University of Richmond receives record number of admission applications including major increases by Virginia students and students of color
February 7, 2007
Record-breaking numbers of students have applied to University of Richmond for fall 2007 undergraduate admission including significant increases from Virginia students, students of color and international students.
As of Feb. 5, the total number of applications the university has received was 6,599--the highest number of applications in Richmond's history. This figure represents a 22 percent increase over the number of students who applied for undergraduate admission last year.
A dramatic jump in the number of Virginia students applying to Richmond is helping to fuel the surge in admissions. This year, the university has received 1,015 applications from Virginia students compared to 713 last year--a 42 percent increase. In addition, Richmond is experiencing a 42 percent increase in the number of students of color and a 39 percent increase in the number of international students applying.
Dean of Admission Pam Spence attributes the increased application numbers to Richmond's rising profile as a nationally ranked liberal arts university that offers a top-25 school of business and the country's first school of leadership studies. In addition, the university has stepped up its recruiting efforts, especially in Virginia, as well as its efforts to better communicate Richmond's generous financial aid programs to prospective students and their parents.
Richmond is one of fewer than 40 American universities to guarantee a need-blind admissions review and a commitment to meeting 100 percent of the financial need demonstrated
by its U.S. undergraduates. The university also recently expanded its merit scholarship program and introduced a new scholarship program for Virginia students from low-income families.
Additionally, the university provides any Virginia student who qualifies for admission, whose family income is $40,000 or less and who demonstrates eligibility for need-based assistance, an aid package equal to full tuition, room and board--none of which needs to be repaid.
"The University offers students an education of exceptional quality," said President William E. Cooper. "We are pleased that so many prospective students have chosen to apply to Richmond."