This semester, the University of Georgia welcomed 6,175 first-year students from more than 43,000 applicants. It’s one of most academically qualified classes in the university’s history, and the numbers are on target with UGA’s new strategic enrollment plan.
These first-year students arrive with an average of 10 Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate or dual-enrollment courses and an average high school GPA of 4.13, marking the eighth consecutive year that the average weighted high school GPA of the incoming class exceeds 4.0. The Class of 2028 also posts an average ACT score of 30, an average SAT score of 1337 and includes 208 Georgia valedictorians and salutatorians.
“We are thrilled to welcome this talented and inspiring class of first-year students to the University of Georgia,” said President Jere W. Morehead. “I look forward to their contributions to our campus, our state and the world as they pursue their diverse academic and career paths at UGA.”
About the incoming class
The incoming class includes students from 463 Georgia high schools, 144 Georgia counties (out of 159), 44 states and 12 nations. Approximately 80% of the first-year students are Georgia residents, a percentage far above that of many other state flagship institutions in the country. This year, 25% of incoming first-year students are considered first-generation students, which means neither of their parents have earned a four-year college degree.
More than 2,000 transfer students also are beginning their studies at the university this week, an increase of almost 18% from the previous year. Approximately one-fourth of UGA’s graduates enter the university as transfer students.
“UGA’s incoming class is once again very impressive,” said Marisa Pagnattaro, vice president for instruction and senior vice provost for academic planning. “Our focus on student success is designed to meet the ever-changing needs of our students, and we look forward to introducing the Class of 2028 to our world-class faculty and innovative teaching and learning initiatives.”
Key first-year programs
All incoming first-year students at UGA are required to enroll in a First-Year Odyssey seminar. These small classes, taught by tenure-track faculty, help students connect with each other and their instructors — something that can be daunting for newcomers at a large research university. There are over 380 different seminars to choose from, each one based on the faculty member’s area of research. Topics are wide-ranging and include classes such as Molecules That Changed History, Baseball by the Numbers, Fungi in Research and Disease, Animal Communication, and Artificial Intelligence for Teaching and Learning.
Another program designed for first-year students is Connect Abroad: faculty-led, study abroad trips that take place during the week of spring break. Last spring, in the program’s inaugural year, 120 students visited one of four international destinations — Italy, Morocco, England or Cuba. Many of the students received need-based scholarship support for their trip from the Georgia Women Give initiative. Next year, Connect Abroad will offer these immersive spring break trips in six destinations.
Student success
UGA provides significant resources to help all students thrive on campus, including tutoring, academic coaching, need-based scholarships and programs for first-generation college students and those from rural areas.
The university’s 17:1 student-to-faculty ratio improves student learning and success by ensuring personalized attention.
With more than 800 student organizations, over 130 study abroad programs, more than 40 domestic field study programs and over 200 undergraduate majors and certificates available, opportunities abound for this incoming class.
“Our students are increasingly competitive, and they bring a mix of talents and passions to our campus,” said S. Jack Hu, senior vice president for academic affairs and provost. “We are extraordinarily proud of the Class of 2028 and look forward to working with these students throughout their time at UGA and beyond. They will undoubtedly build upon our university’s growing record of excellence in teaching, research and service.”