Class of 2021 includes most diverse pool of applicants in University of Richmond's history; 30 percent are U.S. students of color

August 16, 2017

For the third time in the past decade, more than 10,000 applicants applied for 800 spaces in the University of Richmond’s Class of 2021.

The University of Richmond will welcome new students from around the world to campus for the 2017-18 academic year on Aug. 23. President Ronald A. Crutcher will assist students with move-in between 9-11 a.m. Classes begin Aug. 28.

“Some of the most academically-talented students in the United States and abroad applied for admission,” said Gil Villanueva, associate vice president and dean of Admission. “This is also the most diverse class in the university’s history with 38 percent self-identifying as domestic students of color or non-white international students.”

Within the class of 2021:

  • 30 percent are U.S. students of color, the highest percentage in University history and the ninth consecutive year in which more than 20 percent of incoming first students are domestic students of color.
  • 10 percent are international students, representing 30 countries from Belize to Vietnam.
  • 13 percent are first-generation college students.
  • 39 states and U.S. territories are represented.

“The new Spiders will add much to the Richmond community,” Villanueva said. “We know they will take full advantage of and benefit from the Richmond experience, from partnering with faculty to leading numerous student organizations to studying abroad.”

Comprised of class presidents, newspaper and yearbook editors, Gold Award winners and Eagle Scouts, artists, athletic team captains and community volunteers, the class of 2021 is truly accomplished. The new Spiders also include entrepreneurs in game development and non-profits, lab assistants in cancer research, a co-founder of a youth theatre collective, a pianist who performed at Carnegie Hall and a nationally ranked tennis player.

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