Robust class of new students officially join the Drew community
August 2026 – Drew University welcomed new first-year, transfer, and graduate students throughout a weekend of orientation and community-building events ahead of the fall 2026 semester.
First-year undergraduate students flooded campus for Move-In Day, unpacking and setting up their dorm rooms, supported as always by a mighty squad of Orientation Leaders.
The College of Liberal Arts Class of 2030 was officially welcomed at the Opening of School Ceremony, taking steps they will mirror on their Commencement day.
“Drew today and tomorrow will give you the tools, the opportunities, the connections, the research experience, the mentoring, and the sense of self to become the globally-minded, problem-solving citizens and leaders our world needs now more than ever,” said President Hilary L. Link, PhD, in her remarks to students and families.
“This is now your community—embrace it and bring your unique talents, interests, and experiences to the joyous work of making it even stronger and even better because you are here,” she added. “Don’t just sit back! Being part of the Drew community means being responsible for the vibrancy of our shared community, and for each and every person in it.”
Following the ceremony, first-year students took their first college courses in their Drew Seminars (DSEM).
Over the weekend, new students further immersed themselves in the Drew community, touring downtown Madison’s shops and restaurants just steps away from campus, and enjoying lawn games and food trucks at RecFest, and forged connections at campus gatherings.
Check out the undergraduate class by the numbers:
- 35 percent are student athletes
- 24 U.S. states (and two territories) are represented
- 17 countries are represented
- The most popular majors are business, biology, psychology, finance, and theatre arts
- 36 percent are first-generation students
- 31 students have Drew relatives, and three have two parents who are both alums!
Enlarge
Figures from Drew’s new graduate students in the Caspersen School of Graduate Studies and Drew Theological School:
- 13 U.S. states represented
- 18 countries represented
- More than one third of graduate students are returning Drew students
- The most popular graduate degrees are the Master of Art in Teaching (MAT) program in Caspersen and Master of Divinity (MDiv) for the Theological School
Drew welcomed new transfer students to the College of Liberal Arts. Some fast facts:
- The new transfer class is the second-largest class in Drew’s history
- Students originally hail from five states and three countries
- Students transferred from major universities across the country including Penn State, Marist, Marquette, Muhlenberg, Lycoming, and SUNY-Purchase, as well in-state schools like Princeton, Rowan, TCNJ, Fairfield, and Fairleigh Dickinson
- Students also transferred in large numbers from local community colleges, including Union County College, County College of Morris, Bergen Community College, Sussex County Community College, and more.
Head to the @drewuniversity Instagram page for more photos on the weekend’s events!
