Of the incoming freshmen at the University of Connecticut in Storrs, about 47.5% are students of color, which is a new record, according to the university.
About 30% come from races or ethnic backgrounds that are traditionally underrepresented in higher education, also a record, according to university spokesperson Stephanie Reitz.
The “underrepresented” category includes Black, Hispanic/Latino, Hawaiian/ Pacific Islander, American Indian and Alaskan native students. Asian students are not considered to be underrepresented in higher education, according to UConn.
In another record, UConn reported earlier this year that it received more than 48,800 applications from students seeking to be a member of its Class of 2027.
UConn called this a “significant jump” compared to last year’s applicant pool of about 43,000.
In comparison, in 1996, the university received 10,709 applications for admission to the Storrs campus, according to UConn.
There are about 5,800 incoming first-year students joining UConn at its campuses statewide, including 4,200 at Storrs.
The freshmen class members hail from 156 of the state’s 169 towns and cities, and come from 43 states and 92 countries. One-third are first-generation college students. About 150 incoming freshmen were their high school valedictorian or salutatorian.
Classes start Monday. In addition to its main campus in Storrs, UConn has satellite ones in Hartford, Stamford, Waterbury and Avery Point.