DENVER — The University of Colorado Denver’s incoming freshman class is the largest-ever in the university’s 45-year history.
The university reported that freshman student enrollment increased 15.9 percent over the previous year for a record-setting total of 1,716 new first-year students. This is the sixth consecutive year that CU Denver has welcomed a record-breaking number of freshman students.
“We are honored that more freshmen than ever will make our vibrant urban campus their home as they pursue their academic career in the heart of downtown,” said Vice Chancellor Raul Cardenas, Jr. “As Colorado’s only public urban research university, students are recognizing that CU Denver offers a diverse and rewarding student experience with academic excellence and supportive programming to help ensure a successful freshman year transition.”
About half of the freshmen are first-generation students, the university said, meaning they would be the first in their family to receive a bachelor’s degree.
In addition, Hispanic undergraduate student enrollment increased by 11.8 percent over last year. Hispanic students now make up 24 percent of the total undergraduate population, and students of color make up 47 percent, making CU Denver one of the most diverse research universities in the state, the university said.
Total enrollment now hovers around 15,230.