The final deadline has passed, and the results are in: the University of Richmond received a record-breaking 16,000+ applications for the Class of 2028.

“This is the fifth consecutive year of growth,” said Melissa Falk, dean of admission, noting that applications are up 6% from last year, and 40% from five years ago. “I’m really excited about where we are.”

The applicants include students who applied early decision, early action, and regular decision. More than 1,200 students applied for one of the early decision options, an increase of 14% from the previous year. “These are students who are saying, `You are my first choice, and I'm willing to make a commitment,’” Falk said.

Some of the top students received word they were Richmond Scholar finalists.

“It's an extraordinary class already, and obviously we're not done,” Falk said. “The applicant group is the strongest academically in the University's history.”

Falk expects the target class size to be about 840 students.

While many colleges and universities have seen a decline in demand in recent years, UR has a strong name that resonates with students. The University’s reputation is bolstered by academic excellence, opportunities for undergraduate research, and the Richmond Guarantee, all wrapped in a beautiful campus, she said.

Falk also noted the Class of 2028 has a special yearning for connection. 

“To contextualize this, they started high school in the fall of 2020, during COVID,” she said. “They've navigated so many permutations of a high school experience in just three and a half years. They understand the value of well-being, balance, and resiliency. And when they come to this campus, they’re seeing this very strong community.”

Falk credits the admission team's hard work in developing the current pool of applicants over the past few years.

“We begin as early as ninth grade in terms of cultivating and informally reaching out to students,” she said. “We think about our academic profile and who might be a good fit for our program.”

The admissions counselors also start connecting with students who request information or visit campus. They partner with community-based organizations that work with high-performing underrepresented students and meet students while traveling to high schools across the globe each fall.

“That’s the best part of the work,” Falk said. “That direct engagement, imagining the potential of a beautiful fit between a university and an individual, and wondering: What could we accomplish together?”