AUSTIN (Talk1370.com) -- The University of Texas at Austin is celebrating its largest-ever incoming freshman class, thanks to an increase in graduation rates for the Austin campus.
UT recorded 9,060 first-time freshmen undergraduate students on the 12th class day of the semester this year, breaking the previous high of 8,960 in 2018. This year's freshman class is up 7.1% from last year's 8,459 students.
Overall, the university's total enrollment is up 3% over last year, jumping from 50,476 to 51,992. That's just under the all-time high of 52,261, set back in 2002.
University officials say the enrollment increases were made possible in large parts by rising four-year and six-year graduation rates. The four-year graduation rate is up to 72.7%, while the six-year rate is up to 87.7%.
“By helping more students graduate on time, we are increasing access to UT,” said UT Austin President Jay Hartzell. “This is especially important now, because more outstanding students than ever are seeking the rigorous education, in-person learning and residential college experience that UT offers.”
UT also saw a record high number of applications for undergraduate admission, rising 15.4% year over year to 66,077.
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