Admitted Class of 2029 Sets Records for First-Generation, Diversity, and Projected Enrollment on National Decision Day

King’s College is poised to welcome its largest class in the last five years as the Admitted Class of 2029 finalizes their commitments for National Decision Day on May 1, 2025. 

This year, the College received more than 4,200 total first-year applications—marking a 19% increase from 2020 and a 7% increase in domestic applications from last year. Of those students admitted for the upcoming fall semester, the College has seen a 15% increase from 2020 and a 5% increase from last year. 

Even more remarkable than the overall growth is the composition of the class itself. The institution has seen its mission resonate with more students to be the first in their family to seek a four-year degree—in fact, 48% of the Admitted Class of 2029 are first generation, more than double the figure in 2020. 

The College also admitted its largest class of students of color, who represent 40% of this year’s accepted students and an 8% increase from 2020. With an increase in admitted students achieving 3.7 GPAs or higher over the last few years the College’s incoming classes are also growing more competitive.  

The college continues to attract students from 1,000 high schools across 46 states, but the backyard remains the strongest source of future Monarchs. In the last five years, the College admitted 10% more students from Pennsylvania including 5% more from within 20 miles of campus. 

“The increase in interest from students both from our area and around the country is a testament to the incredible work done by our faculty and staff,” said Chris Dearth, Vice President for Enrollment Management and Marketing. “Our reputation is attracting a strong and diverse pool of highly qualified students looking for an excellent education at an affordable price.” 

With 100% of first-time, full-time students receiving scholarships from generous donors and an average total financial aid package of more than $37,000, King’s graduates are well positioned to receive a competitive education without some of the financial strain they’d find elsewhere. And now in its third year of consistent enrollment, the Luzerne and Lackawanna County Education Opportunity (LLEO) Program—which waives tuition and fees for families who make less than $50,000—serves as an important, local, social and economic mobility tool. 

The College’s most popular programs include the accelerated five-year Physician Assistant program, Business Administration – Management, Nursing, and Biology. Undeclared students, which make up 14% of the Admitted Class of 2029, can access the College’s attractive Deciding Program, which is a free, innovative academic package that provides a career coach in addition to their academic adviser. The program also builds two special classes into the first-year schedule that guide undecided students through interest and skill assessment, empowering them to make an informed selection of their major. 

A steady increase in applications, acceptances, and mission-aligned demographics solidify King’s College as a premier Catholic institution, and one of only three of its kind in the Northeast to have accredited business, engineering, and health sciences programs. 

Admitted students still have time to make their commitment to King’s College and deposit.