Harvard College has reported notable changes in the demographic composition of its freshman class for the Class of 2029. Following the Supreme Court’s decision to end race-conscious admissions, the school has witnessed significant fluctuations in the enrollment of Black and Hispanic students.
Demographic Shifts in Class of 2029
Data released by Harvard shows that the representation of Hispanic students has dropped sharply from 16% in the Class of 2028 to 11% in the Class of 2029. This decline follows a brief increase after the Supreme Court’s ruling last year. Similarly, Black student enrollment decreased by 2.5 percentage points, falling to 11.5%.
In contrast, Asian American enrollment has risen from 37% to 41%, reflecting an ongoing trend of growth within this demographic. Recent admissions data has led to heightened scrutiny over changes in the racial composition of the student body, particularly after the landmark ruling in Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard.
Comparison with Other Institutions
Harvard’s decline in underrepresented minorities mirrors similar trends at other prestigious universities. For example, Princeton University recorded the lowest percentage of Black freshmen since 1968.
Changes in Acceptance Rates and Application Numbers
Harvard’s acceptance rate has risen to 4.18%, up from 3.65% the previous year. This change primarily results from a significant drop in applications, which fell from 54,008 for the Class of 2028 to 47,893 for the Class of 2029.
- Applications Received: 47,893
- Acceptance Rate: 4.18%
- Enrolled Students: 1,675
- Yield Rate: 83.6%
The number of admitted students has also led to a yield rate exceeding 83% for the fifth consecutive year. The Class of 2029 continues the trend of high acceptance rates, despite the challenges posed by new admissions policies and the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Impact of Standardized Testing Requirements
This admissions cycle marked the first instance since the pandemic where Harvard required standardized test scores, a factor many believe may have discouraged potential applicants.
International Student Enrollment
International students constitute 15% of the Class of 2029, a decrease from the previous year. Despite a turbulent backdrop involving policy changes under the Trump administration, the yield rate for international students remained above 90%.
Financial Aid and Student Backgrounds
Harvard has expanded its financial aid offerings significantly, enabling nearly 45% of the Class of 2029 to attend tuition-free. The school continues to support first-generation college students, with 20% of the incoming class fitting this category.
According to the reported statistics:
- 45% of freshmen are attending tuition-free.
- 21% of students are estimated to qualify for federal Pell grants.
As Harvard adapts to new legal landscapes and shifts in higher education admissions, the Class of 2029 is poised to contribute to the university’s legacy while navigating these changes.
