. UofL has awarded the grant to 670 students so far this year.

UofL’s first-year students will begin to arrive on campus Aug. 15. Classes begin Aug. 20.

For more information, contact Jenny Sawyer at 502-852-4957.

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EDITORS: Attached photos show students on the Belknap Campus for summer 2018 orientation. Credit UofL photographer Tom Fougerousse.