Embracing An Academically Strong and Diverse Fall 2024 Freshman Class

��Ƶ is off to an exceptional start to the 2024-2025 school year with an academically strong and diverse incoming Fall 2024 freshman class — a testament to our steadfast commitment to fostering a community of distinction and inclusivity. We enthusiastically welcome the students pursuing a top-grade education on the hilltop.

Students walking up the steps in front of Main Building during the legacy walk.

Students cheering in the stands at the pep rally during Anchors Weekend.

Students posing for a photo with the "toppers up" hand signs at the legacy walk.

Our diverse first-year student population joins the university from 19 states and 13 countries. 76% of our freshman class are students of color, and 8.2% represent international or American students who are living abroad. More than 6% of the new students are graduates from Holy Cross high schools. Additionally, 1 in 5 of our incoming freshman are student-athletes, adding to the vibrancy of our campus and our Blue and Gold spirit. These students join fellow athletes participating in our award-winning athletic programs.

29% more applicants qualified for admission into the prestigious Honors Program. More students received premier scholarships, including 10 Davis New Mexico scholars, 17 Breakthrough Central Texas, 2 Motta/Panama Scholars and 17 Moreau full tuition recipients for Holy Cross high school graduates.

2024 incoming freshman class at St. Edward's poses for a group photo.

Students engaging in LGBTQIA+ discussions at a campus event.

Students participate in activities at the Playfair event during Anchors Weekend.

Student-athletes celebrate Anchors Weekend at St. Edward's.

Importantly, more than 44% of the incoming freshman class identify as first-generation college students. The university offers programs and events specifically designed for first-generation students, as well as their families, to help ease the transition to college life and celebrate the first-generation identity, such as First-Gen Scholars Week. Additionally, the St. Edward’s chapter of Alpha Alpha Alpha (Tri-Alpha) Honors Society for first-generation students offers opportunities for mentoring and building leadership skills. Furthermore, first-generation students at St. Edward's benefit both financially and academically through our collaborative partnerships with organizations such as The Hector and Gloria López Foundation, Breakthrough Central Texas and Con Mi MADRE.

First-generation students pose for a photo during "First to GOat" Event.

First-generation students engaging in discussions during Anchors Weekend.

Students celebrating monarchs on the hilltop.

First-generation student poses for a photo during "First to GOat" Event.

We have also continued the far reaching enrollment of students from all over the world including students from Angola, Bangladesh, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, France, Germany, Guatemala, Honduras, India, Nicaragua, Mexico, Panama, Poland, Portugal and South Africa.

President Montserrat Fuentes celebrating the new year with international Hilltoppers at the International Students Family Reception.

Student posing for a photo at the International Students Family Reception.

Students posing for a photo at the International Students Family Reception.

This increase in the academic credentials, diversity and rich international backgrounds for incoming 2024 freshman students exemplifies three years of positive trajectory toward accomplishing the goals of the Strategic Plan 2027 and becoming a destination university for a more just world.