DURHAM, N.H. - The University of New Hampshire received more than 20,000 first-year applications to attend the flagship institution this year, an increase of nearly 1,000 from last year and an all-time record. On average those future Wildcats also have a higher GPA and overall SAT scores.

"Students in the Northeast applying to college have many excellent options, both public and private," said Victoria Dutcher, vice president of enrollment management at UNH. "UNH is a world-class university with excellent facilities and a highly respected faculty deeply committed to teaching and mentoring undergraduates. We're thrilled that more and more of the best and brightest students are aware that UNH is a strong and desirable option."

Dutcher noted several possible reasons for the increased interest in the university including visibility from hosting a nationally televised presidential primary debate in February; Gallup survey findings that show recent alumni are employed fulltime at a rate higher than college graduates nationally and higher than graduates of larger public universities; and the success of its nationally ranked football team. The university has also made significant new investments in scholarships and financial aid for top students.

In addition, the university recently renovated and expanded its science facilities across campus and is in the process of a major transformation of its signature liberal arts building, Hamilton Smith Hall. Later this year, UNH will open a new football stadium and expanded fitness and recreational swimming facilities. Dutcher also noted that students and parents are eager to hear that the university is making career preparation and professional success a strategic priority over the coming decade.

"Great things are happening here and word is spreading," said President Mark Huddleston. "We've had record enrollment for the last two years, private giving to the institution has risen nearly 250 percent in the last five years and we're about to launch the largest fundraising campaign in our history. That's a lot to celebrate in our 150th year."

While first-year applications are on the rise, the university is planning on continuing to enroll approximately 3,000 freshmen in the fall. To support New Hampshire students from the state's community colleges, UNH expanded scholarship options for transfer applicants this year, providing another vehicle for students from the Granite State to attend the university.

The University of New Hampshire, founded in 1866, is a world-class public research university with the feel of a New England liberal arts college. A land, sea, and space-grant university, UNH is the state's flagship public institution, enrolling 12,300 undergraduate and 2,200 graduate students.

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