The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign has achieved a record-breaking enrollment for the fall 2024 semester, welcoming 9,008 new freshmen and reaching a total of 59,238 students, including a record 20,765 graduate students. Chancellor Robert J. Jones emphasized the university's commitment to student success and progress, stating that 71% of the freshman class is from Illinois. Notably, 22% of incoming freshmen are first-generation college students, with significant increases in enrollment from underrepresented populations, including a 25% rise in Hispanic students. The overall enrollment reflects a growing demand for higher education and the institution's efforts to provide accessible education. The university's three campuses combined have enrolled 97,772 students this semester, underscoring the importance of higher education for the workforce. The academic profile of the incoming class shows strong ACT and SAT scores, with optional testing policies in place.