URBANA, Ill. (Chambana Today) — The U of I’s College of Agricultural, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences (ACES) has the largest freshman class ever, with enrollment data going back to 1963. This marks the second consecutive year of record-setting growth in the college’s undergraduate community.

This fall, 663 freshmen and 197 transfer students came in to ACES. Overall undergraduate enrollment has now reached 3,081 students, which is also the highest in college’s history. Graduate enrollment stands at 764 students. This year’s freshman cohort surpasses last year’s record of 642 incoming students, which was the largest since 1973.

“We are honored to welcome another historic incoming class to the ACES family,” said Dean Germán Bollero. “For the second year in a row, we are experiencing record enrollment, which speaks to the incredible relevance of our programs and the growing trust that students and their families place in our college. These new students are not only future leaders in agriculture, nutrition, the environment, and human development — they are changemakers who will improve lives across Illinois and around the globe.”

The incoming class reflects the college’s commitment to access, statewide engagement, and a vibrant, inclusive learning community:

  • 23% first-generation first-year students, bringing the undergraduate body to 29% overall. This demonstrates ACES’ dedication to opening doors of opportunity and ensuring that higher education is accessible to students from all backgrounds.
     
  • 86.4% in-state first-year students, representing 58 Illinois counties, with the undergraduate body representing 88% in-state students from 85 of 102 Illinois counties. These figures underscore ACES’ deep roots in communities across the state and its ongoing role in preparing graduates who will strengthen Illinois’ food, agricultural, environmental, and human sciences sectors.

Over 500 freshmen entered ACES with college-level coursework through AP credit, dual credit, or test credit, bringing advanced preparation that allows them to accelerate their studies.

This year’s class also includes a strong cohort of high-achieving students recognized through two of the university’s most prestigious academic honors programs. 

Among ACES freshmen, 47 have been named James Scholars, joining 267 James Scholars across the college. The James Scholar program offers enhanced academic opportunities and enrichment for students who demonstrate outstanding achievement and leadership potential.

Nine freshmen have been selected as Chancellor’s Scholars, joining 39 ACES students and 125 students campuswide in the Campus Honors Program, the university’s premier honors community. This highly selective program provides enriched coursework, research opportunities, and close faculty mentorship to some of Illinois’s most promising undergraduates.

Prospective students interested in joining next year’s class can learn more and apply online.