GREENSBORO -- Summer is almost over and universities across the state are gearing up for the fall semester.
Orientation has kicked off at UNCG and for those leading the crowds, it's already been a busy week.
“We have about 492 students and about 200 parents, which is the most -- I think -- they say we’ve had in the past few years," said Ja’Niya Williams, UNCG Transfer Adult Student Leader.
Ja’Niya Williams transferred to UNCG after attending a community college. Now in her senior year, she leads orientation groups.
But this year, admissions officials say the university is welcoming a bigger freshman class than previous years -- with 300 to 400 students over last year's numbers.
“Were seeing about 28 hundred incoming freshman and 19 hundred incoming transfers," said Bryan Terry, UNCG Enrollment Management Associate Provost.
A record number, according to Terry. This year's freshman class is made up of students from all 50 states and more than 79 countries.
Admissions officials say UNCG has the most diverse population in the North Carolina system.
Those stats along with this year's enrollment numbers show a big improvement from previous years.
“We've had a few lean years over the past couple of years," said Terry. "The economy hit and students and families weren't able to afford the costs of education, but now the economy has turned around we’re seeing lots of new students.”
Terry says not only is UNCG drawing in more new freshmen, he says those students are saying at the university longer.
“Our retention rate is about three points higher than last year and last year was four points higher than the year before," said Terry. "Students are starting to stay and starting to say, 'This is worth it.'"
But even with more students attending classes and living in dorms...officials say the university hasn't reached capacity and they have enough room for everyone.
Classes start at UNCG next week.