Student enrollment figures released for the 2017-18 academic year demonstrate the University of Washington Bothell’s to provide access to education and, in particular, to serve a diverse and often underserved population from across the region.

Of the roughly 800 incoming first-year students in fall quarter, 45 percent would be the first in their families to earn a four-year degree, according to a press release. Of the approximately 800 incoming transfer students — the vast majority of whom transfer from a state community college — 41 percent are also first-generation students.

Thirty-five percent of incoming first-year students and 32 percent of incoming transfers are eligible for Pell grants, the federal aid to students in financial need.

Of UW Bothell’s 5,995 total student body headcount, 57 percent come from King County and 27 percent from Snohomish County, the release states. The top five cities of residence are Seattle (15 percent), Bothell (eight percent), Lynnwood (seven percent), Bellevue (six percent) and Everett (six percent).

According to the release, the overall student body also comes from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds: 40 percent white, 26 percent Asian, 10 percent international, nine percent Hispanic or Latino, six percent African-American and six percent indicated two or more races. (Less than one percent marked Native American or Alaska Native and two percent did not indicate a race.)

UW Bothell has a commitment both to access and to diversity, Chancellor Wolf Yeigh said.

“By welcoming first-generation students and those who come from underrepresented and underserved groups, UW Bothell creates a learning community that has the power to develop individuals, transform generations of a single family and lift entire communities,” Yeigh said in the release.

UW Bothell is also expanding access with academic programs in Bellevue and Everett and through both online and hybrid classes.

Overall, 30 percent of UW Bothell students are enrolled in first-year and pre-major programs, the release states. Of the students in a major field of study, 23 percent are in the School of Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics — the largest and fastest-growing school, in which degrees in computer science and software engineering are in demand. Seventeen percent are in the School of Interdisciplinary Arts & Sciences. Sixteen percent are pursuing much sought-after degrees in the School of Business. Nine percent are in the School of Nursing & Health Studies and five percent in the School of Educational Studies, acquiring or augmenting professional skills.

There are 5,370 undergraduates and 625 graduate students enrolled at UW Bothell, the release continues. The average class size is 29 for undergraduates and 17 for graduate students.

UW Bothell’s one-year retention rate is in the top 15 percent of similar public four-year universities in the nation. The six-year graduation rate is in the top 10 percent. In the 2016-17 year, 53 percent of undergraduates and 59 percent of graduate students graduated debt free, according to the release.

Nine out of 10 UW Bothell alumni live and work in Washington.