Miami sees continued rise in diverse and academically-accomplished applicants.
Miami sees continued rise in diverse and academically-accomplished applicants.

Incoming Class of 2021 exceeds goal, sets diversity record, maintains high academic profile

Following a record-setting 30,248 applications for admission for fall 2017, Miami University’s incoming class is on target to be the university’s most diverse to date.

Following the May 1 national confirmation deadline, 3,967 students have indicated their intent to enroll at Miami's Oxford campus, a number slightly above last year’s and set to exceed the fall enrollment target of 3,700 students.

Students participate in summer orientation 2016.

Students get to know each other during the 2016 summer orientation.

“We are thrilled that students throughout the state, across the U.S., and around the globe are recognizing the exceptional undergraduate experience, unparalleled faculty commitment to teaching, and successful outcomes associated with a Miami degree,” said Susan Schaurer, assistant vice president for enrollment management and director of admission. “Having realized an increase of nearly 10,000 applications over the last five years, it is evident that Miami is garnering a reputation as a top destination for the brightest and best students.”

Schaurer attributes the continued rise in interest from diverse and academically-accomplished applicants to its enhanced recruitment initiatives across Ohio, the nation and the world, and to the positive experience prospective students and their families have when they visit the Oxford campus.

“Miami’s outstanding retention and graduation rates, coupled with the success of our graduates in their chosen careers, stand out to prospective students and parents. Upon visiting campus, students and families are further impressed with Miami, amazed by the campus and the way in which faculty and staff so eagerly engage with them from the moment they arrive on campus.”

Class of 2021 profile

Within the confirmed class, 16.7 percent of students are multicultural, versus 15.3 percent last year. The number of confirmed first-generation students has also risen, increasing to 15.1 percent, compared to 14.8 percent at this time last year. International student enrollment is also up, at 365 vs. 337 at this date last year.

The average ACT score is 28.3 and students’ average GPA is 3.75.

Among Miami highlights that appeal to families:

  • Continued recognition by U.S. News & World Report as the top public university in the country for commitment to undergraduate teaching.
  • A four-year graduation rate among the top 20 of public universities nationally.
  • A retention rate of 92 percent.
  • A high graduation success rate: Surveys and national data indicate that 96.3 percent of last year’s Miami Oxford graduates were either employed or continuing their education by fall 2016, with slightly more than half remaining in Ohio, and others pursuing careers throughout the nation and world.