Last Updated: Sunday May 17, 2026  ·  Source: IPEDS & College Scorecard Nov 2025
Eastern Nazarene College (ENC) — Acceptance Rate and Admission Requirements
Non-Profit Private Accredited · Quincy, Massachusetts 59% Acceptance Rate

Eastern Nazarene College (ENC) Acceptance Rate, GPA, and Admission Requirements

📍 Quincy, Massachusetts 02170-2999 🏛️ Main Campus 🌐 https://www.enc.edu/

Eastern Nazarene College — Admission Snapshot 2026

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

59%Acceptance Rate
3.21Avg GPA
1035Avg SAT
$41,948Annual Cost
$54,727Grad Salary
35%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
59%
Avg GPA
3.21
Avg SAT
1035
Selectivity
Somewhat Selective
Institution Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
SAT Middle 50%
883–1180
Need-Based Aid
35% receive Pell

Eastern Nazarene College, founded in 1900 in Quincy, Massachusetts, is a Christian liberal arts college with strengths in ministry, psychology, and business.

The 15-acre Boston-area campus includes the Gardner Hall science center, the Cove Fine Arts Center, and the Lahue Physical Education Center. The college's urban location provides ministry and internship opportunities.

Eastern Nazarene College Acceptance Rate

Eastern Nazarene College is somewhat selective in its admission process. The acceptance rate of Eastern Nazarene College is 59%. This means that 59 out of every 100 applicants get admitted.

Admissions Guidelines

  • Broad Evaluation: Personal growth and vocational goals are considered alongside grades.
  • Flexible Standards: Strengths in extracurriculars can often balance an average GPA.

Selectivity at a Glance

Somewhat Selective
Eastern Nazarene College Selectivity Meter
Selectivity scale: Somewhat Selective — 59% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)

Recommended Academic Profile

Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.21 – 4.00
Target Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.01 – 3.20
Competitive Reach
Focus on Score Compensation
Below 2.76
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.

ENC GPA Requirement

The average GPA of admitted students at ENC is 3.21. Admission is competitive, but not extremely selective.

A mix of A's and B's is acceptable, and taking AP/IB courses helps.

Note: This is an unweighted GPA on a 4.0 scale. Students with AP or IB courses will typically have a weighted GPA of 3.41-3.61 for this same academic profile.

If your GPA is between 2.91 and 3.21, you should aim for a high SAT or ACT score.

ENC GPA & Admission Outlook

Assessment: Holistic review is critical for admission.

Recommended Strategy: Requires Contextual Factors (Leadership, hardship, or talent).

Admissions at ENC utilize a Holistic Review process. With an average admitted GPA of 3.21, the following table illustrates how your specific academic profile aligns with institutional expectations.

Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.21 – 4.00
Strategic Reach
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.01 – 3.20
Competitive Match
Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation
2.81 – 3.00
Secondary Reach
Personal Statement & Impact
Below 2.80
Institutional Reach
Requires Significant Contextual Factors

Expert Insight: 2026 Evaluation Metrics

  • The Rigor Metric: At ENC, 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 ENC

Admission Chance Predictor

Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on Eastern Nazarene College'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.

Eastern Nazarene College (ENC) 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 ENC Without SAT or ACT?

Eastern Nazarene College 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.

Eastern Nazarene College Average SAT Score: 1035

The average SAT score of the admitted students at Eastern Nazarene College is 1035 on the 1600 SAT scale.

SAT Competitiveness

Eastern Nazarene College SAT Competitiveness
SAT 1035 — Accessible

This score makes it an easy target for SAT test scores. You need to put average efforts to score 1035 on the SAT.

SAT Math
520
SAT Reading
512
Composite
1035
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (1180 SAT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. Eastern Nazarene College allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.

If your score is below 883, retaking the SAT is strongly recommended to improve your chances at ENC. 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 Eastern Nazarene College
SectionAverage25th Percentile75th Percentile
SAT Math520445595
SAT Reading512438585
SAT Composite10358831180

It means that if you have scored less than 883 then you are below most of the admitted students at ENC and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1180 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 1050

Can I get into Eastern Nazarene College (ENC) with a 1200 SAT?

With a 1200 SAT Score, your chances of admission at Eastern Nazarene College (ENC) are good but the admission staff at ENC 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.

Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for ENC

Accessible Strategy: Academic Foundation

ENC is accessible to students who show core competency. The focus should be on proving readiness for college-level work and securing financial aid.

Consistency over Perfection

Prove you can handle a college curriculum by maintaining a steady or upward GPA trend. One or two lower grades won't be a dealbreaker if you've improved since.

Placement Validation

Use the SAT or ACT to exempt yourself from non-credit remedial courses. A solid score here saves you time and tuition money once you enroll.

Practical Leadership

Highlight work experience, family responsibilities, or community service. These schools value 'grit' and real-world maturity.

FAFSA & Deadlines

At schools with higher acceptance rates, the 'win' is financial. Submit your FAFSA and local scholarship apps as early as possible to maximize your aid package.

Next Step: Review the specific 'Pre-Professional' tracks at ENC to ensure your high school electives align with your intended major.

ENC Profile

Full Name
Eastern Nazarene College (ENC)
City
Quincy
State
Massachusetts
ZIP Code
02170-2999
Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website

Is a ENC Degree Worth It?

Getting into ENC 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. ENC 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 ENC is $69,300 and the graduate unemployment rate is 3.01%.

How much does a degree from ENC Cost?

The average annual cost of the degree at Eastern Nazarene College is $41,948. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at Eastern Nazarene College is much less than this.

35% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 58.4 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to ENC and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.

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

How much does a ENC Graduate earn?

The average annual salary of the graduate after 4–6 years of graduation is $54,727. An average ENC 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.

$41,948Annual Cost
35%Pell Grant
58.4%Federal Loan
$54,727Grad Salary (10yr)

Compare Similar Colleges

Less Competitive

Less Competitive Schools

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

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
Metropolitan State University of Denver Denver, CO 1014 20
Colorado State University Pueblo Pueblo, CO 1005 22
University of Bridgeport Bridgeport, CT 985 NA
Trinity Baptist College Jacksonville, FL 1007 20
Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College Tifton, GA 994 19
Same Competitive

Equally Competitive Schools

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

SchoolLocationSATACT
Marion Military Institute Marion, AL 1043 20
Western Connecticut State University Danbury, CT 1044 24
Baptist University of Florida Graceville, FL 1045 20
Thomas University Thomasville, GA 1037 21
Valdosta State University Valdosta, GA 1037 20
More Competitive

More Competitive Schools

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

SchoolLocationSATACT
Auburn University at Montgomery Montgomery, AL 1090 21
Spring Hill College Mobile, AL 1090 22
Troy University Troy, AL 1086 22
Grand Canyon University Phoenix, AZ 1095 22
University of the Ozarks Clarksville, AR 1088 21

Degree Programs at ENC

Bachelor Degree Programs

Full list of all degree programs offered by Eastern Nazarene College →

Frequently Asked Questions About ENC Admissions

Graduates of this university typically earn a moderate salary, $54,727 annually, with some fluctuation based on the field.

The tuition fee at this university is moderate, around $41,948 per year. Many students seek financial aid and scholarships to manage the cost.

35.0% 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 Eastern Nazarene College is 59% 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 3.21. 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 2.91, you are in the standard pool. If you are below a 2.91, we need to focus on your personal essay and letters of recommendation to explain the context behind your grades.

If your GPA is 2.81 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 3.21, 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 Eastern Nazarene College is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 1035 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 883–1180.

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

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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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