Non-Profit Private
Accredited · Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
Redlands, California
80.9% Acceptance Rate
University of Redlands — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
80.9%Acceptance Rate
3.74Avg GPA
1231Avg SAT
28Avg ACT
$70,233Annual Cost
$72,690Grad Salary
35.1%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
80.9%
Avg GPA
3.74
Avg SAT
1231
Avg ACT
28
Selectivity
Inclusive
Institution Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
SAT Middle 50%
1078–1323
ACT Middle 50%
25–30
Need-Based Aid
35.1% receive Pell
University of Redlands is a private, selective liberal arts university in California known for its commitment to academic excellence, personalized education, and experiential learning. With a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary study and community engagement, the university fosters an environment that encourages intellectual and personal growth. Its focus on providing a transformative, high-value education makes it a premier choice for students seeking a well-rounded and formative experience.
University of Redlands Acceptance Rate
University of Redlands maintains an inclusive admission policy. With an acceptance rate of 80.9%, 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 — 80.9% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
Recommended Academic Profile
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.74 – 4.00
Target Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.54 – 3.73
Competitive Reach
Focus on Score Compensation
Below 3.29
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.
University of Redlands GPA Requirement
The average GPA of the admitted students at University of Redlands is 3.74. University of Redlands 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 3.94-4.14 for this same academic profile.If your GPA is between 3.44 and 3.74, a strong SAT or ACT score is recommended.
University of Redlands 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 University of Redlands utilize a Holistic Review process. With an average admitted GPA of 3.74, the following table illustrates how your specific academic profile aligns with institutional expectations.
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.74 – 4.00
Competitive Reach
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.54 – 3.73
Competitive Match
Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation
3.34 – 3.53
Secondary Reach
Personal Statement & Impact
Below 3.33
Institutional Reach
Requires Significant Contextual Factors
Expert Insight: 2026 Evaluation Metrics
- Acceptance rate ~83%; test-optional (~25% of applicants submit scores); average GPA ~3.75.
- Two required Common App supplemental essays, 500 words each: "Why Redlands?" and a community-contribution/diversity prompt.
- Johnston Center for Integrative Studies (self-designed majors, narrative evaluations instead of letter grades) requires a separate supplemental application beyond the main Common App.
- Deadlines: EA1 Nov 1, EA2 Dec 1, Regular Decision Jan 15, with admission described as rolling/space-available after that.
- The Rigor Metric: At University of Redlands, 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 University of Redlands
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on University of Redlands'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.
University of Redlands 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 University of Redlands Without SAT or ACT?
University of Redlands 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.
University of Redlands Average SAT Score: 1231
The average SAT score of the admitted students at University of Redlands is 1231 on the 1600 SAT scale.
SAT Competitiveness
SAT 1231 — Slightly Competitive
This score makes it slightly Competitive for SAT test scores. You need to do well to score 1231 on the SAT.
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (1323 SAT or 30 ACT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. University of Redlands allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.
If your score is below 1078, retaking the SAT is strongly recommended to improve your chances at University of Redlands. 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 | 592 | 530 | 653 |
| SAT Reading | 609 | 548 | 670 |
| SAT Composite | 1231 | 1078 | 1323 |
It means that if you have scored less than 1078 then you are below most of the admitted students at University of Redlands and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1323 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 1250
Can I get into University of Redlands with a 1300 SAT?
With a 1300 SAT Score, your chances of admission at University of Redlands are good but the admission staff at University of Redlands 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 Redlands ACT Requirements
The average ACT Score at University of Redlands is 28.
ACT Competitiveness
ACT 28 — Competitive
This score makes University of Redlands Competitive for ACT scores. You need to do well to score 28 on the ACT.
ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 27 | 24 | 29 |
| ACT English | 27 | 23 | 31 |
| ACT Composite | 28 | 25 | 30 |
Can I get into University of Redlands with a 30 ACT?
A 30 ACT places you at the 75th percentile of admitted students at University of Redlands — 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 University of Redlands 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 University of Redlands — 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 University of Redlands 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 30 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 University of Redlands
Accessible Strategy: Academic Foundation
University of Redlands is accessible to students who show core competency. The focus should be on proving readiness for college-level work and securing financial aid.
Answer "Why Redlands?" with a program, not a vibe
The required 500-word "Why Redlands?" supplement is read by an admissions staff that sees hundreds of "beautiful campus, small classes" answers. Anchor the essay in something structurally specific to Redlands - the January Interim Term (a dedicated short block for one intensive, often off-campus or experimental course), a specific School of Business or Environmental Studies track, or a named faculty member's research - rather than generic praise that could describe any small private university.
Don't skip the second Johnston Center application if that's your real interest
Students drawn to Redlands for its self-designed-major, narrative-evaluation model must do two things: flag interest in the Academics section of the Common App, AND complete a separate supplemental Johnston Center application once the portal opens post-submission. Skipping the second step defaults the student into a traditional graded major track - a common and easily-avoided mistake for exactly the students Johnston is built for.
Apply Early Action if test scores aren't your strongest asset
Redlands is test-optional (only ~25% of applicants submit scores) and reviews on a weighted 10-12 academic GPA as the primary academic factor. With deadlines of EA1 (Nov 1), EA2 (Dec 1), and Regular Decision (Jan 15) - and regular decision explicitly described as "rolling based on space available" - a GPA-strong, test-light applicant benefits from applying at EA1 or EA2, before later-cycle space constraints start working against them.
Use the diversity/contribution essay to name a specific community you'll join
The second required 500-word supplement asks how the student will contribute their perspective to the Redlands community - the strongest answers name a specific campus community (a residence hall program, a specific student org, the Conservatory, a Johnston seminar) rather than answering in the abstract. Generic "I'll bring diversity" language reads as unspecific to a reader evaluating fit for a particular living-learning environment.
Expert Insight:
Because the acceptance rate is high (~83%) and the school is test-optional, students and families sometimes treat Redlands as a "safety" and under-invest in the two required 500-word supplements. Admissions staff at mid-selectivity schools like this one often weight essay specificity heavily precisely because GPA/test bands overlap across a large share of applicants - a generic supplement is a more common rejection reason here than a modest GPA.
University of Redlands Profile
Full Name
University of Redlands
City
Redlands
State
California
ZIP Code
92373-0999
Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission (WASCSR)
Is a University of Redlands Degree Worth It?
Getting into University of Redlands 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. University of Redlands 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 University of Redlands is $68,600 and the graduate unemployment rate is 3.99%.
How much does a degree from University of Redlands Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at University of Redlands is $70,233. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at University of Redlands is much less than this.
35.1% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 56.6 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to University of Redlands and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At University of Redlands, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist University of Redlands as your choice in the form.
How much does a University of Redlands Graduate earn?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4–6 years of graduation is $72,690. An average University of Redlands 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 University of Redlands. 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 Mobile | Mobile, AL | 1220 | 24 |
| Samford University | Birmingham, AL | 1203 | 26 |
| Harding University | Searcy, AR | 1187 | 25 |
| Ouachita Baptist University | Arkadelphia, AR | 1212 | 25 |
| Dominican University of California | San Rafael, CA | 1194 | 26 |
| Eastern Connecticut State University | Willimantic, CT | 1200 | NA |
| University of Hartford | West Hartford, CT | 1207 | 29 |
| University of New Haven | West Haven, CT | 1190 | NA |
| Quinnipiac University | Hamden, CT | 1212 | 27 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as University of Redlands. If your SAT or ACT score is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| John Brown University | Siloam Springs, AR | 1222 | 26 |
| California Lutheran University | Thousand Oaks, CA | 1224 | 26 |
| University of South Florida | Tampa, FL | 1235 | 27 |
| Berry College | Mount Berry, GA | 1223 | 26 |
| Oglethorpe University | Atlanta, GA | 1230 | 27 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than University of Redlands. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| The University of Alabama | Tuscaloosa, AL | 1287 | 28 |
| University of Arizona | Tucson, AZ | 1261 | 26 |
| University of the Pacific | Stockton, CA | 1303 | 27 |
| Point Loma Nazarene University | San Diego, CA | 1278 | 26 |
| Thomas Aquinas College | Santa Paula, CA | 1277 | 29 |
Degree Programs at University of Redlands
Bachelor Degree Programs
Full list of all degree programs offered by University of Redlands →
Frequently Asked Questions About University of Redlands Admissions
Graduates of this university typically earn a moderate salary, $72,690 annually, with some fluctuation based on the field.
The tuition fee at this university is quite high, approximately $70,233 or more per year, so it is important to consider additional funding options.
35.1% 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 University of Redlands is 80.9% 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 3.74. 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 3.44, you are in the standard pool. If you are below a 3.44, we need to focus on your personal essay and letters of recommendation to explain the context behind your grades.
If your GPA is 3.34 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 3.74, 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 University of Redlands is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 1231 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 1078–1323.
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.