Regis University is Colorado's sole participant in Common App's Direct Admissions program

The University joins nearly 70 colleges and universities to connect more students to postsecondary opportunities

Today, Regis University joined Common App’s direct admissions program, which will provide over 200,000 first generation and low-income students who are college-interested with proactive admissions offers. Common App’s direct admissions program also includes tailored outreach and resources to families, and to counselors who have students receiving a direct admission offer.

“We’re happy to be partnering with Common App on their direct admissions initiative. This program allows us to reach out to more students who may not otherwise have the opportunity to pursue a higher education, aligning with our goal of making a Regis University education both accessible and affordable,” said J.T. Smith, Dean of Admissions at Regis University.

Regis University, in partnership with Common App, aims to close its equity gap for low- and middle-income students accessing postsecondary opportunities by 2030, with a particular focus on first-generation and low-income students.

“We are excited for Regis University to join our direct admissions program, where even more students will now know that they are worthy and wanted on a college campus,” said Jenny Rickard, President & CEO of Common App. “Overall, direct admissions is about changing the narrative of a college education from one of scarcity to one of opportunity, by ensuring students know that college opportunity is an abundant resource — and one that’s available to them.”

Common App has piloted a direct admissions program since 2021, offering admission to students who created a Common App account and provided enough academic information– but had not yet completed all–of their open applications. The latest iteration of the pilot offered admission to 33,000 students at 14 participating institutions, and over 800 students accepted the offer. Results showed the impacts of the intervention were strongest for Black or African American, Latinx, and First-generation students.

About Common App

Common App is a not-for-profit member organization committed to the pursuit of access, equity, and integrity in the college admission process. Each year, more than one million students apply to college through the Common App’s online application. By joining forces, Common App and Reach Higher accelerated progress toward our joint goal of supporting all students, especially low-income and first-generation students, in achieving their higher education dreams. Founded in 1975, Common App serves over 1,000 member colleges and universities worldwide. In 2023, the organization launched its Next Chapter, with the goal of closing its equity gap in low- and middle-income students applying to college by 2030. To learn more, visit commonapp.org