More than 2,700 new students join the Stevens community, bringing unprecedented talent and diversity
What do a competitive Rubik’s Cuber, a Miss NJ Teen USA pageant contestant and a recipient of a U.S. provisional patent for developing an AI-powered automated website generator for streamlined accessibility have in common? They’re all members of Stevens Institute of Technology’s incoming Class of 2028, the most academically distinguished, diverse and second largest class in Stevens’ history.
The 1,130 full-time, first-year students* who start classes this week were selected from a highly competitive pool representing all 50 states, seven U.S. territories and 113 countries. More than 24% are from underrepresented ethnic groups — a Stevens’ record and 22% jump from last year — and 34% are women. They represent 31 states and 19 countries, and nearly 21% are first-generation college students.
They are Clark and Pinnacle Scholars (10 and 129, respectively), active in the military (U.S. Reserves and National Guard) and iSTEM entrepreneurs (10). More than 100 participated in a Stevens’ Pre-College program, 13 were class presidents and nine were valedictorians. They are dancers, filmmakers, inventors, firefighters and athletes.
“Every incoming student in the Class of 2028 was selected for their unique story and what they’ve already accomplished, but even more so for what we know they can accomplish throughout their college career and beyond,” says Dean of Undergraduate Admissions and Pre-College Programs April Chang. “The historic diversity of this Stevens class creates an environment where students can collaborate and innovate in exciting ways that really push the boundaries of their potential and I’m excited to celebrate their success during their time at Stevens.”
Stevens’ graduate programs also welcomed more than 1,600 new students, including 102 Ph.D. candidates.
As students moved to campus last week — 1,986 of them, to be exact — they were met by an eager team (382 volunteers) and a flurry of orientation activities (113 for undergraduates and 10 for graduate students).
The Class of 2028 will also be the first to fully participate in SUCCESS, Stevens’ core curriculum designed to equip graduates with the essential skills and technological savvy needed to adapt, innovate and lead in the rapidly evolving digital economy.
*Please note that many of these statistics are preliminary and will be finalized at the fall census in October.
Welcome to the Flock, Class of 2028!
