DU Expecting Diverse Class of First-Year Students

With only three weeks remaining before the class of 2017 graduates from the University of Denver, members of the class of 2021 are preparing to take their place on campus. The incoming group of first-year students is expected to be the most diverse in DU’s history.

The University is preparing to welcome more than 1,400 first-year students in September. That number is slightly higher than last year, and this class promises to be more diverse than those of recent years.

• Nearly a quarter of the expected incoming class identifies as an ethnic minority other than white, compared to 19 percent in 2016.
• First-generation students will make up nearly 20 percent of the class.
• International students are expected to make up seven percent of the class, representing 36 countries, double the number in 2016.
• Outside the U.S., the countries with the highest representation among the class are China, Canada, Mexico, India and Vietnam.

“This is an exceptional class that has chosen to enroll at DU this fall,” says Tom Willoughby, vice chancellor for enrollment. “The rich diversity of this class, measured by so many dimensions, is a significant highlight and will only elevate the intellectual engagement of our DU community.”

The incoming class is also expected to include students from several partnership programs:

• 42 Denver Scholarship Foundation students
• 30 students from Volunteers in Partnership
• 17 Daniels Fund Scholars
• 15 students who attended the Latin@Pioneer Prep Program
• 14 students from Colorado Gear-Up
• 7 students from the African American Pioneer Prep Program
• 7 Boettcher Scholars
• 5 Davis Scholars
• 4 Chicago Scholars