Florida Atlantic University has received more than 46,000 first-year applications for fall – an all-time university record. (Photo by Alex Dolce)

Florida Atlantic University has received more than 46,000 first-year applications for fall – an all-time university record.

The 27 percent increase compares to the final first-year pool of 36,700 in April 2023. Of the 46,933 applicants, 70 percent are in-state and 30 percent are from out-of-state.

“We are thrilled so many prospective students are interested in attending Florida Atlantic in beautiful Boca Raton, as well as our other campuses in South Florida,” said FAU President Stacy Volnick. “As a first-choice university, we look forward to welcoming the very best and brightest students from our state and across the nation as we continue our upward trajectory.”

In addition to the increased number of applicants, the profile of admitted students has also climbed. The average GPA of those applying for admission is 3.95, while ACT scores now average 24, up from a 3.86 GPA and an average ACT score of 23 in 2022.

With more than a month until the May 15 deposit deadline, deposits are also up 12 percent compared to one year ago. To manage the significant increase, FAU started a waitlist process for first-year student applications this year.

“This is great news, and it presents opportunities for the university to strategically manage the incoming student population,” said Maura Flaschner, executive director of undergraduate admissions.

Moving to a waitlist means not all qualified applicants, particularly those who applied after the Nov. 1 priority deadline, will be admitted. This process will help the university manage overall enrollment numbers, building use, retention rates and access to courses. Admission decisions for waitlisted applicants will be released in May.

The record-breaking numbers come at a time when graduating students are also making history, with more than 3,600 students graduating this spring for the first time ever. The university will host seven instead of six spring ceremonies to accommodate the increase in May.

For more information on FAU admissions, visit here.

-FAU-