The Office of Admissions reported a record number of applicants for the incoming class of 2014. The University received 22,396 applications, an increase of about 600 applications - or about 3 percent - from last year, Admission Dean Greg Roberts said.
Several of the University's schools saw a rise in interest, with the Nursing School recording the most dramatic increase in applications. The number of students applying to the Nursing School increased by more than 20 percent, from 439 to 536. The Engineering School similarly saw a 10 percent increase in applications.
Despite these significant increases at certain schools, Roberts noted that the overall increase for the University as a whole was much smaller compared to past years. Exactly 21,831 prospective students submitted applications last year for admission into the class of 2013 - representing an increase of 17 percent from when 18,526 students applied for admission into the class of 2012.
"We received a significant increase last year [for the class of 2013]; this year's application increase is more modest," Roberts said. "However, we are excited because nationally there are fewer students graduating from high school this year. We are thrilled that so many students are interested in the University when some other schools' application numbers are down this year."
Roberts added that he believes that prospective students consider the University because it combines a premiere education with relatively low tuition prices and assistance from the University's touted financial aid program, AccessUVa.
Student Financial Services Director Yvonne Hubbard agreed that AccessUVa makes the University an attractive choice for many prospective students.
"We know that students often decide not to go to school because of loans." Hubbard said. "Loans are an issue. That is why we have a loan cap which has slowed down the amount of borrowing for our students."
AccessUVa offers loan-free packages to students whose family incomes fall below the poverty line by up to 200 percent. Additionally, AccessUVa promises to meet the need of every accepted student to the University, as defined by federal government need analysis.
"We want families to be aware of resources available to them when it comes to paying for their education," Roberts said.
Hubbard said she expects a greater number of students to apply for financial aid this year.
"We have a full staff ready and feel confident in handling this increase," she said.
The Office of Admissions does not expect the increase in applicants to affect the number of offers for admission or wait-list spots, Roberts said, meaning that the University's overall selectivity will again increase. University officials estimate they will make 3,240 offers of admission.
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