716 students commit to DPU for fall

One of the largest incoming classes in DePauw University's recent history is set to enroll this fall.

A total of 716 students have committed to attend DePauw, 46 more than the University's goal for the Class of 2011.

"We will not be admitting students from the wait list this year, and barring the receipt of any additional deposit checks postmarked by the May 1 deadline, the class is closed," states Stefanie Niles, vice president for admission and financial aid.

The 716 incoming student total represents a 16 percent increase over the 619 who had committed by this date in 2006, and eclipses the recent record high of 709 set in 2002.

The new students come from 36 states and 15 foreign countries, with the number of international students in the incoming class (31) 107 percent higher than last year's total (15). One-hundred-twenty of the incoming undergraduates are students of color. Fifty-seven students have accepted invitations to enroll in the DePauw University School of Music, seven more than the admission office's goal for the new class.

"This is an academically strong group of young people from a wide range of backgrounds who have been involved in their schools and communities," says Niles.  "This represents an exclamation point at the end of a very successful admission season, and I credit my staff for the hard work they clearly put in, and, of course, for being terrific representatives of DePauw."

She adds, "It's clear from our conversations and e-mails with prospective students that greater numbers of young people are hearing about DePauw and are excited about the prospect of living and studying here for four years.  The numbers are proof positive that DePauw is a desirable destination for academically engaged students."