Non-Profit Private
Accredited · Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
DeLand, Florida
86.4% Acceptance Rate
Stetson University — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
86.4%Acceptance Rate
3.69Avg GPA
1208Avg SAT
26Avg ACT
$69,807Annual Cost
$51,642Grad Salary
35.4%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
86.4%
Avg GPA
3.69
Avg SAT
1208
Avg ACT
26
Selectivity
Inclusive
Institution Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
SAT Middle 50%
1090–1290
ACT Middle 50%
23–29
Need-Based Aid
35.4% receive Pell
Stetson University is a private, selective liberal arts university in Florida known for its commitment to academic excellence, civic engagement, and social justice. With a focus on critical inquiry and student-faculty collaboration, the university provides a formative education that prepares students for lives of meaning and impact.
Stetson University Acceptance Rate
Stetson University maintains an inclusive admission policy. With an acceptance rate of 86.4%, the institution prioritizes accessibility and opportunity for all qualified students.
Admissions Guidelines
- Inclusive Enrollment: Emphasis is placed on meeting basic eligibility and high school completion.
- Launchpad Policy: Ideal for students looking to build a GPA for future transfer or career certification.
Selectivity at a Glance
Inclusive
Selectivity scale: Inclusive — 86.4% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
Recommended Academic Profile
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.69 – 4.00
Target Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.49 – 3.68
Competitive Reach
Focus on Score Compensation
Below 3.24
Secondary Reach
Requires Contextual Support
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Stetson University GPA Requirement
The average GPA of the admitted students at Stetson University is 3.69. Stetson University is highly selective.
Mostly A's with a few B's will keep you competitive. Taking AP/IB courses related to your field will improve your chances.
Note: This is an unweighted GPA on a 4.0 scale. Students with AP or IB courses will typically have a weighted GPA of 3.89-4.09 for this same academic profile.If your GPA is between 3.39 and 3.69, a strong SAT or ACT score is recommended.
Stetson University GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Selective; solid academic performance is expected.
Recommended Strategy: Focus on a Strong 'Spike' in extracurriculars or research.
Admissions at Stetson University utilize a Holistic Review process. With an average admitted GPA of 3.69, the following table illustrates how your specific academic profile aligns with institutional expectations.
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.69 – 4.00
Target/Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.49 – 3.68
Competitive Match
Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation
3.29 – 3.48
Secondary Reach
Personal Statement & Impact
Below 3.28
Institutional Reach
Requires Significant Contextual Factors
Expert Insight: 2026 Evaluation Metrics
- Private university in DeLand, FL (founded 1883) with regional campuses in Tampa, Gulfport, and Orlando; score-optional with a required writing sample (set prompts or a graded paper) and one recommendation; Common App accepted with supplemental forms.
- Deadlines for 2026-27: Early Decision Nov 1, non-binding Early Action Nov 15, rolling to Jan 15, with a December 1 scholarship/financial-aid priority date; merit scholarships are largely automatic on academic credentials and on-campus housing is guaranteed for three years.
- First Florida university to establish schools of Business, Music, and Law; the School of Music is conservatory-style (~200 students) and requires an audition separate from university admission; the AACSB-accredited business school sits in the top tier worldwide.
- Distinctive: the selective Bonner Program tying high-achieving students to sustained community service, the historic duPont-Ball Library (Florida's oldest federal depository), 18 NCAA Division I sports, and a DeLand location named "America's Best Main Street," ~45 minutes from Orlando.
- The Rigor Metric: At Stetson University, a slightly lower GPA (e.g., 3.8) in a transcript featuring multiple AP or IB courses is often prioritized over a 4.0 in a standard curriculum.
- The Upward Trend: If your early high school grades were lower, an upward trajectory in 11th and 12th grade demonstrates Academic Resilience.
Data Source: Verified via IPEDS and latest Common Data Set (CDS). Reviewed by our academic board led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Check Your Admission Chances at Stetson University
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on Stetson University's verified institutional data
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Calculating Profile...
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Your SAT Score 1200
Your Unweighted GPA 3.00
✅ Verified Data: Institutional records for 2026.
Calculated via College Portal's Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards. Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
Stetson University Test Requirements
In this competitive environment, standardized scores are no longer elective; they serve as a critical standardized benchmark to validate high school GPA and course rigor. Applicants should aim for scores within or above the middle 50% range of the 2026 admitted class to remain viable in the Holistic Review process. At institutions that remain test-optional, submitting a high-percentile score is still the primary strategy for securing merit-based scholarships and distinguishing one's profile in a high-volume applicant pool.
Can I Get Into Stetson University Without SAT or ACT?
Stetson University considers admission test scores (SAT/ACT) during the application process but does not require them. Although it is not strictly a requirement, the test scores are considered for admission decisions. Hence, it is advisable to prepare well for the test and submit the best scores. Normally, students may appear in the test 2 to 3 times to improve their scores.
Stetson University Average SAT Score: 1208
The average SAT score of the admitted students at Stetson University is 1208 on the 1600 SAT scale.
SAT Competitiveness
SAT 1208 — Slightly Competitive
This score makes it slightly Competitive for SAT test scores. You need to do well to score 1208 on the SAT.
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (1290 SAT or 29 ACT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. Stetson University allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.
If your score is below 1090, retaking the SAT is strongly recommended to improve your chances at Stetson University. Retaking the test multiple times is completely normal — most competitive applicants take the SAT two or three times to achieve their best score. There is no official limit on attempts.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 580 | 530 | 630 |
| SAT Reading | 610 | 560 | 660 |
| SAT Composite | 1208 | 1090 | 1290 |
It means that if you have scored less than 1090 then you are below most of the admitted students at Stetson University and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1290 or more, your chances of admission are higher. 25th percentile means that only 25% of the admitted students have fewer scores than this score. 75th percentile marks the score of the upper 25% of the students.
View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1200
Can I get into Stetson University with a 1300 SAT?
With a 1300 SAT Score, your chances of admission at Stetson University are good but the admission staff at Stetson University tests your all-around personality and your academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission. You need to show better performance in all areas. An equally high GPA, taking IB or AP Courses and your role in leadership activities will increase your chances of admission. However, if you equally compete well in all other areas, your chances of admission are high.
Stetson University ACT Requirements
The average ACT Score at Stetson University is 26.
ACT Competitiveness
ACT 26 — Competitive
This score makes Stetson University Competitive for ACT scores. You need to do well to score 26 on the ACT.
ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 24 | 20 | 27 |
| ACT English | 25 | 21 | 29 |
| ACT Composite | 26 | 23 | 29 |
Can I get into Stetson University with a 29 ACT?
A 29 ACT places you at the 75th percentile of admitted students at Stetson University — meaning you score higher than 75% of students who were accepted. This is a strong position, but the ACT is just one dimension of your application. Admissions officers at Stetson University use the ACT as a benchmark to validate your academic readiness, not as a standalone admission ticket.
Unlike the SAT, the ACT measures four distinct subject areas — English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science — each scored on a 1–36 scale. If one of your section scores is significantly lower than the others, admissions staff will notice the imbalance. For example, a weak ACT Science score at a STEM-focused institution carries more weight than the same weakness at a liberal arts college. It is worth reviewing your section-level scores and addressing any outliers before applying.
One important advantage the ACT has over the SAT is that Stetson University — like most US universities — accepts Superscoring for the ACT, meaning they take your highest section scores across multiple test attempts and combine them into a new composite. If you have taken the ACT more than once, confirm whether Stetson University uses Superscoring, as this could meaningfully improve your effective composite beyond what any single sitting shows.
Beyond your score, what ultimately determines admission at this level is the strength of your overall profile. Your unweighted GPA, course rigor (AP, IB, or dual enrollment), extracurricular depth, letters of recommendation, and personal essays all carry significant weight. A 29 ACT gets your application through the first filter — but your essays and activities are what move it forward from there.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for Stetson University
Accessible Strategy: Academic Foundation
Stetson University is accessible to students who show core competency. The focus should be on proving readiness for college-level work and securing financial aid.
Nail the Required Writing Sample - It Substitutes for Test Scores in Review
Stetson is score-optional and explicitly values "academic achievement, commitment to personal values, leadership, talent, character and initiative above standardized testing," which makes the required writing sample the centerpiece of a test-optional file. Stetson offers specific prompts - discuss a state, national, or global issue that matters to you; the one cause you'd fight for; or a time you fell short of expectations and its impact - and also accepts a graded paper. Choose the prompt that lets you demonstrate values and initiative (the exact traits Stetson names), and treat it as your primary lever if you withhold scores. A generic essay wastes the single biggest opportunity to show the character-driven fit Stetson selects for.
Apply by the December 1 Scholarship Priority Date and Use Early Action Strategically
Stetson runs Early Decision (Nov 1), non-binding Early Action (Nov 15), and rolling admission (Jan 15), but the money deadline is December 1 for full scholarship and financial-aid consideration - and merit awards are largely automatic on your academic credentials. Applying early also unlocks earlier class registration, move-in, and room selection, which matters because Stetson guarantees on-campus housing for three years and housing fills fast. The play: apply Early Action by mid-November to stay non-binding while capturing priority, submit the FAFSA immediately since some aid is first-come, and get the housing deposit in the moment you're admitted.
Audition Early for the Conservatory-Style School of Music - Florida's First
Stetson was the first university in Florida to establish schools of Business, Music, and Law, and its School of Music is a competitive, conservatory-style program (roughly 200 students) requiring an audition for admission - separate from general university admission. Prospective music majors should prepare repertoire to the program's standards, schedule the audition early in the cycle, and understand the intensive structure (semester recitals plus junior and senior recitals, a rigorous theory sequence). Because the audition gates entry and much of the music scholarship money, treat it as the true application. For business applicants, complete recommended quantitative prerequisites in high school, since finance and entrepreneurship tracks expect that preparation.
Position Yourself for the Bonner Program and Stetson's Service/Values Identity
Stetson pairs a strong service ethos with the selective Bonner Program, which matches high-achieving, service-committed students to sustained community work on issues like poverty and homelessness (typically with meaningful scholarship support). Applicants with a genuine, documented record of service should surface it prominently and align their writing sample with a cause, because this mirrors what Bonner and Stetson reward. Reinforce fit by naming Stetson-specific assets - the AACSB-accredited business school, the historic duPont-Ball Library (Florida's oldest federal depository), the DeLand "America's Best Main Street" setting - to show you chose Stetson's particular values-and-service culture rather than a generic private university.
Expert Insight:
Stetson's ~72?86% acceptance rate (sources vary) makes general admission look easy, but its most valuable pathways are gated and deadline-driven. The School of Music requires a separate audition that most of the music scholarship money flows through, so a student admitted to the university is not admitted to Music without it. And the December 1 scholarship priority date plus first-come financial aid mean a strong applicant who applies late - or treats the writing sample as an afterthought while withholding test scores - can lose both merit money and preferred three-year-guaranteed housing that fills quickly. Early, deliberate sequencing is what protects the aid.
Stetson University Profile
Full Name
Stetson University
City
DeLand
State
Florida
ZIP Code
32723
Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
Is a Stetson University Degree Worth It?
Getting into Stetson University can be a great opportunity for many students. It is a prestigious institution known for its strong programs. However, whether it is worth it depends on your personal and academic goals, as well as your financial situation. Stetson University offers a rigorous academic environment and access to cutting-edge research, but it may not be the best fit for everyone. It's important to consider factors such as cost, location, and specific academic programs when making this decision.
Please note that the average household income of the admitted students at Stetson University is $64,400 and the graduate unemployment rate is 2.84%.
How much does a degree from Stetson University Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at Stetson University is $69,807. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at Stetson University is much less than this.
35.4% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 48.3 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to Stetson University and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At Stetson University, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist Stetson University as your choice in the form.
How much does a Stetson University Graduate earn?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4–6 years of graduation is $51,642. An average Stetson University graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4–6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is $40,595.
Compare Similar Colleges
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than Stetson University. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Birmingham-Southern College | Birmingham, AL | 1197 | 24 |
| University of Arkansas | Fayetteville, AR | 1174 | 25 |
| Harding University | Searcy, AR | 1187 | 25 |
| Dominican University of California | San Rafael, CA | 1194 | 26 |
| University of New Haven | West Haven, CT | 1190 | NA |
| Nova Southeastern University | Fort Lauderdale, FL | 1182 | 25 |
| Savannah College of Art and Design | Savannah, GA | 1178 | 25 |
| Spelman College | Atlanta, GA | 1184 | 24 |
| Hawaii Pacific University | Honolulu, HI | 1180 | 25 |
| The College of Idaho | Caldwell, ID | 1166 | 24 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as Stetson University. If your SAT or ACT score is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Samford University | Birmingham, AL | 1203 | 26 |
| Ouachita Baptist University | Arkadelphia, AR | 1212 | 25 |
| Eastern Connecticut State University | Willimantic, CT | 1200 | NA |
| University of Hartford | West Hartford, CT | 1207 | 29 |
| Quinnipiac University | Hamden, CT | 1212 | 27 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Stetson University. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Alabama at Birmingham | Birmingham, AL | 1251 | 26 |
| The University of Alabama | Tuscaloosa, AL | 1287 | 28 |
| University of Arizona | Tucson, AZ | 1261 | 26 |
| Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott | Prescott, AZ | 1256 | 27 |
| Biola University | La Mirada, CA | 1258 | 27 |
Degree Programs at Stetson University
Bachelor Degree Programs
Full list of all degree programs offered by Stetson University →
Frequently Asked Questions About Stetson University Admissions
Graduates of this university typically earn a moderate salary, $51,642 annually, with some fluctuation based on the field.
The tuition fee at this university is quite high, approximately $69,807 or more per year, so it is important to consider additional funding options.
35.4% of students receive a Pell Grant at this institution. Your chances of need-based aid are moderate and depend primarily on your household income. Filing FAFSA early significantly improves your chances of receiving the maximum available grant amount.
The acceptance rate of Stetson University is 86.4% which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.
The average GPA of admitted students is 3.69. This reflects the competitive academic profile expected from applicants.
While there is no single cutoff that guarantees a rejection, admission staff uses your GPA to determine if you are a best fit. If you have at least a 3.39, you are in the standard pool. If you are below a 3.39, we need to focus on your personal essay and letters of recommendation to explain the context behind your grades.
If your GPA is 3.29 or less, it may make admission difficult. However, your chances may improve if you have strong test scores, extracurricular activities, and essays. But this does not mean that you must not apply, or you do not have any chances. With additional AP courses, you can increase your chances even with this GPA.
While the average GPA of admitted students is 3.69, applicants with lower GPAs can still be considered if they have strong test scores, extracurriculars, and compelling personal essays that demonstrate resilience and potential.
Admission to Stetson University is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 1208 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 1090–1290.
Yes, many students successfully transfer each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.