“This success underscores the College’s reputation as one of the nation’s best liberal arts and sciences institutions, and it exemplifies the high value of a Centre education,” said President Milton Moreland.
“Clearly, the focus on developing leaders who are career ready resonates with prospective students and their families,” he added.
“Our students graduate with impressive job offers and acceptance into leading medical and law schools, as well as top-ranked graduate programs,” Moreland highlighted. “These outcomes are combined with a strong focus on a diverse and inclusive learning and living community, and our purpose-driven approach to academic excellence that offers high-impact, co-curricular experiences outside of the classroom.”
The Centre Commitment guarantees graduation in four years, a study abroad experience and an internship or research opportunity. An average 85 percent of Centre students study abroad at least once and 93 percent pursue an internship or are involved in collaborative research with a faculty member.
Students in this incoming class are also the first to have the option to pursue Centre’s new major in business, which takes full advantage of a liberal arts education in its design.
In terms of academic achievement, this impressive incoming class has the highest-ever-recorded average academic GPA, reported Nesmith, since the College began recalculating reported scores for applicants, and the average test score for those who submitted an ACT score is also at an all-time high.
Centre’s priority to increase diversity also saw positive results. Nearly a quarter of the incoming class are U.S. students of color. As well, 20 percent of incoming students are first-generation students, 10 of whom received the prestigious full-tuition-plus Grissom scholarship.
Fifty additional students in this class received national and premier scholarships to attend Centre, including 10 Brown Fellows, 10 Lincoln Scholars, 20 National Posse Scholars and 10 Bonner Scholars.
In total, Centre will provide $13 million in need-based and merit aid to this record-breaking class.
Students will arrive from 35 states and territories, including Alaska and Guam. The highest number of foreign countries will be represented by the Class of 2025 as well, with students coming from Brazil, Cambodia, Canada, China, India, Nepal, Nigeria, the Philippines, Russia and Vietnam.
Student-athlete recruitment was also record-setting, with 48 percent of incoming students intending to play one of Centre’s 23 varsity sports. All new students will be able to compete and participate in fitness activities in the newly announced $50 million Initiative for Wellness and Athletic Excellence.
When construction is complete, the entire campus community will enjoy a new 135,000-square-foot facility with a 10-lane, 50-meter pool with a moveable bulkhead and integrated diving well; a six-lane, 200-meter indoor track and turf infield; and a 6,000-square-foot strength and wellness center. Baseball, lacrosse, football, and track and field will benefit from related projects that include new stadiums, playing fields and an eight-lane track.
“Everyone is thrilled to prepare for the arrival of the Class of 2025,” said Ellen Goldey, dean of the College and vice president for academic affairs.
“We are all looking forward to a more normal campus experience in the fall, when this large cohort of stellar incoming students can embrace everything Centre has to offer, including enhanced programming for first-year students, new curricular offerings, remodeled facilities and even more entrepreneurial opportunities through CentreWorks,” added Goldey. “This is an especially exciting time to be at Centre!”
In-person classes for the start of the 2021-2022 academic year begin August 30.
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