University of Central Oklahoma, established in 1890 in Edmond, is a public university celebrated for its forensic science and jazz studies. Ranked among regional universities in the West, it offers modern labs, a performing arts center, and affordable tuition.
UCO emphasizes transformative learning through internships, research, and its renowned STEM programs, serving as a cultural hub near Oklahoma City.
University of Central Oklahoma Acceptance Rate
University of Central Oklahoma (UCO Central) is somewhat selective. With an acceptance rate of 69.94%, the school is accessible to students who demonstrate foundational academic competency and a readiness for college-level work.
Admissions Guidelines
- Broad Evaluation: Personal growth and vocational goals are considered alongside grades.
- Flexible Standards: Strengths in extracurriculars can often balance an average GPA.
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem .
University of Central Oklahoma Admission Requirements
UCO Central GPA Requirement
The average GPA of the admitted students at UCO Central is 3.5. UCO Central 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.
If your GPA is between 3.2 and 3.5, a strong SAT or ACT score is recommended.
UCO Central GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Selective; solid academic performance is expected.
Recommended Strategy: Focus on a Strong 'Spike' in extracurriculars or research.
Admissions at UCO Central utilize a Holistic Review process. With an average admitted GPA of 3.5, the following table illustrates how your specific academic profile aligns with institutional expectations.
| Candidate GPA Range | Admission Category | Strategic Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| 3.50 – 4.00 | Target/Match | Maintain Rigor & High Testing |
| 3.30 – 3.49 | Competitive Match | Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation |
| 3.10 – 3.29 | Secondary Reach | Personal Statement & Impact |
| Below 3.09 | Institutional Reach | Requires Significant Contextual Factors |
Expert Insight: 2026 Evaluation Metrics
- The Rigor Metric: At UCO Central, 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.
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Calculated via College Portal’s Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards.
Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
University of Central Oklahoma (UCO Central) SAT Requirements
Each school has different requirements for SAT and ACT testing. For the 2026 academic cycle, the landscape of standardized testing has shifted back toward Test-Required policies at the majority of highly selective and Ivy+ institutions. Following a multi-year "Test-Optional" pilot, data-driven results have led universities like Harvard, Yale, Brown, and the University of Texas at Austin to reinstate the SAT and ACT as mandatory components of the application.
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 2025 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.
University of Central Oklahoma Average SAT Score: 1090
The average SAT score of the admitted students at University of Central Oklahoma is 1090 on the 1600 SAT scale.
SAT Competitiveness
This score makes it an easy target or SAT test scores. You need to put average efforts to score 1090 on the SAT.
Key Insight:Aim for the 75th percentile (0 SAT or 24 ACT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. University of Central Oklahoma allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.
If your score is below 0, you must retake the SAT to improve your chances of admission to UCO Central. It is not strange to appear multiple times for the SAT to improve scores. Colleges don’t mind if you have appeared multiple times, but not more than 5 times.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| SAT Reading | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| SAT Composite | 1090 | 0 | 0 |
It means that if you have scored less than 0 then you are below most of the admitted students at UCO Central and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 0 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 1100
Can I get into University of Central Oklahoma (UCO Central) with a 0 SAT?
With a 0 SAT Score, your chances of admission at University of Central Oklahoma (UCO Central) are good but the admission staff at UCO Central 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.
University of Central Oklahoma (UCO Central) ACT Requirements
The average ACT Score at UCO Central is 21.
ACT Competitiveness
This score makes University of Central Oklahoma less competitive for ACT scores. You need to put average efforts to score 21 on the ACT.
ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 20 | 16 | 23 |
| ACT English | 21 | 17 | 24 |
| ACT Composite | 21 | 18 | 24 |
Can I get into University of Central Oklahoma with a 24 ACT?
With a 24 ACT Score, your chances of admission at University of Central Oklahoma are good but the admission staff does not check your ACT Score only. The College Admission process tests your all-around personality and 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.
View a list of all colleges with an average ACT score of 21.UCO Central Profile
Name: University of Central Oklahoma (UCO Central)
Accredited by: Higher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
How much does a degree from UCO Central Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at University of Central Oklahoma is USD: 24920. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at University of Central Oklahoma is USD: 17868
How can I get a scholarship?
35.41% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 33.66 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to UCO Central and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At University of Central Oklahoma, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist UCO Central as your choice in the form.
How much a UCO Central Graduate make?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4-6 years of graduation is USD 48351. An average UCO Central 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 USD: 40595
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than University of Central Oklahoma. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Auburn University at Montgomery | Auburn University at Montgomery, AL | 1051 | 22 |
| Jacksonville State University | Jacksonville State University, AL | 1055 | 20 |
| Troy University | Troy University, AL | 1050 | 21 |
| Williams Baptist University | Williams Baptist University, AR | 1050 | 21 |
| Pacific Union College | Pacific Union College, CA | 1075 | 21 |
| Adams State University | Adams State University, CO | 1066 | 21 |
| Colorado Mesa University | Colorado Mesa University, CO | 1062 | 22 |
| Central Connecticut State University | Central Connecticut State University, CT | 1061 | 21 |
| Eastern Connecticut State University | Eastern Connecticut State University, CT | 1079 | 22 |
| The Baptist College of Florida | The Baptist College of Florida, FL | 1045 | 20 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as University of Central Oklahoma. If your SAT or ACT score are competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Huntingdon College | Huntingdon College, AL | 1086 | 21 |
| Spring Hill College | Spring Hill College, AL | 1094 | 22 |
| Tuskegee University | Tuskegee University, AL | 1091 | 21 |
| University of Arkansas at Little Rock | University of Arkansas at Little Rock, AR | 1089 | 21 |
| Arkansas Tech University | Arkansas Tech University, AR | 1090 | 21 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than University of Central Oklahoma. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Arkansas | University of Arkansas, AR | 1167 | 25 |
| Azusa Pacific University | Azusa Pacific University, CA | 1132 | 25 |
| William Jessup University | William Jessup University, CA | 1130 | NA |
| University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus | University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus, CO | 1150 | 24 |
| Fort Lewis College | Fort Lewis College, CO | 1147 | 22 |
Degree Programs
Bachelor Degree Programs
- Accounting and Related Services
- Apparel and Textiles
- Applied Mathematics
- Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management
- Audiovisual Communications Technologies/Technicians
- Biology, General
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Business/Managerial Economics
- Chemistry
Frequently Asked Questions About University of Central Oklahoma Admissions
Answer: Graduates of this university typically earn a lower salary, $48351 annually, especially in non-technical fields.
Question: What is the tuition fee?
Answer: The tuition fee at this university is relatively low, around $24920 per year, making it more affordable for many students.
Question: What are my chances of getting a scholarship ?
Answer: Your chances of getting a scholarship are good, with about a 50-80% chance. Scholarships are competitive but achievable if you meet the criteria.
Question: What is the acceptance rate?
Answer: The acceptance rate of University of Central Oklahoma is 69.94 which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.
Question: What is the average GPA of admitted students?
Answer: The average GPA of admitted students is 3.5. This reflects the competitive academic profile expected from applicants.
Question: What is the minimum GPA required for admission?
Answer: 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 3.2, you're in the standard pool. If you are below a 3.2, we need to focus on your personal essay and letters of recommendation to explain the context behind your grades.
Question: What are my chances with a 3.2 GPA?
Answer: If your GPA is 3.1 or less, it may makes 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.
Question: Can I apply to University of Central Oklahoma if my GPA is below 3.1
Answer: While the average GPA of admitted students is 3.5, applicants with lower GPAs can still be considered if they have strong test scores, extracurriculars, and compelling personal essays that demonstrate resilience and potential.
Question: How competitive is the SAT score requirement
Answer: Admission to University of Central Oklahoma is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 1090 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 0-0
Question: Is it possible to transfer from another university?
Answer: 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.
Question: How can I improve my chances of getting Admissions?
Answer: 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.
Full list of All degree programs offered by University of Central Oklahoma.
Data on this page is sourced from IPEDS, College Scorecard's latest data as provided in 2025, US Department of Education's latest 2025 statistics, Institute's official websites and printed material as well as additional publicly available sources.