University of Alabama receives one of its most talented classes, in-state freshmen increase

The University of Alabama has received one of its most talented freshmen classes and an increase in the total of in-state freshmen attending the school this fall, according to a press release Wednesday.

According to the statement, the “freshman class includes 256 National Merit Scholars, the largest in UA history. Last year, UA ranked second nationally among public universities with 187 among the freshman class. Currently, UA has 727 National Merit Scholars enrolled, an increase of 113 over last fall.”

“The quality of our student body is impressive by every measure,” UA President Stuart R. Bell said. “Once again, ACT scores, high school GPAs and the high number of entering National Merit Scholars demonstrate that students are attracted to our campus because we offer a premier educational experience.”

With 38,103 students, the university surpassed 38,000 students for the third consecutive year. In regards to the freshmen class. the university noted:

• 40% graduated in the top 10% of their high school graduating class (a UA record).
• 38% have a high school grade-point average of 4.0 or higher, with the average grade-point average being 3.77 (both are UA records).
• Approximately 40% have an ACT score of 30 or more for the third consecutive year.

This is the second consecutive year the university has had a tuition freeze for in-state residents.

“With the support of Chancellor Finis St. John and our Board of Trustees, we continue to hold down costs, while investing in facilities and transformational educational experiences,” Bell continued. “We challenge our students to reach for excellence in all they do, so they can have a profound impact and contribute to Alabama’s expanding economy.”

Over the last year, the University of Alabama awarded more than 9,100 degrees, which boosted the state’s workforce.

“We remain focused not only on attracting outstanding undergraduate and graduate students, but also ensuring these students complete their degrees,” said Dr. Kevin Whitaker, UA executive vice president and provost.

For fall 2019, UA has 32,798 undergraduate students, including 6,764 first-time undergraduate students; 4,868 students enrolled in graduate programs, and 437 professional students enrolled in the School of Law and the College of Community Health Sciences. UA announced last month that for the first time, women make up a majority of law students in an entering class at the School of Law. Of the 137 first-year law students, 53% are women.

“As the state’s flagship university, our commitment to our students and our state has never been stronger,” Bell added. “This is evidenced by the impact we have daily in the lives of students on our campus and in communities across our state where our research and community partnerships are making a real difference in the lives of so many Alabamians.”

Kyle Morris also contributes daily to Breitbart News. You can follow him on Twitter @RealKyleMorris