For the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic began in March, Drury University’s undergraduate students are back in classrooms across campus.

The university says there were 1,417 students on campus when classes started Thursday, compared to 1,469 at this time in 2019.

Drury’s incoming class of students has an average high school GPA of 3.8 and an average ACT score of 25.

Around 10% of the class are students of color, which is an increase.

President Tim Cloyd says enrollment numbers are in line with expectations for this year, especially given the uncertainty created by the pandemic.  “Our admissions and student affairs staff have done incredible work reaching out to current and prospective students one-on-one,” Cloyd said. “We are pleased with this year’s enrollment figures and we’re certainly glad to see students back on campus this week.”

All data is preliminary and based on opening week head counts, with final enrollment totals available following Drury’s official census day in early September.