This September, the College of Science welcomed 1,026 new first-year students, a 15% increase from last academic year. Of those students, 287, or about 28% of the freshman class, are first-generation college students. Seventeen percent are underrepresented minorities. Most of the increase in new first-year science students is due to very strong growth in the Ecampus Zoology major -- the only online undergraduate Zoology program in the country.
Home to 3,339 undergraduate, graduate and post-baccalaureate students, the College of Science (including those attending via Ecampus) attracts the most high-achieving students at Oregon State University. Forty-five percent of the incoming class are high achieving students, those who enter OSU with a high school GPA of 3.75 or higher.
The College also welcomed 312 transfer students, more than half (53%) of whom are juniors and seniors. Roughly 21% of transfer students had a GPA of 3.75 or higher, and 110, or 35%, indicated they are the first in their family to attend college. About 17% are underrepresented minorities.
“While we miss seeing our students in person this term, our instructors and advisors are doing all they can to ensure they receive ample support and a high-quality education this fall.”
“Despite the unique challenges of remote learning this term, I am excited to greet our new students. I anticipate that as they begin their students in the College of Science, they will quickly experience the rewards of studying in an institution deeply committed to their success,” said Roy Haggerty, Dean of the College of Science. “While we miss seeing our students in person this term, our instructors and advisors are doing all they can to ensure they receive ample support and a high-quality education this fall.”
Here's a look at what the Class of 2024 looks like:
- 71% Female
- 29% Male
- 28% First generation
- 17% Underrepresented minority students
Although the gender percentages above add up to 100 due to rounding, the College is also home to gender nonbinary or nonidentifying students. Four students in the incoming freshmen class identified as non-binary.
