The University of Oregon is welcoming a freshman class that is the most diverse and academically strong ever, with a record number of in-state students joining the PathwayOregon program this year.

On the first day of classes Monday, freshman Pathway enrollment was 722, up from 542 last year, an increase of 33 percent. PathwayOregon allows Pell Grant-eligible students to attend the UO tuition-free while accessing dedicated support services that help them succeed at levels that meet or exceed the entire UO student population. 

“The first day of school is an exciting time, especially for first-year students. I am incredibly proud that this entering class, starting their UO careers as I start mine, are the strongest academically to ever enroll at the University of Oregon,” said President Michael Schill. “They are continuing a trajectory of academic excellence that we anticipate will only increase. I look forward to watching the class of 2019’s impact on the university, the state of Oregon and the world.”

Preliminary enrollment numbers for the freshman class:

• Fifty-one percent Oregon residents; 38 percent domestic nonresidents; and 11 percent international students.
• Twenty-eight percent of the entering class are domestic minority, up from 22 percent in 2010, making this class the UO’s most ethnically and racially diverse.
• Average high school grade-point average of 3.61, up from 3.52 in 2010, with average entering test scores at record levels.
• More than half the class members arrived with college credit from programs such as Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate.
• One-third of resident Oregon freshman are the first in their family to attend a university.
• One-third of all freshman are federal Pell Grant-eligible.

“This new entering class is set for success, in large part because of the generosity of Connie and Steve Ballmer,” said Roger Thompson, UO vice president for enrollment management. “The Ballmers gave the largest scholarship gift in University of Oregon history, $25 million, to expand PathwayOregon.

“Additional investment from the state of Oregon also strengthened the PathwayOregon program. More than 720 incoming freshman will have the support they need to excel in our classrooms, graduate in four years, and — without heavy debt load weighing on their futures — be prepared for their future careers.”

Official enrollment numbers will be available at the end of October.

—By Heidi Hiaasen, Public Affairs Communications