The school year is just about one month gone and I had two experiences this week that I need to share with you. (No, this has nothing to do with a lack of parking spaces on campus!)  Alumni everywhere are excited about the Hogs and the prospect of a very special season.  On campus, the academic face of the University is drawing lots of excitement, too.

Alumni, as the primary stakeholder in their alma mater, need to know that the University is gaining in prominence on the national scene. Here are some facts that were shared by Dr. Suzanne McCray, Vice Provost for Enrollment Management:

  • Enrollment over the past five years has risen 24.5% to an all-time high of 23,224.
  • The Current Freshman Class numbers more than 4,400 – also a record.
  • Last year, applications rose by 31.7% indicating that the U of A is “HOT” in the eyes of high school students and counselors.  This year’s applications are also on the rise.
  • Freshmen from Texas, Kansas and Missouri were up substantially with the latter two states increased by more than 50%. 
  • Freshmen averaged a 3.6 high school GPA and an ACT score of 26.
  • Ten percent of the class had an ACT of 30 or above.
  • Thirty-one percent of the class finished in the top 10% of their class and 58% were in the top quarter.
  • Diversity increased also with African-American, Latino and Asian populations hovering around 25%.
  • The top enrollment by college ranked:  Arts and Sciences; Business; Education and Health Professions (by 1); Engineering; Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences; and Architecture.

Also this week, the U.S. News and World Report Best College Rankings were announced and the University again is ranked among the Top Tier institutions in the country at 132. These ratings are based on academic reputation, faculty resources, graduation and retention rates, student quality and alumni giving.  The Sam M. Walton College of Business ranked 24th nationally.

So, when you are at that tailgate party preparing to see the Hogs rise in the national rankings, slip in a few academic stats to amaze the fans.