More Students Than Ever Attend NJIT, Most Diverse First-Year Class in History

NJIT is starting the 2021 academic year by setting records with its largest and most diverse student body ever. Total enrollment is up 25% over the last 10 years and this fall hit its highest mark yet at 11,901 students. The NJIT first-year class makes up a sizable part of that growth, with 25% more freshmen enrolled this year than last year, for a record 1,411 students. 

The largest ever first-year class also has the most female students at 29%. First-year enrollment totals for both men (1,005) and women (406) are the highest in NJIT’s history. 

The number of first-year students that identify as Black or Hispanic has nearly doubled since 2016. This year, students that identify as Black or Hispanic make up 10% and 25% of the freshman class, respectively, compared to 7.2% and 17.4% in 2016. 

“Diversity is a main pillar of NJIT’s 2025 strategic plan,” said Fadi P. Deek, provost and senior executive vice president. “We are redoubling our efforts to reach and attract students underrepresented in STEM fields, which will enable the university to better serve these communities through expanded grant-funding opportunities.”

“Diversity is a main pillar of NJIT’s 2025 strategic plan.” - Fadi P. Deek

Meanwhile, 22% of freshmen this year identify as Asian and 31% as White. International students make up 5%, multiracial account for 3.2%, and 4.1% of freshmen declined to identify ethnically. Enrollment data also shows one self-identified American Indian.

This year’s crop of freshmen enter with impressive academic credentials, having earned an average GPA of 3.71, a 1295 on their SATs and an average score of 30 on their ACTs. The 137 Albert Dorman Honors College students averaged a 3.93 GPA and SAT scores of 1495. The five most popular majors are computer science, mechanical engineering, computer engineering, architecture and biology.  

Of NJIT’s 11,901 students, 648 are enrolled online only. Online enrollment jumped by nearly 30% since last year and nearly 50% since 2016.

NJIT graduate programs gained, too. 2,967 students are pursuing masters or doctorate degrees this fall – 171 more than last year.