A record 55 percent of admitted students chose to join the College’s incoming Class of 2017, a rise of 9 percentage points from last year, with a large increase from Chicago students who will benefit from the new UChicago Promise program.
The incoming class includes an increase in African American and Latino students, and broad geographical diversity across all regions of the United States and the world.
“This year’s growth demonstrates that many talented students now view UChicago as their top choice,” said John W. Boyer, dean of the College. “The University continues to attract students from across the country and around the world with its distinctive identity as a rigorous liberal arts college and research university.”
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A record number of students from the city of Chicago also chose to attend—63 percent of students from Chicago accepted their offers of admission. Chicago students can take advantage of the new UChicago Promise program, which includes a waiver of the application fee and a no-loan pledge for student financial aid.
About 20 percent of the incoming class will benefit from the Odyssey Scholarships, which reduce or eliminate loans for students from families with less than $90,000 in income. The University also granted a record number of CPS Scholarships for graduates of the Chicago Public Schools, and Police and Fire Scholarships for the children of active duty Chicago firefighters and police officers.
Boyer noted that about one-tenth of the Class of 2017 comes from other nations. Of those from the U.S., roughly equal numbers come from the East, the Midwest and the West.
“High school students in all areas of the country and around the world have a growing appreciation for the educational experience of the College, and they benefit from our commitment to bringing top scholars to UChicago, regardless of their financial resources,” said James G. Nondorf, Vice President and Dean of College Admissions and Financial Aid.
Admissions yield at UChicago has grown 19 percentage points over the past five years, an unusually large increase.
One reason for that growth is the development of initiatives for students with interests in fields such as the arts, engineering and politics. This year, the University opened the new Reva and David Logan Center for the Arts, added prominent faculty members to the new Institute for Molecular Engineering, and launched an ambitious series of events and internships through the new Institute of Politics.
Throughout the academic year, prospective high school students met with many members of the UChicago faculty and staff, including renowned Shakespeare scholar David Bevington, Institute for Molecular Engineering Director Matthew Tirrell and Institute of Politics Director David Axelrod.
—Prof. Kunle Odunsi
