Education Welcomes Largest First-Year Class Since 1971

The College of Education's Class of 2029, with 240 first-year students, is the largest in 54 years. This fall's enrollment is a 20% increase from 2024. Over the last decade, undergraduate enrollment in the College has increased by 35%.

Education at Illinois saw growth in nearly all undergraduate programs. The largest gains in enrollment came from Secondary Education: Math, with a 64% increase. Our Computer Science + Education degree also showed a significant increase, with enrollment up 42% over 2024.

“The momentum we're experiencing within the College of Education has truly exciting implications for 21st century learners, globally," said Chrystalla Mouza, College of Education Dean. “This growth in our undergraduate ranks shows that Education at Illinois offers the degree programs and scholarly experiences that match the ambitions of tomorrow's educator professionals. We warmly welcome the Class of 2029 to the College of Education.”

Additionally, the number of undergraduate students from underrepresented populations increased, with 32% of the College's undergrads identifying as members of those groups.

“We are excited to support students throughout their educational journey as they learn from our world-class faculty and take advantage of the outstanding opportunities we offer, including studying abroad, engaging in research, and partnering with school and community organizations," said Curtis Mason, associate dean of undergraduate programs for the College.

University Welcomes Largest Class, Breaks Enrollment Records (Again)

For the first time in its history, enrollment at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign has topped 60,000. Another record-setting first-year class of 9,207 brings total enrollment to 60,848 students.

This year’s freshman class includes 6,587 students from the state of Illinois, with the percentage at 72%. Those students represent every state region, including 87 of 102 counties in Illinois and 2,047 in-state high schools. 

More than 1 in 5 incoming students is a first-generation college student, making up 22% of the first-year class. The representation of students who qualified for a financial hardship fee waiver increased 5% from last year, with more than 20% of admitted students qualifying for one.

“These motivated and ambitious students recognize that Illinois is a uniquely positioned institution with a track record of educational excellence, transformative research opportunities, and real-world impact,” said Chancellor Charles L. Isbell, Jr. “We are committed to delivering on that promise by supporting students from the day they arrive all the way through graduation and into their lifetime journey whatever form it may take.” 

Above Average Retention and Graduation

The university’s preliminary undergraduate retention rate is 94%, compared to the national average of 78% for all public universities. The six-year graduation rate is 85%, compared to the national average of 64% for all public universities. And 90% of graduates found a job or enrolled in a graduate or volunteer program within six months of graduation.

For more about 2025 student enrollment, view this story from the U. of I. News Bureau...