SMITHFIELD, RI –  With the momentum of Bryant’s Vision 2030 Strategic Plan drawing attention from higher education experts and recently announced new academic programs and facilities, Bryant University has received a record of nearly 9,000 applications and more than 1,000 deposits for the entering Class of 2026, establishing a foundation for the highest-achieving incoming class in Bryant history.

“Bryant is attracting increasing numbers of talented students who recognize the university’s superior return on education investment and the top economic mobility of our graduates.”

“The strong qualifications and size of Bryant’s Class of 2026 affirm the expanding recognition of our nationally ranked academic programs, competitive athletics and transformative student life,” said Bryant University President Ross Gittell, Ph.D. “Bryant is attracting increasing numbers of talented students who recognize the university’s superior return on education investment and the top economic mobility of our graduates.”

The entering class includes 23% of students who are the first generation in their families to attend college and 18% who identify as students of color, and represents 30 states coast-to-coast and 20 countries.

This year, the number of applicants was up almost 25% from 2021, jumping to 8695. Deposits from the areas where the value of a Bryant degree is most well-known are up sharply too, with an increase of 36% in Rhode Island, 33% in Connecticut, 34% in Nassau and Suffolk Counties of New York, and 10% in Eastern Massachusetts. The entering class includes 23% of students who are the first generation in their families to attend college and 18% who identify as students of color, and represents 30 states coast-to-coast and 20 countries.

“Our incoming students and their families know that this is an exciting time to be at Bryant."

“Our incoming students and their families know that this is an exciting time to be at Bryant. They see that the value of a Bryant University degree is on the rise,” said Vice President for Enrollment Management Michelle Cloutier. “I am eager for the exciting contributions that this class will make to our student-centered community.”

Bryant is a national leader for high-impact learning and return on higher education investment (ROI), according to the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce (CEW) scorecard, ranking in the top 1% of the 4,500 schools included in the study. In March, The 74 cited the Harvard-based Opportunity Insights dataset in naming Bryant the champion of its alternative to the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament, the Social Mobility Tournament bracket, with Bryant outperforming Notre Dame in the final round.

While official statistics for the new class are not yet available, key accomplishments include:

• valedictorians and salutatorians, members of the National Honors Society, and AP Scholars;
• talented student-athletes driven to excel, with many having earned the captain’s title for their team and competing in multiple sports;
• exemplary leadership through student government and as Class Presidents, and in numerous leadership positions in clubs and organizations;
• strong entrepreneurial experience, including many students who own thriving online stores;
• real-world experience gained through extensive participation in community service;
• gifts in the arts, including violinists, trumpeters, flutists, cellists, percussionists, dancers, and vocalists.

Bryant University Orientation programs for the new students begin June 13 and continue with multiple sessions through June 28. The incoming class will begin fall semester classes on September 6.

BRYANT UNIVERSITY

For nearly 160 years, Bryant University has been at the forefront of delivering an exceptional education that anticipates the future and prepares students to be innovative leaders of character in a changing world. The University delivers a uniquely integrated academic and student life experience with nationally recognized academic programs at the intersection of business, STEM fields and the liberal arts. Located on a 428-acre contemporary campus in Smithfield, R.I., Bryant enrolls approximately 3,800 undergraduate and graduate students from 38 states and 49 countries. Bryant is recognized as a top 1% national leader in student education outcomes and ROI and regularly receives high rankings from U.S. News and World Report, Money, Bloomberg Businessweek, Wall Street Journal, College Factual and Barron’s. Visit www.bryant.edu.