BINGHAMTON, NY – Binghamton University received a record-high 29,089 freshman applications for fall 2013 admission, surpassing the previous record high of 28,963, set in 2009. The number is up from the 28,141 freshman applications received for fall 2012 admission.   

Applications for graduate study have reached historic heights as well, according to Susan Strehle, interim dean of the Graduate School, which has received 3,402 completed applications for fall admission – an increase of 66.6 percent over last year.

“It’s always exciting to break records, and these are the kinds of records we’re proud to break,” said Binghamton University President Harvey Stenger. “We have stellar students and an amazing faculty to teach them, so it’s gratifying to know that so many students are interested in the high-quality education they can receive at Binghamton.”

As Binghamton continues its growth in students, Donald Nieman, provost and vice president for academic affairs, expects to increase the number of faculty by nearly 60 for fall 2013. “These new faculty will help us lower the student-to-faculty ratio while helping us build on Binghamton University’s tradition of excellence,” Nieman said. “These applicants have applied to a growing University focused on providing them the best possible education.”

Particularly significant is the surge in applicants to the School of Management. With more than 4,226 prospective freshman students seeking admission, it marks a 15 percent increase in applicants over the prior year.         

In addition to freshman applications, the University has received 3,025 transfer applications so far this year, with more to come. “Many transfer students wait until the spring semester to apply,” said Townsend Plant, assistant provost for undergraduate admissions. “We anticipate and welcome more transfer applications in the coming weeks.“

“We’ve never received so many applications for fall admission in our history,” said Strehle. “As we look to increase the number of graduate students at Binghamton, this record is a positive one.”

“Beyond Binghamton’s reputation for academic excellence, a variety of factors such as campus visits, successful alumni, more targeted recruiting and the University’s academic and social atmosphere influence students’ decisions to apply,” Stenger said.

Binghamton University is one of the four university centers of the State University of New York. Known for the excellence of its students, faculty, staff and programs, Binghamton enrolls more than 15,000 students in programs leading to bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees. Its curriculum, founded in the liberal arts, has expanded to include selected professional and graduate programs.