ALBANY, N.Y. (August 11, 2009) -- The University at Albany is enrolling one of  its most academically accomplished and ethnically diverse freshman classes in recent history, featuring an average high school GPA of 91, 140 Honors College students, and nearly one-third students of color.

From a record 22,286 applications, the University will enroll and likely exceed its target of 2,250 freshmen at a 47 percent admit rate. The lower admit rate, when compared with the 50.4 percent rate of 2008, is indicative of the University's increased selectivity for high-achieving students.

Twenty-two percent of the Class of 2013 graduated in the top 10 percent of their high school class, compared to 16 percent of 2008's freshmen. The mid-range of the class's SAT scores is 1090-1220, a full ten points higher than last year's range of 1080-1210. The University will enroll 241 Presidential Scholars, a 64 percent increase over last year, and the Honors College will enroll 140 high achieving students, 73 percent more than last year's class of 81. The Honors College is a vibrant learning community where students and faculty work together in challenging environments to stimulate the highest levels of academic achievement.

"The strength of our entering class is a reflection of the quality of our academic programs and the breadth of opportunity students find at UAlbany," said President George M. Philip. "We welcome this talented and motivated freshman class, and urge them to take full advantage of all we have to offer.”

The class is UAlbany's most ethnically diverse -- 30 percent of incoming freshmen are students of color. With a campus-wide number of minority group students that traditionally hovers around 25 percent, the incoming class represents a significant leap in increased interest by all students, including students of color.

Incoming freshmen are almost evenly split between the sexes: 50.3 percent are men, 49.6 percent, women.

Popular intended majors of the Class of 2013 include business and accounting; the sciences, including biology, chemistry, atmospheric and environmental science, and physics; psychology; political science and public policy; English; communication; journalism; criminal justice; computer and information science; history; and mathematics.

UAlbany projects a total enrollment of 12,800 undergraduates and 4,900 graduate students for the 2009 school year.

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Educationally and culturally, the University at Albany-SUNY puts “The World Within Reach” for its 18,000 students. An internationally recognized research university 180 undergraduate and  graduate degree programs, UAlbany is a leader among all New York State colleges and universities in such diverse fields as public policy, nanotechnology and criminal justice. With a curriculum enhanced by 300 study-abroad opportunities, UAlbany launches great careers.  For more information about this globally ranked institution, visit www.albany.edu. For UAlbany's extensive roster of faculty experts, visitwww.albany.edu/news/experts.htm.