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
Admission at University of Redlands is inclusive by design. 80.9% of applicants who meet basic eligibility are accepted.
What to Expect
- Eligibility First: A high school diploma or GED typically clears the main bar.
- Plan Ahead for Placement: Placement tests can shape which courses you start in. They are worth preparing for.
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
Source: IPEDS & College Scorecard (Nov 2025).
University of Redlands Application Deadlines & Admission Dates 2026
Mark November 1 for University of Redlands (Early Action 1 — other plans are listed below), with decisions typically out by December 15.
Key Admission Dates
⏳ 83 days left — Early Action 1
Early Action 1
November 1
Decision by: December 15
Spring
November 1
Early Action 2
December 1
Regular Decision
January 15
💡 The scholarship deadline (March 2, 2026) often falls before the regular admission deadline. Submit your application and FAFSA early to be considered for maximum aid.
Deadlines are verified from official institutional sources but may change each cycle. Always confirm final dates on the official website.
University of Redlands GPA Requirement
The average GPA of admitted students at University of Redlands is 3.74. That makes admissions here highly selective. Most admitted students carry mostly A's with the occasional B.
Between 3.44 and 3.74? A strong standardized test score is worth prioritizing.
Note the scale: this figure reflects an unweighted 4.0 GPA. Add AP or IB coursework and the equivalent weighted GPA usually lands around 3.94–4.14.University of Redlands GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Highly selective. This GPA sits within the typical admitted band.
Recommended Strategy: A top-5th-percentile SAT/ACT score makes the strongest case here.
This range is a rough map. Where you land determines what else needs to carry weight in your application.:
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
Evaluation Metrics That Matter Here
- 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.
- Rigor Over Raw Number: Course rigor is read alongside the number itself. A 3.8 with a demanding schedule can beat a 4.0 without one.
- Trajectory Matters: Grades that climb toward graduation tend to matter more than a flat average. The trajectory tells its own story.
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 University of Redlands
Admission Chance Predictor
Built from University of Redlands's own verified admissions data — adjust the sliders below
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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
Scores aren't just a formality at University of Redlands. Landing within or above the 2026 admitted class's middle 50% keeps you fully competitive, even where submission is optional.
Can I Get Into University of Redlands Without SAT or ACT?
University of Redlands considers scores when submitted, without requiring them. Prepare well and submit your best attempt. Most applicants test 2–3 times.
University of Redlands Average SAT Score: 1231
Admitted students at University of Redlands average a 1231 SAT (out of 1600).
SAT Competitiveness
SAT 1231 — Slightly Competitive
A 1231 average tracks near the middle of the national distribution.
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (1323 SAT or 30 ACT) to stand out. Below average? University of Redlands allows Score Choice for the SAT, so a retake only helps — a low sitting never has to be sent.
Scored under 1078? A retake is worth it at University of Redlands. Two or three sittings is standard for competitive applicants, and there's no cap on how many times you can test.
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 |
A score under 1078 puts you in the lower quarter of admits; 1323+ puts you ahead of three-quarters of the admitted class. (These percentiles mark where a given share of the admitted class scored at or below.)
View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1250
Can I get into University of Redlands with a 1300 SAT?
At 1300, your SAT is squarely in University of Redlands's favor. That said, admissions staff read the full file. GPA, activities, and essays still carry real weight even with a strong score in hand.
University of Redlands ACT Requirements
University of Redlands's admitted students average an ACT of 28.
ACT Competitiveness
ACT 28 — Competitive
An average of 28 is a respectable, above-average national benchmark.
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?
At 30, you're in the top quarter of University of Redlands's admitted class by ACT score. That's a real advantage, but admissions still reads GPA, essays, and activities alongside it.
The ACT's four sections, English, Math, Reading, and Science, are each scored independently on a 1–36 scale, and admissions staff do notice a lopsided breakdown. If one section trails the others significantly, that's worth addressing before you apply, particularly for STEM programs where Science carries extra weight.
Beyond the number itself, University of Redlands weighs your transcript rigor, activities, recommendations, and essays just as heavily. The ACT opens the door, and the rest of your file decides what happens next.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for University of Redlands
Accessible Strategy: Academic Foundation
University of Redlands takes a broad view of applicants. Your energy is best spent proving readiness for coursework and maximizing your financial aid package.
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?
Whether University of Redlands is worth it depends less on its reputation and more on your program choice, financial aid package, and career goals. Here's the data to weigh it against.
Admitted students' families report a median household income around $68,600, and graduates see a 3.99% unemployment rate.
How much does a degree from University of Redlands Cost?
Listed tuition runs $70,233/year at University of Redlands. Factor in Pell and federal grant aid, and most students land typically much lower.
At University of Redlands, 35.1% receive a Pell Grant and 56.6% carry federal loans. Filing FAFSA early and naming University of Redlands on it improves your shot at both.
How much does a University of Redlands Graduate earn?
Ten years out from enrollment, University of Redlands graduates report a median income of $72,690, about 79% above the U.S. median graduate income.
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
Frequently Asked Questions About University of Redlands Admissions
University of Redlands graduates earn a moderate median salary of $72,690/year, with some variation by field.
Tuition at University of Redlands runs high, at roughly $70,233+/year, so financial aid planning matters.
35.1% of University of Redlands students get a Pell Grant. Your odds depend mostly on household income, and filing FAFSA early still helps maximize what you're offered.
University of Redlands's acceptance rate is 80.9%, comparatively higher than most selective universities. Admission is more attainable here.
The average GPA of admitted University of Redlands students is 3.74, reflecting a competitive applicant pool.
There's no strict cutoff, but a GPA at or above 3.44 puts you in the standard applicant pool at University of Redlands. Below that, your essays and recommendations need to work harder to provide context.
A GPA of 3.34 or below makes admission tougher at University of Redlands, but strong test scores, activities, and essays, plus AP/IB coursework, can still keep you in contention.
University of Redlands weighs the SAT heavily. Scoring above 1231, and within the 1078–1323 range, keeps you competitive.
University of Redlands's deadline is November 1 (Early Action 1), with decisions out by December 15.
For priority financial aid consideration, get your FAFSA in before March 2, 2026. That's University of Redlands's scholarship priority date.
Transferring in is a well-trodden path here. Line up your transcripts, recommendations, and a strong personal statement before applying.
The biggest levers are academic performance, a clear extracurricular focus, and essays that stand out, plus a solid test score where the school considers one.
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