Bucknell to Open 2024-25 with Record Total Enrollment

Bolstered by a sophomore retention rate of 94.3%, Bucknell University will open its 179th academic year Monday, Aug. 26, with a record total enrollment for the fourth consecutive year. As of Aug. 20, the student body comprises 3,950 students, including 3,888 undergraduates, 36 graduate students and 26 non-degree students. The previous record opening total enrollment was last year's 3,925 students.

The incoming Class of 2028 comprises 994 new students, selected from among 11,377 applicants. The first-year student body includes a record 23.5% who are students of color according to data reviewed after and not prior to admission decisions being released. Students hail from 37 states, the District of Columbia, and 54 countries and regions — 30 more countries than last year. The class also has an average high school GPA of 3.62.

"We are excited to welcome such a vibrant and diverse group of students to our community," said Associate Vice President & Dean of Admissions Kevin Mathes '07. "The Class of 2028 has shown remarkable academic achievements, leadership skills, and a deep commitment to making a positive impact in their communities. We look forward to seeing all they will accomplish at Bucknell."

Bucknell will officially welcome the Class of 2028 during the Convocation ceremony, scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 25, in the Weis Center for the Performing Arts. The event will be followed by the traditional candlelighting ceremony on Malesardi Quadrangle, symbolizing the beginning of the students' academic journey at Bucknell. Convocation will be livestreamed on Bucknell's Facebook page. President John Bravman will deliver the Convocation Address, marking the official start of the new academic year.

Diverse Talent Outside the Classroom
While members of the incoming class excel academically, they are exceptionally well-rounded, with many interests and accomplishments beyond the classroom.

Several students already have impressive research credentials, with some conducting neuroscience research related to ALS, Alzheimer's, epilepsy and fetal immunology. Other students have tracked fish populations and habitats, and one student was the lead designer for a flying car drone prototype.

Artistically, the incoming class features a teen film consultant for the new Pixar movie, while another has released more than 10 electronic music albums. One new student has already written over 1,200 poems, 100 short stories, two books and is now working on a novel.

Incoming students are already active in their service to others. One student founded a nonprofit organization in Pakistan that provides free mental health counseling to more than 60 patients, while another founded the nonprofit "Reshaping Reality," which addresses eating disorders and body image. Another student helped raise more than $62,000 through the Karen Carns Foundation to pay for winter coats for individuals in need, while another raised $10,000 for a great white shark conservancy.

Competitively, the incoming class features a rowing national champion, a skeleton (winter sliding sport) racer who was third in the nation, a member of an Austrian mixed doubles tennis championship team, the top-ranked ski racer from Vermont, a pole vaulter who competed in the Adidas Outdoor Nationals, and a nationally-ranked track & field thrower. One student is the fastest cup stacker in Iowa and the 16U national record holder, while another is a Future Business Leaders of America state champion.

One incoming student has already served as a page for the U.S. Senate, while another was an intern for a Pennsylvania state senator.

There are also 43 transfer students this year, 15 of whom are Bucknell Community College Scholars.