Monmouth University's new freshmen are most diverse group in school's 91-year history

WEST LONG BRANCH — Monmouth University officials welcomed the school's new freshman class onto campus dormitories on Thursday, saying the group was the most racially and ethnically diverse in the university's 91-year history.

About 34% of the roughly 850 incoming first-year students identified as racially and ethnically diverse, according to school officials.

The entering class has the highest SAT scores in the school's history, measured from among students who included test results in their applications. The new students also have the highest percentage of enrollments (11.7%) into the university's Honors School of any entering class, according to officials.

More than half the university's Class of 2028 are among the first generation in their families to attend college or are from low-income backgrounds, according to Monmouth officials.

“As our most diverse cohort ever, bringing record achievements in academic performance, this class underscores our dedication to creating an inclusive, high-achieving community,” said university President Patrick F. Leahy. “These students also reflect the success of our ambitious efforts to be a national leader at the intersection of excellence and access, the overarching goal of our current strategic plan.”

The freshmen were selected from more than 10,000 applicants.

Returning students are scheduled to move into campus housing on Saturday. University classes begin Tuesday.

Amanda Oglesby is an Ocean County native who covers education and the environment. She has worked for the Press for more than 16 years. Reach her at @OglesbyAPP, aoglesby@gannettnj.com or 732-557-5701.

This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Monmouth University's new freshmen are most diverse group in school's 91-year history