Bucknell Incoming Class of 2029 Sets Record with 1,040 New Students

Bucknell University will open its 180th academic year on Monday, Aug. 25, with a record overall student enrollment for a fifth straight year with 3,969 students, bolstered by its largest incoming class in University history. The Class of 2029 numbers 1,040 new students — surpassing the previous record of 1,039 students in the Class of 2026 — selected from among 11,561 applicants.

As of Aug. 21, the record student body includes 3,899 degree-seeking undergraduates, 42 non-degree undergraduates and 28 graduate students. That surpasses last year's record opening total enrollment of 3,950 students.

Students in the new class hail from 30 states, the District of Columbia, and 48 countries and regions. The class also has an average high school GPA of 3.58.

"This incoming class brings an extraordinary mix of talents  — from championship athletes and award-winning researchers to community advocates and artists," said Interim Vice President of Enrollment Management & Dean of AdmissionsKevin Mathes '07. "Their stories reflect a generation ready to lead with creativity, resilience and purpose."

Bucknell will officially welcome the Class of 2029 during the Convocation ceremony, scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 24, in the Weis Center for the Performing Arts. The event will be followed by the traditional candlelighting ceremony on Malesardi Quadrangle, symbolizing the beginning of the students' academic journey at Bucknell. Convocation will be livestreamed on Bucknell's Facebook page. President John Bravman will deliver the Convocation Address, marking the official start of the new academic year.

Diverse Achievements
This year's incoming class includes students whose talents and pursuits extend across the arts, research, service, leadership and athletics.

Scholarly accomplishments stand out. The class features a Global Gold Award winner in the International Genetically Engineered Machine competition, a gold medalist in the British Biology Olympiad, a silver medalist in the USA-China BioOlympiad, and a Xerox Award winner for innovation in information technology. One student earned multiple international medals in mathematics, including the Invention and Creativity Olympiad, Asia International Mathematical Olympiad and a global math modeling competition.

In the creative realm, one student is a professional voice and screen actor who voiced a character in a popular Disney/Pixar film and co-founded the Autistic Improv Theatre. Another is a published book author and award-winning poet who has appeared in three films, earning IMDb credits. One student draws his own comics and is the creator of Ink-credible, a comic camp for middle schoolers. Another is a video game designer and developer who swam from Alcatraz to San Francisco to raise money for charity.

Community service is a hallmark of many in the class. One student volunteers with 28 organizations, while another founded Caps 4 Cancer, which has provided more than 2,000 baseball caps for pediatric cancer patients. Another was named Student Visionary of the Year by the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society after leading a team that raised $85,000. One student also founded Brooke's Books, a nonprofit book drive that donates to the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.

Athletically, the class includes prep All-Americans on the track and in the hammer throw, a Team USA national qualifier and regional diving champion, and an All-American cheerleader. Another incoming student represented Egypt in padel tennis at two World Cups.

Unique passions and pursuits add even more diversity. One incoming student is an internationally ranked pinball player. Another earned national recognition and as a TEAMS Nationals Design & Build champion.

Together, these students showcase a class defined not only by academic excellence, but also by extraordinary curiosity, creativity, service and leadership that will enrich the Bucknell community from day one.

There are also 34 new transfer students this year, 13 of whom are Bucknell Community College Scholars.