As Butler University opens its doors for the new academic year, we are thrilled to welcome the incoming class of 2024 and a new group of transfer students to our community. This year’s incoming class is not only academically accomplished but also brings a wealth of diverse experiences and backgrounds, enriching the fabric of Butler’s vibrant campus life.
This fall, 1,049 first-year students and 91 transfer students have joined Butler, representing 37 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, and 15 countries from around the world, including Brazil, China, France, Japan, and the United Kingdom. Among them, one student hails from Melbourne, Australia, traveling nearly 9,700 miles to call Butler their new home.
Academically, this class continues Butler’s tradition of excellence. With an average high school GPA of 3.86, this cohort includes 27 valedictorians and 126 students who have been admitted to Butler’s Honors Program, making it our largest incoming Honors class to date. The class also boasts 42 Lilly Scholar recipients, some of Indiana’s most talented students recognized for their leadership and civic contributions.
Diversity is a hallmark of this year’s class. More than 24 percent of first-year students and nearly 40 percent of transfer students identify as students of color. We are also proud to welcome 55 recipients of the Dr. John Morton-Finney Diversity Scholar Award, along with students who have received the Indiana Latino Institute Scholarship and the Center for Leadership Development Award.
As Butler continues to expand its reach and impact, the University remains committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment. This commitment is evident in the fact that 205 members of the incoming class are first-generation college students—a testament to Butler’s dedication to providing access to higher education for all.
This year’s class is not just academically strong but also incredibly well-rounded. Many of our new students have excelled in visual and performing arts, with 100 students joining the Jordan College of the Arts to pursue majors in arts administration, dance, music, and theatre. In athletics, 136 students will join one of Butler’s Division I teams, while others are set to explore our 40+ club or intramural sports options. We even have classmates who are champions in archery, air rifle, and karate, and one who founded their high school’s e-sports team.
Butler’s new students also bring unique talents and stories. Among them is a book cover designer and published poet by the age of 14, a student who serves as a translator for the U.S. State Department, and another who is a descendant of several U.S. Presidents. Their diverse interests and achievements reflect the broad array of opportunities that await them at Butler.
In welcoming the Class of 2028, Butler continues to build on its legacy of academic excellence, diversity, and community engagement. These students are not only joining a prestigious institution but are also becoming part of a family that values their individual contributions and is dedicated to their growth and success.
As we embark on this new academic year, we look forward to the achievements and milestones this remarkable group of students will accomplish. Welcome to Butler University, Bulldogs—your journey begins now.