Class of 2026 Breaks Records!  

President Nyre with members of the Class of 2026

The Class of 2026 has the highest GPA, highest average SAT and ACT scores, the most diverse student body, the highest number of First Generation and Pell eligible students as well as the most applicants in the history of Seton Hall.

A record-breaking total of 26,706 students applied to be Pirates this year; of those, 1,515 are now slated to attend. This breaks last year's record for the number of applicants when 23,252 would-be Pirates applied for the Class of 2025. Seton Hall has broken its own records for applicants seven times in the last eight years.

In addition to a record-breaking number of applicants, Seton Hall has continued its trend of rising academic achievement.

"This is the second year Seton Hall offered 'test optional' admissions to better support students through the application process and to allow for more student choice in sharing academic records and achievements," said Seton Hall University Senior Vice President for Enrollment Management Alyssa McCloud. "The result was these great outcomes of increased access and opportunity while continuing to elevate academic profile and remain true to our Catholic mission."

The current class boasts the highest average GPA in Seton Hall history as well as the highest average SAT and ACT scores. The Avg. GPA went up from what was then a record-breaking 3.64 to 3.68 and the SAT average is now 1310 versus 1290 last year, which was also a record. Likewise, average ACT scores for the Class of 2026 rose to 30 from 29, which itself was a record as was the year before (27.5).

Volunteers assisting members of the Class of 2026 as they move into their Home at the Hall.

While sustaining academic excellence in its incoming class, Seton Hall has also held – and strengthened – its commitment to diversity in all forms and its identity as a university of opportunity.

A record-breaking 54 percent of the Class of 2026 identify as students of color, besting last year's figure (another record) of 52 percent and the year prior at 47 percent.

More than 40 percent of the incoming class are the first in their family to attend college, a new record which exceeds last year's record by five percent and the average of the three years prior by 14 percent.

In addition, more than one third of all incoming students (36 percent) are Pell eligible – a new record which exceeds last year’s new record by more than three percent and the average of the three years prior by 10 percent.

More than one in four of the incoming class are from out of state, consisting of students from 41 states and 21 countries.

"Seton Hall has been a school of opportunity since its inception in 1856," said McCloud. "But 'Harvest Our Treasures,' our strategic plan, coupled with our affordability agenda, allows us to better enact our Catholic mission on a larger scale by creating more accessible and affordable education for our neediest students and serve this next generation of great minds."

Meet Some of the Newest Pirates

Jerrine George, Elaine Dundi and Rachel Lam

Elaine Dundi is from Montgomery, NJ, and is enrolled in the 3 + 3 Business and Law program. She says she "applied everywhere,"(and was accepted) but "this program was best for me." She said that instrumental in the choice to attend Seton Hall was the extraordinary faculty at the Law School and at the Stillman School of Business. She also said that the campus in South Orange was the right size – "not too big, not too small." Elaine is looking forward to the Student Involvement Fair and, as an EMT, is hoping to join with other emergency trained students in a club.

Jerrine George is from Edison, NJ, and is enrolled in the B.S./M.D. program and will be studying Biology here at Seton Hall as she prepares for Med School. As a Catholic, she appreciates having the ability to take part in her faith on campus and "loves" the Chapel. She's looking forward to participating in Chorale, singing in an acapella group and joining medical and health related student organizations.

Rachel Lam is also a B.S./M.D. program student and will be studying Math here at the University. She said she appreciates "the freedom" at Seton Hall to study math as she works toward Med School, noting that few schools allow the combination. She grew up in Piscataway, NJ, and has known Elaine Dundi since she was young. As an only child she said she looked forward to being on her own here on campus, but admitted to being a little surprised that she actually "missed her parents." She too is looking forward to the Student Involvement Fair.

Andrew Warner

Andrew Warner is from West Haven, CT, and will be studying Physical Therapy, intending to complete the doctorate. He started with an interest in Athletic Training but then came to realize that PT is, in some ways, he said, "a broader field." He came to Seton Hall because of the strength of the PT and AT programs and the University's internship placement record. Andrew likes basketball and would like to join a fraternity.

Julie Stampe and her dad

Julie Stampe is from Denmark and is set to study in the Allied Health and Social Work programs. A member of the Swim Team, she said it was conversations with her high school coaches that steered her toward Seton Hall and because there is no tradition of collegiate athletics in Denmark "a lot of Danish students come to the U.S. to study and play sports." Julie says she's looking forward to joining student organizations that focus on biology and the medical field.

Jakai Brock

Jakai Brock is from Los Angeles, CA, and is enrolled in the Athletic Training 3 + 2 program. He came to Seton Hall because "it had one of the best programs, an emphasis on internships and a generous financial aid package." He says he loves basketball, is excited to be here and is looking to have a good college experience.

Elliott Park

Elliott Park is from Middletown, NJ, and will be studying Biology in the 3 + 3 Physical Therapy program. He said he really appreciates Seton Hall's emphasis on "hands-on" training and actually "doing." He also said he enjoys the atmosphere on campus and is looking forward and is open to getting involved in student organizations and clubs.

Jillian Daly and Amanda Grace

Amanda Grace is from Branchburg, NJ, majoring in Secondary and Special Education. She comes to Seton Hall because she wants to teach in New Jersey, and appreciates the certification program that will allow her to do so while still being close to family. She also said she likes the 'faith aspect' at Seton Hall and looks forward to working with Campus Ministry and DOVE (Division of Volunteer Efforts).

Jillian Daly is a Social Work major who has to come to Seton Hall following in the footsteps of her cousin and aunt. She is from Westchester, NY, and when she came to campus found it "beautiful" and "loved it." She also likes that the University is relatively close to home. She plans on participating in the Dance Team and working with the Great Minds Dare to Care program.

Maya Tejada with her family

Maya Tejada is from Hazlet, NJ, and plans on majoring in Communication with a minor in Public Relations. She says a seminar held by the College of Communication and the Arts "sold her" on the program. She also looks forward to pursuing the professional opportunities in her field in the New York metropolitan area. She plans on joining Drama Club and Dance. Her father, Sandro Tejada, works at Seton Hall as the director of Major Gifts – Parents Program.

Jack Boucher with his family

Jack Boucher, from Naples, Florida, is majoring in English and a member of the Honors Program. He and his mom Donna agreed that Seton Hall's gorgeous campus was a major draw. "We like that it's on the smaller side, it's not super large. I also like the small class sizes and all the opportunities for future jobs and internships," said Donna. Jack's father Jean-Paul added, "We were very attracted to the liberal-arts education, which makes a well-rounded student — who then becomes a well-rounded person."

Nicolas Feulifack with his mother Lillian

Finance major Nicolas Feulifack journeyed to New Jersey all the way from Paris, France. His uncle is The Most Reverend Jerome Feudjio, Bishop of the U.S. Virgin Islands, who informed Nic and his family about Seton Hall and its Catholic community, which was important to them. His mom Lillian said, "I was very proud of my son for choosing Seton Hall, it's a very nice place to be." While at the University, Nic plans to get involved with the Black community groups and hopes he can play club or intramural soccer.

Sydni Harris and roommate Mekiayla Dunston

Freshmen roommates Sydni Harris of Seattle, WA and Mekiayla Dunston of Willingboro, NJ met for the first time in-person on the campus green during Move-In Day. Sydni is enrolled in the Political Science program and has an interest in law. Seton Hall's academic programs, scholarships and internship opportunities "were a big factor" in choosing the University, she said. "So far, everyone I've met is super welcoming and kind." Standing near the campus chapel, Sydni also noted that Seton Hall's Catholic community interested her. "I've been drawn to the Catholic community, and I want to get back into my faith. I want to learn more about Catholicism even from just an educational standpoint," said Sydni. Her roommate Mekiayla will be studying biology and has an ultimate goal of becoming a neurosurgeon. She was drawn to the University's prestigious academic reputation. "Seton Hall was a good fit for me. I feel like I'm surrounded by like-minded people."

Amos Willey

Amos Willey is from Lowell, Vermont, just 20 minutes from the Canadian border. He's enrolled in the 3 + 3 Political Science/Law program, but is also considering Philosophy or International Relations in preparation for law school. He chose Seton Hall for the strength of its programs, its proximity to New York City and because it is "a great Catholic school."

Vada Leaver and Mya Rogando

Mya Rogando-Lynch is a Nursing major from Milltown, NJ, and is a Buccino Leadership Institute student. She says she applied and was accepted by a number of other schools, but "fell in love with Seton Hall" when she visited campus and found it to be inviting. "Everyone was so nice. People on the janitorial staff went out of their way to help me – told me what was good about the school and why they sent their kids here. I didn't get that at the other schools I visited." She plays the alto saxophone and thinks Cheer and Dance will be in her future at Seton Hall, as will her best friend from high school and now roommate.

Vada Leaver, who is from Spotswood, NJ, and says when she first visited campus "something just clicked." She is enrolled in the 3 + 3 Physical Therapy program and comes to her choice through first-hand experience. An accomplished soccer player, she badly damaged her knee in high school and learned about physical therapy by going through it. She now wants to become a physical therapist herself. With her knee recovered, she plans on joining the Club Soccer team. Like her friend and roommate, Mya Rogando-Lynch, Vada also plays the alto sax.

Oliver Stacey and dad Chris

For his college search, Oliver Stacey, from Seattle, Washington, was looking for an East Coast school with an international focus. Seton Hall checked off both boxes. Oliver will be majoring in Diplomacy and International Relations as part of the 3 + 3 program which will take him to Seton Hall Law School after he earns his bachelor's degree. A member of the dive team, Oliver liked the University's proximity to New York and the opportunities the city offers. "I'm excited for new college experiences, interacting with new people and exploring campus," he said.

Aya Gusemalseed and her mom

Like Oliver, Aya Gusemalseed will be heading to law school at Seton Hall after she earns her B.S. in Diplomacy and International Relations in 2026. A commuter from Florham Park, NJ, Aya was drawn to the University because of its law program, diversity and "welcoming feel."

Jason Cirillo

Whippany, NJ native Jason Cirillo is part of the 3+2 Athletic Training program. Not only is he looking forward to meeting new people and getting into the routine of being at college, Jason is also excited to take classes at Seton Hall's Interprofessional Health Sciences campus. "It's gorgeous, and you can see the City from up there, which I suppose is ultimately what you're trying to get to — there's a bigger world out there," he said.

Anna Nocco and Amy Kugelman

Anna Nocco is from Danville, California, which is near San Franscisco (though she was born in New York and lived for awhile in London). After meeting a Seton Hall enrollment representative at her all-girls Catholic high school, she was eager to attend the 3 + 3 Stillman School of Business and Law program. She plans on pursuing corporate and contract law and looks forward to the community and fellowship of a close-knit Catholic University.

Amy Kugelman is from Rockland County, New York and is enrolled as an Environmental Studies student. She plans on entering the Law School after graduation and may switch her major to Criminal Justice or Political Science to better prepare her for her career path as an environmental lawyer. A member of the Diving Team, Amy says she really liked the team coaches and was taken by "how nice everyone was" as well as the "warm environment" on campus.

Rashim Lancit with his family.

Nursing major Rashim Lancit moved into his dorm with the help of his mom, Monica, his dad, Rashim Sr., and his sister, Mikel. He will be taking classes on the South Orange campus during his freshmen year and will begin studying at Seton Hall's Interprofessional Health Sciences campus in Nutley, NJ, as a sophomore. Although a scholarship influenced Rashim's ultimate decision to attend Seton Hall, he was also impressed by both campuses, especially the state-of-the-art facilities at IHS. Sports was also a draw for Rashim, who plans to participate in intramural sports and is looking forward to seeing the Pirates play this fall. "I'm a really big basketball fan," he said. Rashim's mother, Monica, shared that the experience of moving her son into college was "a bit surreal" but that "the move-in process has been very efficient and smooth." This was in part thanks to the many volunteers who assisted across campus during Move-In Day.

Aidan Joyce with his mom Lorraine

Aidan Joyce is from West Orange, NJ, and entering the 5-year B.S./M.B.A. program, with a focus on Information Technology Management. Both of his parents received their master's degrees from Seton Hall, and his mom is a long-time employee in the Public Relations and Marketing department. He's excited about being in the Honors Program because of the variety of courses it provides. "I am looking forward to the Honors Colloquium on the medieval world and learning about the Byzantine Empire and the Islamic World, both parts of the medieval age that weren't covered during my high school history courses," said Aidan.

Maddie Vasquez with roommates Olivia and Julia

Maddie Vasquez is from Warren, NJ and chose Seton Hall University for the University's Athletic Training program. She is enrolled in the 3 + 2 program starting out in the Exercise Science bachelor's program offered through the School of Health and Medical Sciences. She'll pursue her Master's in Athletic Training after completing her undergraduate studies. Maddie's interest in college sports extends beyond academics. "I played softball my whole life, so I am interested in playing on an intramural team. I'm also excited to cheer on the softball and baseball teams." Maddie was joined by her roommates, Olivia and Julia, on Move-In Day. The trio met online on Instagram and will be living in Aquinas Hall.

Miles and Brayden

Roommates Miles of Charlotte, N.C. and Brayden of River Edge, N.J. are excited to be attending the University this fall as upcoming freshmen. Miles, a Business Administration major, is looking forward to being "part of a community that's near a big city" and to having "a change of environment." Brayden will be majoring in Sports Management and is excited to start the fall semester as well.

Cayden Alphonso

Cayden Alphonso is from Brooklyn, NY, and aspires to be an electrical engineer through the Seton Hall and Stevens Institute of Technology joint 3 + 2 dual degree program. He said that he immediately "felt at home" when he came to campus. "It's a nice environment, people here are friendly." He ran track in high school and is thinking of getting involved here at Seton Hall.

Alexa Tamburrino with her family

Alexa Tamburrino is from Seymour, CT, and is enrolled in the 3 + 3 Physician's Assistant program. She says she has always wanted to go into the medical field and will be able to do so quicker through the Seton Hall program, which offers direct entry into its competitive PA program on the Interprofessional Health Sciences campus. She plans on joining the University Pep Band and plays the trumpet and electric guitar.

Sujal Desai

Sujal Desai is from Mahwah, NJ, but is originally from Gujarat, India. He is majoring in Finance at the Stillman School of Business and chose Seton Hall after a tour of campus. He said the University "stood out to him" in ways the other campuses he visited did not. He's especially enthused about Seton Hall's internship opportunities and plans on joining Business Club and playing on an intramural basketball team.

Sister Anne

Sister Anne was among the many Seton Hall volunteers who pitched in to help students and their families on Move-In Day. A new arrival at Seton Hall herself, Sister Anne is part of the Apostolic Sisters of St. John. She'll be based at Campus Ministry where she will be doing pastoral work with students. "I'm looking forward to getting to know students and sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with them," she said.

Categories: Campus Life