Applications to the University of Delaware topped 30,000 for the first time in the University’s history. Just over 33,000 students applied to be part of the Class of 2024, an increase of 29% over applications for last fall. Applicants represent 49 states and 104 countries.

Doug Zander, executive director of admissions, said, “Anticipating the steady downturn in the population of high school graduates and the intensifying competition in our region, we have been putting long-term strategies in place to build relationships with schools across the country and reach a larger number of students with information on what makes UD special.”

The University’s decision to offer applicants an early action option helped boost applications. This plan allowed prospective students to apply early, by Nov. 1, with a promise of a response no later than Jan. 31. Just under half of the applicant pool applied under early action. Nearly all of that group received a decision before the winter break, and the rest were notified shortly after.

Zander also attributes UD’s popularity to continued investments in partnerships and programs, along with strong student outcomes and postgraduation job placement. UD has one of the top 10 on-time graduation rates among residential public institutions nationwide — 73% of UD students earn their bachelor’s degree within four years. And 95% of UD graduates are employed or pursuing further education within six months of earning their bachelor’s degree, compared to a national benchmark of 85.7%.

Applications from Delaware students remained steady at 3,650. This includes 3,500 Delawareans who have applied to a bachelor's degree program on the University’s main campus in Newark, and 150 who applied for the UD Associate in Arts Program, which offers classes on campuses in Wilmington, Dover and Georgetown. As the flagship of higher education for the state of Delaware, UD maintains a commitment to Delawareans, prioritizing in-state students in outreach, admission and financial accessibility.

As the University continues its emphasis on increasing diversity, this year’s applicant pool is more diverse than ever, with 6,304 applications from underrepresented groups, a 32% increase over the previous year. Among applicants from Delaware, 31% have come from historically underserved groups.

The University received a record number of applications from nonresident domestic students, which totaled 27,426, an increase of 36% over last fall.

Applications from international students also increased, with 1,970 students from 103 countries applying to UD, up 12% from last year.

UD expects to enroll more than 4,000 first-year students for the 2020-2021 academic year.

Admitted students are invited to join the University of Delaware for Decision Days open houses on Feb. 29, March 21 and April 18. Students should accept their offer of admission and secure their spot in the Class of 2024 by May 1. For more details, visit https://www.udel.edu/apply/undergraduate-admissions/admitted-students/.