810 highly qualified, diverse freshmen arrived for orientation Aug. 21; classes begin Aug. 26

The 810 freshmen who arrived for orientation at the University of Richmond Aug. 21 comprised one of the most highly qualified classes in the university’s history, admitted from a pool of more than 9,800 applicants.

The Class of 2017 is one of Richmond’s most diverse first-year groups. One in four is a domestic student of color, and an additional seven percent are international students of color. One in 10 is an international student. English is not the native language of 18 percent, and 14 percent are first-generation college students. They hail from 39 states and U.S. territories, plus 37 other countries. Virginia residents make up 15 percent of the class, the largest number of any state.

Among ranked students, 87 percent ranked in the top 20 percent of their high school class. This year’s new Spiders are also accomplished outside the classroom, with 36 student government or class presidents, 26 Eagle Scouts or Girl Scout Gold Award winners, 18 Boys or Girls State participants, 36 editors of high school publications and 322 National Honor Society members, along with numerous musicians, artists and athletes.

Upperclassmen return to the campus for the fall semester Aug. 24-25. Classes begin Aug. 26.

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