Last Updated: Sunday May 17, 2026  ·  Source: IPEDS & College Scorecard Nov 2025
American College of the Building Arts — Acceptance Rate and Admission Requirements
Non-Profit Private Accredited · Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges Charleston, South Carolina 62.1% Acceptance Rate

American College of the Building Arts Acceptance Rate, GPA, and Admission Requirements

📍 Charleston, South Carolina 29403-4223 🏛️ Main Campus 🌐 acba.edu/

American College of the Building Arts — Admission Snapshot 2026

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

62.1%Acceptance Rate
1137Avg SAT
22Avg ACT
$38,984Annual Cost
19.9%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
62.1%
Avg SAT
1137
Avg ACT
22
Selectivity
Somewhat Selective
Institution Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges
SAT Middle 50%
1050–1230
ACT Middle 50%
18–26
Need-Based Aid
19.9% receive Pell

American College of the Building Arts Acceptance Rate

American College of the Building Arts is somewhat selective in its admission process. The acceptance rate of American College of the Building Arts is 62.1%. This means that 62 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
American College of the Building Arts Selectivity Meter
Selectivity scale: Somewhat Selective — 62.1% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)

Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.

Check Your Admission Chances at American College of the Building Arts

Admission Chance Predictor

Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on American College of the Building Arts'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

⚠️ Note: Predicting based on regional averages as this institution does not publicly report full score datasets.

Calculated via College Portal's Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards. Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.

American College of the Building Arts 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 American College of the Building Arts Without SAT or ACT?

American College of the Building Arts 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.

American College of the Building Arts Average SAT Score: 1137

The average SAT score of the admitted students at American College of the Building Arts is 1137 on the 1600 SAT scale.

SAT Competitiveness

American College of the Building Arts SAT Competitiveness
SAT 1137 — Less Competitive

This score makes it less competitive for SAT test scores. You need to put average efforts to score 1137 on the SAT.

SAT Math
575
SAT Reading
565
Composite
1137
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (1230 SAT or 26 ACT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. American College of the Building Arts allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.

If your score is below 1050, retaking the SAT is strongly recommended to improve your chances at American College of the Building Arts. 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 American College of the Building Arts
SectionAverage25th Percentile75th Percentile
SAT Math575530620
SAT Reading565520610
SAT Composite113710501230

It means that if you have scored less than 1050 then you are below most of the admitted students at American College of the Building Arts and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1230 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 1150

Can I get into American College of the Building Arts with a 1250 SAT?

With a 1250 SAT Score, your chances of admission at American College of the Building Arts are good but the admission staff at American College of the Building Arts 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.

American College of the Building Arts ACT Requirements

The average ACT Score at American College of the Building Arts is 22.

ACT Competitiveness

American College of the Building Arts ACT Competitiveness
ACT 22 — Slightly Competitive

This score makes American College of the Building Arts slightly Competitive for ACT scores. You need to do well to score 22 on the ACT.

ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections

ACT score percentiles for American College of the Building Arts
SectionAverage25th Percentile75th Percentile
ACT Math221826
ACT English211725
ACT Composite221826

Can I get into American College of the Building Arts with a 26 ACT?

A 26 ACT places you at the 75th percentile of admitted students at American College of the Building Arts — 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 American College of the Building Arts 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 American College of the Building Arts — 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 American College of the Building Arts 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 26 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 22

Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for American College of the Building Arts

Accessible Strategy: Academic Foundation

American College of the Building Arts 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 American College of the Building Arts to ensure your high school electives align with your intended major.

American College of the Building Arts Profile

Full Name
American College of the Building Arts
City
Charleston
State
South Carolina
ZIP Code
29403-4223
Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC)

Is a American College of the Building Arts Degree Worth It?

Getting into American College of the Building Arts 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. American College of the Building Arts 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.

How much does a degree from American College of the Building Arts Cost?

The average annual cost of the degree at American College of the Building Arts is $38,984. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at American College of the Building Arts is much less than this.

19.9% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 37.6 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to American College of the Building Arts and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.

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

$38,984Annual Cost
19.9%Pell Grant
37.6%Federal Loan

Compare Similar Colleges

Less Competitive

Less Competitive Schools

These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than American College of the Building Arts. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.

SchoolLocationSATACT
Auburn University at Montgomery Montgomery, AL 1090 21
University of South Alabama Mobile, AL 1119 23
Spring Hill College Mobile, AL 1090 22
Tuskegee University Tuskegee, AL 1121 22
Grand Canyon University Phoenix, AZ 1095 22
Arkansas State University Jonesboro, AR 1119 22
University of Central Arkansas Conway, AR 1117 22
University of the Ozarks Clarksville, AR 1088 21
University of La Verne La Verne, CA 1116 22
Pacific Union College Angwin, CA 1093 22
Same Competitive

Equally Competitive Schools

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

SchoolLocationSATACT
University of Colorado Colorado Springs Colorado Springs, CO 1140 25
Western Colorado University Gunnison, CO 1130 25
Lynn University Boca Raton, FL 1136 25
University of West Florida Pensacola, FL 1137 24
Augustana College Rock Island, IL 1133 25
More Competitive

More Competitive Schools

These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than American College of the Building Arts. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.

SchoolLocationSATACT
Birmingham-Southern College Birmingham, AL 1197 24
Samford University Birmingham, AL 1203 26
University of Arkansas Fayetteville, AR 1174 25
Harding University Searcy, AR 1187 25
Ouachita Baptist University Arkadelphia, AR 1212 25

Degree Programs at American College of the Building Arts

Bachelor Degree Programs

Associate Degree Programs

Full list of all degree programs offered by American College of the Building Arts →

Frequently Asked Questions About American College of the Building Arts Admissions

The tuition fee at this university is moderate, around $38,984 per year. Many students seek financial aid and scholarships to manage the cost.

19.9% of students receive a Pell Grant here, which is below the national average of around 35%. This institution serves a higher proportion of higher-income students. Merit-based scholarships may still be available regardless of financial need — check the official financial aid page of the institute for details.

The acceptance rate of American College of the Building Arts is 62.1% which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.

Admission to American College of the Building Arts is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 1137 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 1050–1230.

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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