Nazareth University sees record interest and Class of 2028 applications at historic level
As Nazareth University celebrates its centennial in 2024, it is seeing record interest from prospective students for the fall. Nazareth received the largest number of first-year applications in the school’s 100 years — more than 5,000 — representing all 50 states and 70 countries. That is a 44% increase in first-year applications from 2023.
“It is inspiring for our faculty, staff, and students to hear that our school is in such high demand,” said President Beth Paul. “I see our community energetically carrying out our mission every day, so to feel such a connection and excitement for Naz from prospective students and families is inspiring. We are thrilled to welcome them and all of their passions and interests to the Naz community.”
Nazareth is seeing marked increases in academic rigor, diversity, and first-generation students. The number of applicants awarded the presidential scholarship, the university’s highest scholarship based on a high school senior’s GPA, is up 38%. Meanwhile, 40% of Nazareth applicants identify as Black, Indigenous, or people of color (BIPOC), and the number of first-generation applications has nearly doubled from last year.
“We've seen a huge increase in the number of first-generation college students at about 31% of applicants,” said Christie Smith, associate vice president of undergraduate admissions. “We continue to enhance our partnerships with community-based organizations and our local school districts, and we've seen an increase of students from rural and urban communities as well. Nazareth University is in a position of strength to welcome a student population that better reflects our world.”
Nazareth’s recent accepted-student events were extremely successful with more than 1,000 students and families visiting campus during NazBound days, the highest participation since 2017.
Students and families can learn more about Nazareth at https://www.naz.edu.
For More Information
Julie Long | Senior News & PR Officer | jlong2@naz.edu | (585) 389-2456 | (585) 781-8186 (cell)
Nazareth University is an inclusive community of inspired learners, educators, and changemakers who for nearly 100 years have been driven by a bold commitment to action, empathy, equity, and leading innovation for the common good. Impact experiences are at the heart of a Nazareth education, preparing each student to discover within themselves the potential to cultivate positive change in their life's work, in any career field, and in a world that is constantly evolving and infinitely interconnected.
Our broad academic offerings present a range of study options typical of larger universities, yet achieved in our supportive campus culture. Nearly 2,100 undergrad and 600 graduate students enroll in degree and certificate programs and engage in collaborative, transformative learning experiences, preparing for the professions and society of today and tomorrow. In a learning community that purposefully integrates liberal arts and professional programs, Nazareth University graduates are able to launch a lifetime of impactful leadership in communities and workplaces near and far.
