Big News (Literally) as UC Readies for New School Year

There's plenty of big news to share as the University of Cincinnati gears up for the start of fall semester on Aug. 24.

Projections call for another

record-setting overall enrollment and significant gains in diversity, academic profile and retention

. Plus, the big-time update to historic Nippert Stadium is on track to be completed for the Bearcats' home-opening football game Sept. 5.

This year is expected to be the third consecutive overall enrollment record for UC. University estimates anticipate enrollment to hit 44,000, topping last year's all-time mark of 43,691.

UC's final enrollment will be reported to the state in mid-September. In the past 12 years, UC has seen a

steady climb in enrollment

, going from 34,364 in 2004 to last year's high point.

There are

several other potential records

for Uptown Campus baccalaureate degree-seeking freshmen in 2015, according to early projections:

• First-year retention rate: 87 percent (up 0.5 percent from last year and nearing the target of 90 percent set for UC's bicentennial in 2019)
  
  
• Average ACT score: 25.7 (up from 25.5 last year; nearing the target of 27 set for 2019)
  
  
• Average SAT score: 1163 (up from 1153 last year)
  
  
• Average high school GPA: 3.471 (up from 3.458 last year)
  
  
• National Merit/Achievement Scholarship recipients: 50 (up from 48 last year; nearing the target of 60 set for 2019)

Beyond these records, UC estimates there could be

other noteworthy and statistically significant increases

in other areas:

• An overall 2.6 percent increase in freshmen students of color for a total of 20.6 percent, compared to last year's 18 percent.
  
  
• An overall increase (137 students) in international students for a total of 3,330, compared to last year's 3,193.

More about UC's enrollment projections

NIPPERT TOPS LIST OF WHAT'S NEW

As students begin

moving back to campus

starting Aug. 19 and

Welcome Weekend 2015

gets underway, they'll have several new ways to learn and many new projects to explore – the biggest of which will be the overhauled Nippert Stadium.

The finishing touches are being made on an $86 million

update to the historic home of the Bearcats football team

, expanding the stadium's capacity to 40,000 and adding many modern amenities. The Bearcats will take on Alabama A&M in their first home game back in Nippert after spending the 2014 season playing in Paul Brown Stadium downtown.

Other new initiatives for 2015 include gender-inclusive housing, upgraded tools for research data transmission, improvements in sustainability efforts and more.

More about new initiatives at UC

NEW WAYS TO LEARN

There are lots of new academic programs too, including

UC's first undergraduate major in the College of Medicine

. The Bachelor of Science in Medical Sciences begins with a traditional foundation in biology, chemistry, calculus, statistics, English composition and general education courses. Students also will conduct undergraduate research and participate in clinical experiences and service learning projects at UC Medical Center and Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center.

Other new academic options include a Master of Science in Information Technology, Master of Science in Sport Administration, new options for UC's premier co-operative education program and more.

More about new academic options at UC

BE A BEARCAT

UC's Office of Admissions can help you find out more about how to

become a University of Cincinnati student

.

VISIT CAMPUS

See for yourself why Forbes Magazine called UC one of the World's Most Beautiful Campuses by

scheduling a visit

.

CINCINNATI SMART

Learn about the unique and effective way of learning that

combines excellent classroom experiences with real-world opportunities

made possible through UC.