Kutztown University Boasts Increases in New Students, Freshman Class GPA and Diversity

KUTZTOWN, Pa. – Kutztown University welcomed 2,224 new degree-seeking students for the 2022-23 academic year, an increase of 3.9%, while retention of students increased to 79%, the highest for the university since 2000.

Total enrollment for the 2022 fall semester is 7,469, down slightly from last fall (7,675 students). KU’s graduation rate remained high, as 1,682 students graduated during the 2021-2022 academic year.

New students, which increased by 84 over last fall, include 1,600 freshmen, 390 transfers and 234 master’s and doctoral degree students. This year’s increase was significantly impacted by a 7.3% increase in new freshman (1,491 last fall) and a 13% increase in new graduate students (207 last fall).

The increased retention rate of first-time, full-time students improved by 1% from last year's 13-year high of 78%.

In addition, the average high school grade-point average of the fall 2022 freshmen class increased from 3.31 to 3.32, the highest for the university in recorded history for the second straight year.

KU's commitment to enhancing campus diversity also received a considerable boost once again with this year's freshmen class. The class boasts an all-time high of 29% minority students, a 3% increase over last year’s record 26%. The overall diversity of the student body currently stands at 25%, a 2% increase over last year.

“Kutztown University continues to be a destination of choice of the region’s students and their families,” KU president Dr. Kenneth S. Hawkinson said. “Our data continues to reflect that KU is an optimal place to live, learn and grow for students of all backgrounds. I want to thank the many new Golden Bears and their families who selected KU for the outstanding educational experience that we offer.  I also want to thank the many dedicated KU employees who continue to fulfill our mission of preparing students to meet lifelong intellectual, ethical, social, and career challenges. We are excited once again to be among the highest enrollments in the State System.”

Of the 7,469 students enrolled at KU, 6,511 are undergraduates, while 958 are enrolled in graduate studies. A total of 6,463 students (87%) are commonwealth of Pennsylvania residents, while 1,006 hail from out of state. KU’s student body comprises 26 countries, 36 states and 71 international students.

Official figures are reported after the university's fall freeze date for enrollment status, which occurs in mid-September.