Class of 2029 Is Most Selective in University of New Haven’s 105-Year History

The University of New Haven’s incoming Class of 2029, which includes more than 1,300 first-year students, is one of the largest incoming undergraduate classes – and the most selective – in the University’s 105-year history. A University record 250 transfer students are also being welcome to the Charger community for the start of the 2025-26 academic year.

First-year and transfer students are moving into University housing on Wednesday, Aug. 20. They will take part in Charge-In activities for the remainder of the week in advance of Welcome Week and the start of classes on Monday, August 25.

Convocation will take place on Friday, Aug. 22, bringing together new students, as well as faculty and staff for an annual University tradition.

The Class of 2029 hails from 40 states and 23 countries. Approximately 75 percent of the incoming class will live in university housing. More than 46 percent of the incoming class are first-generation students, and nearly 55 percent are students of color. The average SAT score of the incoming class is 1170 and the average GPA is 3.43.

The University received more than 24,000 applications to its Class of 2029. Its record-breaking selectivity rate is indicative of the growing interest in and popularity of the University as well as President Frederiksen’s focus on maximizing the ROI of students and families and creating transformational outcomes for graduates.

In addition to Charge In activities for new students, members of the Class of 2028 will take part in a new “Sophomore Charge Back” program that is designed to re-energize returning students for the start of their second year as Chargers.

Following Convocation and the Sophomore Charge Back Program on Friday, Aug. 22, all first-year, transfer, and sophomore students are invited to a campus barbeque before the women’s soccer team’s home match at 6 p.m. vs. Brown at Kathy Zolad Stadium, marking the University’s first home contest competing at the Division I level.

During the 2025-26 academic year, development will continue on the pioneering Center for Innovation and Applied Technology being developed in a 130,000 square-foot commercial space directly adjacent to campus on Campbell Ave. In addition, the University will continue working toward becoming the first U.S. institution to open an international branch campus in Saudi Arabia, with the campus set to open in Fall of 2026.

“Above all, we are in the business of transforming lives and delivering an unparalleled return on investment,” said President Jens Frederiksen, Ph.D. “Our commitment is that by the time our students reach Commencement, they will be well positioned for what is next, and they will be uniquely prepared to excel in the elite workforce of the future.”