NJIT Sets New Enrollment, Diversity Records With Incoming Class

New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) is kicking off the 2023 academic year by welcoming a new class that sets enrollment and diversity records. Total projected enrollment is up 24% since 2013, reaching a new high of 12,600 students. The fall first-year cohort plays a substantial role in this expansion, with 1,805 new students joining — an increase of over 20% from the previous year — as of Sept. 1.

Underrepresented minorities also set a new record, making up 50% of the first-year class, underscoring NJIT's dedication to offering STEM education to traditionally marginalized groups. The number of first-year students identifying as Black has nearly tripled since 2013, and Hispanic first-year enrollment has reached over 30% for the second year in a row.

The largest-ever first-year class reflects NJIT’s pursuit to enroll more women in STEM, and has again eclipsed the 30% mark for women enrollees. Freshman enrollment figures for men and women have set a new benchmark in NJIT's history.

NJIT also received a record number of applications at 13,996 for the Class of 2027, up 7% from last year. The incoming freshmen class average SAT score also climbed to 1316, with the average GPA holding steady at 3.7

"The rise in applications and enrollment at NJIT can be attributed to students recognizing the exceptional value NJIT offers as a launchpad for future success," said NJIT President Teik C. Lim, who is in his second year leading the institution. "Our goal is to create a culture of belonging, as embracing DEIB concepts authentically is a hallmark of success among institutions, and is a cornerstone of NJIT’s mission."

To accommodate the growing enrollment, NJIT has continued to enhance its physical infrastructure. In the past 10 years, the university embarked on a $550 million campus transformation that involved substantial additions and renovations. Facilities like the Wellness and Events Center, Life Sciences and Engineering Building, NJIT’s Makerspace, along with comprehensive updates to numerous lecture, laboratory and classroom spaces were part of this transformation. The 2022 opening of Maple Hall, a 200-unit apartment-style residence, signified an increased demand for contemporary, well-equipped accommodations.

The upsurge in enrollment has correlated with NJIT's improved standing in prominent national rankings. Most notably, NJIT is No. 1 in a New York Times college ranking tool among all public universities when you prioritize high alumni earnings, economic mobility and academic profile. NJIT is also continually recognized for its high return on investment, earning distinctions among all U.S. institutions from The Princeton Review (No. 35), Niche (No. 45) and U.S. News and World Report as a top 100 university.