TIFFIN — The 2015-16 academic year got off to a great start when Heidelberg University welcomed 308 first-year and transfer students.

Local students who enrolled at Heidelberg are Brandon Alexander, of Sidney, Ohio, and Devon Jester, of Houston, Ohio.

This year’s incoming class are among a group that arrived with the highest recorded average GPA and ACT cohort scores in Heidelberg’s history, according to Doug Kellar, vice president for enrollment management. According to Kellar, the class brings a diverse set of experiences and backgrounds to the campus. Twenty percent are from out of state, 24 percent are minority students and 39 percent are first-generation college students.

Academically, 20 percent are Heidelberg Scholars and the average GPA and ACT scores are record setters, according to Huntington.

Founded in 1850, Heidelberg offers 30 majors, 29 minors and 10 pre-professional programs, awarding the bachelor of arts, bachelor of science, bachelor of music degrees, as well as master’s degrees in education, counseling, business administration and music. Affiliated with the United Church of Christ, Heidelberg has been ranked for 26 consecutive years as one of the top colleges in the Midwest by U.S. News and World Report. For more information visit the web site at www.heidelberg.edu.