Last Updated: Sunday May 17, 2026  ·  Source: IPEDS & College Scorecard Nov 2025
Spalding University (Spalding) — Acceptance Rate and Admission Requirements
Non-Profit Private Accredited · Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges Louisville, Kentucky 98.6% Acceptance Rate

Spalding University (Spalding) Acceptance Rate, GPA, and Admission Requirements

📍 Louisville, Kentucky 40203-2188 🏛️ Main Campus 🌐 https://www.spalding.edu/

Spalding University — Admission Snapshot 2026

A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application

98.6%Acceptance Rate
3.87Avg GPA
1014Avg SAT
19Avg ACT
$43,474Annual Cost
$49,438Grad Salary
35.6%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
98.6%
Avg GPA
3.87
Avg SAT
1014
Avg ACT
19
Selectivity
Inclusive
Institution Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
SAT Middle 50%
853–1103
ACT Middle 50%
16–22
Need-Based Aid
35.6% receive Pell

Spalding University Acceptance Rate

Spalding University (Spalding) maintains an inclusive admission policy. With an acceptance rate of 98.6%, 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
Spalding University Selectivity Meter
Selectivity scale: Inclusive — 98.6% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)

Recommended Academic Profile

Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.87 – 4.00
Target Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.67 – 3.86
Competitive Reach
Focus on Score Compensation
Below 3.42
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.

Spalding GPA Requirement

The average GPA of the admitted students at Spalding is 3.87. This indicates extreme selectivity in admissions.

To have strong chances, you must aim for straight A's in all courses.

Note: This is an unweighted GPA on a 4.0 scale. Students with AP or IB courses will typically have a weighted GPA of 4.07-4.27 for this same academic profile.

If your GPA is between 3.57 and 3.87, then you need a high SAT or ACT score to compensate.

Spalding GPA & Admission Outlook

Assessment: Highly selective; GPA is within the typical admitted range.

Recommended Strategy: Standardized Test Scores (SAT/ACT) in the top 5th percentile.

Admissions at Spalding utilize a Holistic Review process. With an average admitted GPA of 3.87, the following table illustrates how your specific academic profile aligns with institutional expectations.

Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.87 – 4.00
Competitive Reach
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.67 – 3.86
Competitive Match
Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation
3.47 – 3.66
Secondary Reach
Personal Statement & Impact
Below 3.46
Institutional Reach
Requires Significant Contextual Factors

Expert Insight: 2026 Evaluation Metrics

  • The Rigor Metric: At Spalding, 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 Spalding

Admission Chance Predictor

Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on Spalding University's verified institutional data

--%
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.

Spalding University (Spalding) 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 Spalding Without SAT or ACT?

Spalding 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.

Spalding University Average SAT Score: 1014

The average SAT score of the admitted students at Spalding University is 1014 on the 1600 SAT scale.

SAT Competitiveness

Spalding University SAT Competitiveness
SAT 1014 — Accessible

This score makes it an easy target for SAT test scores. You need to put average efforts to score 1014 on the SAT.

SAT Math
479
SAT Reading
499
Composite
1014
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (1103 SAT or 22 ACT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. Spalding 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 853, retaking the SAT is strongly recommended to improve your chances at Spalding. 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

SAT score percentiles for Spalding University
SectionAverage25th Percentile75th Percentile
SAT Math479425533
SAT Reading499428570
SAT Composite10148531103

It means that if you have scored less than 853 then you are below most of the admitted students at Spalding and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1103 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 1000

Can I get into Spalding University (Spalding) with a 1100 SAT?

With a 1100 SAT Score, your chances of admission at Spalding University (Spalding) are good but the admission staff at Spalding 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.

Spalding University (Spalding) ACT Requirements

The average ACT Score at Spalding is 19.

ACT Competitiveness

Spalding University ACT Competitiveness
ACT 19 — Less Competitive

This score makes Spalding University less competitive for ACT scores. You need to put average efforts to score 19 on the ACT.

ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections

ACT score percentiles for Spalding University
SectionAverage25th Percentile75th Percentile
ACT Math191522
ACT English181422
ACT Composite191622

Can I get into Spalding University with a 22 ACT?

A 22 ACT places you at the 75th percentile of admitted students at Spalding 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 Spalding 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 Spalding 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 Spalding 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 22 ACT gets your application through the first filter — but your essays and activities are what move it forward from there.

View a list of all colleges with an average ACT score of 19

Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for Spalding

Inclusive Strategy: Success & Transfer

Spalding provides an open gateway to higher education. Success here is about utilizing resources and planning your long-term academic or career trajectory.

Meet Eligibility Floors

Ensure you have your high school diploma or GED ready. Open admission means you are in as long as you meet the basic administrative requirements.

Placement Preparation

Focus on the ACCUPLACER or internal placement tests. Performing well here allows you to jump directly into credit-bearing Math and English.

Transfer Path Planning

If you intend to move to a more selective school later, maintain a 3.5+ GPA here to make yourself a highly competitive transfer candidate.

Career Certification

Identify specific certificate programs or internships offered by Spalding that connect directly to the local job market.

Note: While acceptance is guaranteed, space in specific high-demand programs (like Nursing or Tech) may still be competitive.

Spalding Profile

Full Name
Spalding University (Spalding)
City
Louisville
State
Kentucky
ZIP Code
40203-2188
Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)

Is a Spalding Degree Worth It?

Getting into Spalding 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. Spalding 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 Spalding is $55,900 and the graduate unemployment rate is 3.35%.

How much does a degree from Spalding Cost?

The average annual cost of the degree at Spalding University is $43,474. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at Spalding University is much less than this.

35.6% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 57.4 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to Spalding and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.

At Spalding University, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist Spalding as your choice in the form.

How much does a Spalding Graduate earn?

The average annual salary of the graduate after 4–6 years of graduation is $49,438. An average Spalding 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.

$43,474Annual Cost
35.6%Pell Grant
57.4%Federal Loan
$49,438Grad Salary (10yr)

Compare Similar Colleges

Less Competitive

Less Competitive Schools

These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than Spalding University. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.

SchoolLocationSATACT
Alabama State University Montgomery, AL 977 18
Baptist Health College Little Rock Little Rock, AR 980 20
University of Bridgeport Bridgeport, CT 985 NA
Delaware State University Dover, DE 984 24
Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College Tifton, GA 994 19
College of Coastal Georgia Brunswick, GA 1001 18
Clayton State University Morrow, GA 973 18
Columbus State University Columbus, GA 994 21
Georgia Southwestern State University Americus, GA 998 19
Life University Marietta, GA 994 17
Same Competitive

Equally Competitive Schools

These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as Spalding University. If your SAT or ACT score is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.

SchoolLocationSATACT
Faulkner University Montgomery, AL 1016 20
University of West Alabama Livingston, AL 1015 20
Central Baptist College Conway, AR 1022 20
University of Arkansas Community College-Morrilton Morrilton, AR 1020 20
Williams Baptist University Walnut Ridge, AR 1018 19
More Competitive

More Competitive Schools

These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Spalding University. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.

SchoolLocationSATACT
Auburn University at Montgomery Montgomery, AL 1090 21
Jacksonville State University Jacksonville, AL 1055 21
Spring Hill College Mobile, AL 1090 22
Troy University Troy, AL 1086 22
University of Arkansas at Little Rock Little Rock, AR 1049 21

Degree Programs at Spalding

Bachelor Degree Programs

Masters Degree Programs

Full list of all degree programs offered by Spalding University →

Frequently Asked Questions About Spalding Admissions

Graduates of this university typically earn a lower salary, $49,438 annually, especially in non-technical fields.

The tuition fee at this university is moderate, around $43,474 per year. Many students seek financial aid and scholarships to manage the cost.

35.6% 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 Spalding University is 98.6% 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 3.87. 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 3.57, you are in the standard pool. If you are below a 3.57, we need to focus on your personal essay and letters of recommendation to explain the context behind your grades.

If your GPA is 3.47 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 3.87, 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 Spalding University is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 1014 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 853–1103.

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.

Last Updated: Sunday May 17, 2026

SK

Sohaib Ahmad Khan

Sohaib Ahmad Khan is a leading career counselor and admission guidance expert who has guided over 50,000 students worldwide. He is the author of four books and developer of widely used career counseling and aptitude assessment systems. .

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