Spelman College has received more than 11,000 applications for the 2021-2022 admission cycle, which is the highest app pool since its inception 140 years ago.

The prominent HBCU shared the news in a press release to highlight how more young Black women scholars are attracted to the college following a tumultuous year. This increase in admission applications is a 20 percent increase compared to last year, and follows an upward application trajectory since 2014.

“The increased interest in Spelman is a testament to the College’s reputation of graduating Black women with a competitive edge who rise to leadership roles across industries and impact positive change in their communities,” said Spelman President Mary Schmidt Campbell in a statement. “We are excited that these bright young minds are seizing the opportunity to experience our unique liberal arts education by applying to Spelman.”

Applicants interested in attending Spelman boast impressive academic profiles. Applicants average a GPA of 3.8 and there was a four percent increase in applications from Georgia specifically. This increase in interest confirms Spelman’s ranking as this year’s No. 1 HBCU in the nation, according to U.S. News & World Report. Spelman attributes some of its admission success to its growing liberal arts college.

“We have been intentional about sharing the rich tradition and legacy of Spelman, while also highlighting our ability to produce the next generation of leaders in a tech-forward society,” Chelsea Holley, Spelman’s interim director of admissions, shared in a press release. “We have consistently evolved and managed to remain a pace setter in the education and professional development of women of African descent.”