The University of Connecticut received more than 56,700 applications for the class of 2028, the first time that applications have surpassed 50,000 in the university’s history.
UConn application trends have increased by 18% in the past two years, with approximately 48,000 applicants last year and 43,000 in 2022, according to UConn Today. There has also been a 21.5% increase in applications to the regional campuses in Hartford, Stamford, Avery Point and Waterbury.
“The interest in UConn bodes well for our state, since such a large majority of our graduates stay here for their careers,” Stephanie Reitz, University spokesperson, said. “It also reflects well on UConn’s appeal to students with a wide range of interests, since they’re drawn to so many of our majors and all of our campuses.”
Admissions offers will be sent to Storrs campus applicants on or shortly before March 1 and will continue in the days and weeks after for those that sent in late applications. Prospective students can access the status of their application by using UConn’s applicant portal.
Of the approximately 4,350 new first-year students expected to enroll at Storrs, there will be growth in the nursing, fine arts and other disciplines, along with traditionally high numbers in business, engineering and liberal arts fields, according to UConn Today.
UConn is on track to have almost 24,500 undergraduates across all campuses this fall, with 19,600 at the Storrs campus. 70% of these students will be Connecticut residents, with many students coming from bordering states. UConn also continues to draw interest among students from other states and internationally, according to UConn Today.
As the UConn population will continue to grow, there is ongoing discussion about housing availability.
Reitz said UConn typically houses about 12,300 undergraduate students in university-run housing, but will increase that number with the opening of the new 652-bed South Residence Hall near Mirror Lake in the fall.
UConn is hoping to reduce waiting lists and accommodate more students through an agreement with The Oaks on the Square, an apartment complex in Downtown Storrs.
The Board of Trustees approved Wednesday to enter a contract with The Oaks. According to the lease agreement, UConn will lease up to 60 units, providing housing for approximately 150 students and will include all operating expenses including electric, heat and internet connectivity. Residential Life plans on subleasing the units to students for 12 months and anticipate the units will operate at financial breakeven.
“This arrangement continues UConn’s tradition of providing convenient, comfortable housing options while accommodating the increased interest in attending the University,” Reitz said.
More information about housing can be found on the UConn Residential Life website.
UConn continues to increase their profile nationally and internationally. They were recently ranked No. 9 among public colleges and universities in the U.S. and was recognized this month among the nation’s top producers of Fulbright U.S. Student Program award recipients for the first time.
More information about the applicant record can be found on UConn Today.