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Momentum is building at Baldwin Wallace — and the results are showing. This fall, BW is the school of choice for nearly 10% more undergraduate students than last year, capping a summer of exciting news that brought millions of dollars in grants, gifts and awards to support students and strengthen the University.
As BW begins its second year under President Lee Fisher, the University is seeing the results of bold thinking, clear priorities and a renewed sense of possibility. Strong, in-demand academic programs are thriving, support from donors and foundations is growing, and new grants and partnerships are creating even more opportunities for our students.
And nowhere is that momentum more exciting than in the students arriving on campus.
This week, more than 550 new first-year students began classes and their own BW journeys. They join generations of Yellow Jackets who came before them while bringing new energy, ideas and ambitions that will help shape BW's future.
They will build friendships, discover new possibilities, challenge themselves and create memories that last long after graduation. From their first days on campus, they become part of something bigger — a community and a lifelong connection.
They are not simply starting college. They are becoming Yellow Jackets for Life (YJ4L) — and they are part of the momentum carrying BW forward.
This year's first-year class comes from 27 states and has impressive scholastic achievement as well as leadership, service and co-curricular involvement. They bring exceptional talent and accomplishments to the BW community, including an average high school grade point average of 3.76.
Twenty-three percent of the first-year class are students of color, adding to the diversity of experiences and perspectives that enrich the BW community. Nearly one-fourth are the first in their families to pursue a four-year degree, reflecting BW's continued commitment to creating opportunities for first-generation college students.
Business was cited as the main area of interest by 27% of the students, followed by the Conservatory of Performing Arts and health sciences at 20% each, and sciences at 16%.
Driving the increase in enrollment is BW's promise to its students that at graduation they will be leader-ready and team-ready, with the ability to lead, communicate effectively in writing and speaking, think critically, and collaborate with others.
The BW promise also prepares them to be career-ready through meaningful connections and experiences that include alumni, employers, internships, research, service and real-world opportunities to launch their careers.
It all leads to students being future-ready. BW students are prepared for the careers of today as well as those that don't yet exist, using technologies like AI and other forward-tech approaches to solve problems that haven't even emerged yet.
As first-years began their BW journey, President Lee Fisher recorded a special welcome message for the Class of 2030 about the opportunities ahead, the promises BW makes, and what it means to be part of the BW community.
The strength of the BW community is the cornerstone of what it means to be a YJ4L. Generous donors — including alumni, parents and friends of BW — have shown their support of the University.
Corporations and foundations have also pledged support through a series of initiatives. Throughout the year, BW receives grants and awards across all areas of operation, from student research and academic experiences to student life opportunities, financial scholarship awards to assist with tuition and more.
This summer, BW was the recipient of numerous grants. The list here gives a few examples of the most recent successes:
Next is Now for students starting fall 2027. The University is currently accepting applications for first-year and transfer students. At Baldwin Wallace, we're awarding more scholarships than ever before because we believe talented, motivated students should have every opportunity to pursue the future they imagine.
For many students, scholarships and financial aid reduce the net cost of a BW education to less than the average tuition and fees at Ohio's public universities, making a BW education more attainable than many families expect.
Campus came alive this weekend as new students officially kicked off their college journey during WOW. From move-in day and Convocation to hands-on introductions to academic, wellness and campus life, check out the energy, excitement and first connections of the three-day experience below.
