Russell Sage College welcomed its largest first-year class since 2018 this fall. (Photo by Kaseem Gomez)

Russell Sage College welcomed 333 first-year students this fall – the largest class since 2018 – and a 39% increase over last fall.

With transfers included, 472 new undergraduate students started their journey at Russell Sage this semester, also the largest class since 2018. The overall full-time undergraduate population now stands at 1,237, up 4% over fall 2025.

“A growing number of students are recognizing the value of a Russell Sage College education, and it’s not just our generous scholarships to make college more affordable,” said Russell Sage President Matthew Shaftel. “Students know they’ll find a transformative experience at Russell Sage, one that gives them the knowledge and confidence to succeed in their careers and in life.”

Total undergraduate and graduate enrollment for fall 2026 is 3,096. That brings enrollment nearly even with last fall, even after the college recognized 1,223 graduates at the May commencement ceremony, its largest graduating class in recent history and 467 more students over the previous year. 

Overall graduate program enrollment, including partnership programs for advanced graduate certificates, was down slightly, by 4% compared to last fall.

Meanwhile, the campus is bustling as more undergraduate students – close to 600 – are choosing to live on campus, a 12% increase over the previous fall. 

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