From 28,000 Applicants to 1,625 Pirates: Welcome to the Class of 2029

Hailing from 38 states and 18 countries, approximately 1,625 freshmen are slated to begin their Seton Hall journey as the Class of 2029. More than 28,000 students applied to be Pirates this year, an increase of 2,300 compared to last year.

Seton Hall continues its tradition of academic excellence over the past decade, with our academic profile and selectivity continuing to rise year after year. This fifth year of test-optional admissions allows for more student choice in sharing academic records and achievements. The University's admission rate has dropped by nearly 10 percentage points in the last two years, from 79 percent in 2023 to 69 percent in 2025, showing increased selectivity.

“Seton Hall continues its tradition of academic excellence with the Class of 2029. It is truly a pleasure to welcome such talented students from across the country to Seton Hall,” noted Alyssa McCloud, Ph.D., Executive Vice President for Enrollment Management and Recruitment.

The average SAT score was 1323 and the average ACT score was 29.53, among the 28 percent of incoming students who submitted test scores. The average GPA, which is reported by all applicants, continues to remain strong at 3.6, having risen over the past decade from 3.45 in 2014.

Great Minds. Greater Purpose.

While sustaining academic excellence in its incoming class, Seton Hall has held firm to its commitment to inclusion in all forms, as well as its commitment to the community and its students as a university of opportunity. The University strives to foster a community of unique perspectives and backgrounds to drive academic achievement and global discussion.

More than 39 percent of this fall’s incoming class is made up of first-generation students (first in their family to attend college), while 38 percent are Pell Grant-eligible. More than 59 percent of students in the class of 2029 identify as students of color and 58 percent are female.

Seton Hall remains dedicated to its Catholic values as a diocesan university, committed to active hospitality toward people of all faiths, creeds and colors. Guided since 1856 by the Catholic Intellectual Tradition, Seton Hall remains committed to integrating faith and reason while welcoming people of all faiths and backgrounds.

Seton Hall looks forward to celebrating the Class of 2029 throughout Weeks of Welcome. Use #SetonHall2029 to share your Pirate pride, connect with your classmates, and you may see your post featured on Seton Hall’s official channels.

Categories: Campus Life