The University of Dayton’s legacy of student success carries into the new academic year with strong enrollment of more than 11,000 undergraduate, graduate, doctoral and law students, and projections for record graduation rates.

“UD is committed not only to enrolling talented students from all backgrounds, but supporting them through their educational careers,” said Jason Reinoehl, vice president for strategic enrollment management. “We expect record graduation rates this year, with more than 70% of our undergraduates earning a degree in four years and 82% within six years, which is well above the national average. Student success remains high too — in our last survey, 98% of undergraduates were employed, pursuing an advanced degree or engaged in service work within six months of earning their degree. These are among the reasons students continue to choose UD, along with our faculty, residential learning experience, research opportunities, rankings as a best value college with the best residential options, food, happiest undergraduates, and more.”

New this school year is the launch of the UD Sinclair Kessler Scholars program for first-generation college students. Scholars receive financial aid; personalized services such as mentoring; an orientation program to build a network of support; stipends for expenses that contribute to student success, including travel to internships, graduate school entrance exam fees, study abroad and more; and other benefits and programming designed to foster academic, professional and personal growth.

The Kessler Scholars program supports the continued growth of the UD Sinclair Academy, which has nearly 290 students taking classes at Sinclair and UD this fall. Flyer Promise Scholars also grows this year with its seventh group of 41 students. Flyer Promise removes financial barriers for students at partner schools and programs, and offers support and leadership opportunities. Both programs support UD’s commitment as a national leader in the American Talent Initiative, a collaboration of high-graduation rate colleges and universities working to enroll more lower-income students.

Undergraduate move-in begins on campus Friday, Aug. 18. Classes start Monday, Aug. 21.