Vision 2030 momentum attracts the largest first-year class in Bryant history

With the momentum of the Vision 2030 Strategic Plan drawing attention from students, parents, and higher education leaders across the country and around the world, Bryant University has attracted its largest first-year class in history.

This year, Bryant welcomed 970 members of the Class of 2026 from an applicant pool of nearly 8,700 applications, an increase of 25% from the previous year. This dramatic growth affirms the increasing recognition

Vision 2030 is gaining tremendous momentum, and the value of a Bryant education is attracting the attention of students, families, and academic leaders around the world.

PRESIDENT ROSS GITTELL, PH.D.

of Bryant’s nationally ranked academic programs, immersive experiential education, competitive athletics, and transformative student life. Bryant is positioned among the top 1% for ROI nationally, according to the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce (CEW) Scorecard; this year’s continues on page 10

Philanthropy Update

Where History Meets Opportunity

By David C. Wegrzyn ’86, P’23

As we look ahead to the second half of the academic year, our students are excited to enter spring classes and finish the year strong. Our freshman Class of 2026, now with a full semester of academic and co-curricular activities under their belt, has now fully acclimated to the Bryant community. Nearly 1,000 strong, the Class of 2026 is the largest and most academically talented incoming class in Bryant history, with average SAT scores up 50 points from the Class of 2025. These newest Bulldogs hail from 30 US states and 20 countries with 18% of the class identifying as African American, Latino American, or Asian American. It is the most diverse class in Bryant’s history.

More than 20% of the Class of 2026 is the first in their family to attend college, a testament to their hard work and dedication to advancing academically and to Bryant’s commitment to providing access to highly qualified students with financial need. With 99% of Bryant’s Class of 2021 employed or enrolled in post-graduate study within six months of graduation with a median starting salary of $64K, students witness the power of a Bryant education to help them achieve career success and attain economic mobility. In their time here, Bryant graduates build their academic talents, leadership skills, and personal character preparing continues on page 11