JERSEY CITY, N.J. – September 15, 2026 – Saint Peter’s University announced that it welcomed a record-setting number of new students to campus for the 2026–27 academic year, marking a historic milestone that reflects the University’s growing momentum, expanding appeal and enduring commitment to delivering an exceptional, transformative education.
This growth follows an unprecedented enrollment cycle with more than 7000 applications for admission, underscoring the growing demand for a Saint Peter’s education. “This fall’s record enrollment is a result of strategic efforts to showcase Saint Peter’s University as a Jesuit institution that stands out nationally and regionally for its recognized strengths in affordability, social mobility and value,” stated President Hubert Benitez. “More and more students and their families recognize our position as an anchor institution in the NJ/NY metropolitan area; the commitment to an exceptional, accessible and affordable education; and the focus on academic excellence, student success and transformative opportunities.”
The incoming class reflects the rich student body that makes Saint Peter’s unique. More than 700 new first-year students make up the class of 2030, (along with over 200 transfer students), originating from 40 countries, 14 states and 17 counties across New Jersey. The group represents 206 high schools, while 59 percent of students identify as first-generation college students.
With students coming from across the United States, New Jersey is the most represented state, followed by New York, Pennsylvania and Connecticut. Students also hail from California, Florida, Georgia, Texas, Virginia, South Carolina, Massachusetts, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Maryland, Missouri, Delaware, and Vermont.
The Class of 2030 also brings a vast global perspective to campus, with students representing Australia, Austria, Bermuda, Canada, France, Germany, Greece, Honduras, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Norway, Pakistan, Poland, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Trinidad and Tobago, Uganda, the United Kingdom and Vietnam. The opportunities for sharing cultural experiences and world views throughout our campus are endless.
The significant enrollment growth is fueled by ongoing investments in academic programs, campus facilities and student support. The university continues to expand and enrich its academic offerings with innovative programs that meet educational needs and workforce demand. In addition to majoring in the more than 50 existing programs in the humanities, social science, business, education, health professions and natural sciences, this year students can pursue new majors in fields such as neuroscience, nutrition and project management, as well as new accelerated learning opportunities in fields such as mental health counseling, social work, nursing and educational leadership. Moreover, students will experience cutting-edge learning opportunities in artificial intelligence and computational sciences through the new School for Global Innovation and AI.
Recent infrastructure enhancements ensure access to innovative, state-of-the-art learning environments. In March 2026, Saint Peter’s officially opened its new Health Education, Simulation and Innovation Suite in the School of Nursing and Health Professions, a high-tech facility that integrates innovation, technology, and experiential learning to prepare the next generation of a dynamic and highly skilled healthcare workforce. To support a well-rounded student experience, in May 2026, a newly renovated indoor athletic complex opened at the Victor R. Yantelli, S.J. Recreational Life Center. The space, commonly known as the “bubble,” features a dynamic, high-performance environment for student-athletes and the broader community, with a FIFA-certified soccer turf and a track.
Moreover, the university has launched a new cohesive first-year success model that unifies academic advising, health and wellness, career preparation, financial assistance and disability services to offer comprehensive support and to ensure that each student is well positioned to succeed. New students were introduced to these programs during Welcome Week 2026, that kicked off the academic year with a celebration of community, connection, and Peacock Pride!
“This record-breaking class is ready to take its place and become the new emerging leaders on the Saint Peter’s campus,” stated Assistant Vice President for Enrollment Camille Braker Balkum. “They bring talent, energy and excitement, and with the support of the strong campus community, the class of 2030 Peacocks will surely make its impact.”
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About Saint Peter’s University
For more than 150 years, Saint Peter’s University, inspired by its Jesuit, Catholic identity, commitment to individual attention and grounding in the liberal arts, has educated a diverse community of learners through undergraduate, graduate, doctoral and professional programs to excel intellectually, lead ethically, serve compassionately and promote justice in an ever-changing urban and global environment. To learn more, visit www.saintpeters.edu.