This piece adds detail to an earlier post titled, "University of Texas hits record undergraduate Hispanic student enrollment." The numbers tell the story, but here are a couple of key quotes:
"Overall, the university’s number and percentage of historically underrepresented students — who identify as Black, Hispanic, American Indian or Alaska Native, or Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander — rose to their highest levels ever, representing 32.7% of the undergraduate population and 29.6% of the university as a whole.
At the undergraduate level alone, UT Austin will educate 13,366 historically underrepresented students in 2021, one of the largest totals of any state flagship university or member of the prestigious Association of American Universities."
It may not occur to the casual observer that what must also be addressed internally is increasing the four- and six-year graduation rates. UT Austin is trending positively on these indicators, as well, achieving historic highs in both categories. How fortunate for these students coming through these days.
Praise and appreciation to all the UT recruitment staff who are working hard to diversify our campus. Attracting, retaining, and supporting students are key.
-Angela Valenzuela
AUSTIN, Texas — The University of Texas at Austin announced Monday they have been able to expand its capacity and admitted its largest-ever incoming class and a record number of underrepresented students.
The press release states the university has 9,060 first-time freshmen undergraduates, according to data collected on the 12th class day of this semester. The previous high for the entering first-year class was 8,960 in 2018.
Total university enrollment rose 3% over last year from 50,476 to 51,992, which is close to the all-time high of 52,261 set in 2002.
The increases, which followed record-high application numbers, were made possible in large part by rising four- and six-year graduation rates. UT Austin once again set all-time highs in both categories. The four-year rate rose from 72.2% to 72.7%. The six-year rate rose from 87.6% to 87.7%.
“By helping more students graduate on time, we are increasing access to UT,” said UT Austin President Jay Hartzell. “This is especially important now because more outstanding students than ever are seeking the rigorous education, in-person learning, and residential college experience that UT offers.”
Officials also say the university is also serving more first-generation and historically underrepresented groups than ever while continuing to serve some of its highest numbers of students eligible for Pell grants, which are available to low-income families.
Enrollment of first-generation undergraduate students rose from 9,122 to 9,387, 22.9% of all undergraduates.
Hispanic enrollment reached all-time highs, jumping a full percentage point from 26.1% to 27.1%, even as overall university enrollment increased significantly.
Last year, UT Austin reached the undergraduate enrollment threshold of 25% Hispanic to qualify as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI). The university also received the prestigious Seal of Excelencia, granted to a small group of colleges and universities committed to accelerating Latino student success. This year’s enrollment gains further cement the university’s trajectory as one of the country’s largest and most academically prestigious HSIs.
Overall, the university’s number and percentage of historically underrepresented students — who identify as Black, Hispanic, American Indian or Alaska Native, or Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander — rose to their highest levels ever, representing 32.7% of the undergraduate population and 29.6% of the university as a whole.
At the undergraduate level alone, UT Austin will educate 13,366 historically underrepresented students in 2021, one of the largest totals of any state flagship university or member of the prestigious Association of American Universities.
“People all across the UT community have been working hard to recruit, attract, retain and support even more talented and diverse students, staff members, and faculty members who can change the world,” said Hartzell. “I’m proud that our combined enrollment of historically underrepresented groups has reached record levels for the second year in a row.”
To view statistical figures over the years at UT Austin, click here.
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