Non-Profit Private
Accredited · Higher Learning Commission
Crawfordsville, Indiana
62.8% Acceptance Rate
Wabash College — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
62.8%Acceptance Rate
3.6Avg GPA
1210Avg SAT
27Avg ACT
$62,750Annual Cost
$69,952Grad Salary
22.5%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
62.8%
Avg GPA
3.6
Avg SAT
1210
Avg ACT
27
Selectivity
Somewhat Selective
Institution Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Higher Learning Commission
SAT Middle 50%
1100–1300
ACT Middle 50%
24–29
Need-Based Aid
22.5% receive Pell
Wabash College, founded in 1832 in Crawfordsville, Indiana, is one of only three remaining all-male liberal arts colleges in the U.S. Renowned for its rigorous liberal arts curriculum and distinctive Gentleman's Rule honor code.
The 60-acre campus features the Detchon Center for Modern Languages, the Fine Arts Center with its renowned art collection, and the Lilly Library housing rare manuscripts. Wabash's immersion learning programs and independent study opportunities foster intellectual leadership and personal responsibility.
Wabash College Acceptance Rate
Wabash College is somewhat selective in its admission process. The acceptance rate of Wabash College is 62.8%. This means that 63 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
Selectivity scale: Somewhat Selective — 62.8% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
Recommended Academic Profile
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.60 – 4.00
Target Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.40 – 3.59
Competitive Reach
Focus on Score Compensation
Below 3.15
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.
Wabash College GPA Requirement
The average GPA of the admitted students at Wabash College is 3.6. Wabash College 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 3.80-4.00 for this same academic profile.If your GPA is between 3.30 and 3.6, a strong SAT or ACT score is recommended.
Wabash College GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Selective; solid academic performance is expected.
Recommended Strategy: Focus on a Strong 'Spike' in extracurriculars or research.
Admissions at Wabash College utilize a Holistic Review process. With an average admitted GPA of 3.6, the following table illustrates how your specific academic profile aligns with institutional expectations.
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.60 – 4.00
Target/Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.40 – 3.59
Competitive Match
Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation
3.20 – 3.39
Secondary Reach
Personal Statement & Impact
Below 3.19
Institutional Reach
Requires Significant Contextual Factors
Expert Insight: 2026 Evaluation Metrics
- Acceptance rate approximately 62?63% (IPEDS: 62.78%; BigFuture: 63.3%); no application fee; test-optional (scores super-scored if submitted; test-optional applicants fully eligible for merit scholarships); no personal essay required; letters of recommendation required; ED deadline November; RD deadline January; Common App accepted.
- One of only three all-male colleges in the U.S. (Hampden-Sydney, Morehouse, Wabash); founded 1832; Gentleman's Rule (single-rule conduct standard: conduct yourself as a gentleman and responsible citizen at all times, on and off campus); Senior Comprehensive Exam required for graduation (written + oral, faculty committee, covers major, minor, and liberal arts education); 83% graduation rate.
- Endowment ~$391 million (~$462,700 per student as of June 2023); Wabash Promise: commitment to meeting demonstrated financial need; merit scholarships automatic for all admitted students; FAFSA bonus $1,000; Campus Visit bonus $500 (not for ED applicants); 3 Army ROTC full-tuition + room/board scholarships per year; ranked #50 National Liberal Arts Colleges (US News 2026).
- 91% medical school acceptance rate; 88% law school acceptance rate; only college on Princeton Review's simultaneous Best Alumni Network, Best Internships, Great Career Services, Highest Alumni Salaries, Happiest Alumni lists (2025); WabashX programs (Business & Entrepreneurship, Public Discourse, Global Health); dual degree engineering; PPE and Computer Science majors; 9:1 student-faculty ratio; 65-acre campus in Crawfordsville, IN (45 miles northwest of Indianapolis); NCAA Division III, North Coast Athletic Conference.
- The Rigor Metric: At Wabash College, 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 Wabash College
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on Wabash College's verified institutional data
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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.
Wabash College 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 Wabash College Without SAT or ACT?
Wabash 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.
Wabash College Average SAT Score: 1210
The average SAT score of the admitted students at Wabash College is 1210 on the 1600 SAT scale.
SAT Competitiveness
SAT 1210 — Slightly Competitive
This score makes it slightly Competitive for SAT test scores. You need to do well to score 1210 on the SAT.
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (1300 SAT or 29 ACT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. Wabash 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 1100, retaking the SAT is strongly recommended to improve your chances at Wabash College. 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 | 615 | 560 | 670 |
| SAT Reading | 585 | 540 | 630 |
| SAT Composite | 1210 | 1100 | 1300 |
It means that if you have scored less than 1100 then you are below most of the admitted students at Wabash College and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1300 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 1200
Can I get into Wabash College with a 1300 SAT?
With a 1300 SAT Score, your chances of admission at Wabash College are good but the admission staff at Wabash College 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.
Wabash College ACT Requirements
The average ACT Score at Wabash College is 27.
ACT Competitiveness
ACT 27 — Competitive
This score makes Wabash College Competitive for ACT scores. You need to do well to score 27 on the ACT.
ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 26 | 24 | 28 |
| ACT English | 25 | 22 | 27 |
| ACT Composite | 27 | 24 | 29 |
Can I get into Wabash College with a 29 ACT?
A 29 ACT places you at the 75th percentile of admitted students at Wabash College — 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 Wabash College 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 Wabash College — 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 Wabash College 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 29 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 Wabash College
Accessible Strategy: Academic Foundation
Wabash College is accessible to students who show core competency. The focus should be on proving readiness for college-level work and securing financial aid.
One of Three All-Male Colleges in the U.S. ? The Gentleman's Rule Is the Entire Disciplinary Framework
Wabash is one of only three remaining all-male colleges in the United States, alongside Hampden-Sydney and Morehouse. Founded in 1832, it has never become coeducational ? a decision the campus reaffirmed by referendum in 1992. The institution's entire student conduct framework consists of a single rule: every student is expected to conduct himself at all times, both on and off campus, as a gentleman and a responsible citizen. There is no formal code of specific regulations beneath it. This is not a loophole ? it is a genuine trust-based model that places accountability in community expectations and peer culture rather than bureaucratic enforcement. Students who thrive under this model develop a specific kind of internalized responsibility. Students who need an explicit rule structure to guide behavior consistently struggle in the Wabash environment, not because the college is lax but because the expectation is that self-governance is real.
The Senior Comprehensive Exam Is a Four-Year Academic Reckoning ? Know What It Requires Before Choosing a Major
Every Wabash senior must pass comprehensive examinations in their major field before graduating. Comps consist of a written component and an oral examination in front of a faculty committee that includes one member from the student's major department, one from the minor department, and one faculty member at large. The oral exam covers the major, the minor, and broader questions about the student's liberal arts education as a whole. This is not a formality ? students report spending weeks preparing and describe the experience as among the most intellectually demanding of their college careers. It also means that choosing a major at Wabash carries more weight than at schools where completion means only accumulating credits. Students should discuss the comprehensive exam structure with faculty advisors before declaring a major, not after.
The "Wabash Promise" and Endowment Per Student Make the Financial Aid Package Worth a Careful Look
Wabash's endowment stands at approximately $391 million ? roughly $462,700 per enrolled student ? positioning it among the most financially well-resourced liberal arts colleges in the country relative to enrollment size. This endowment underwrites the Wabash Promise, the institution's commitment to providing a superior education regardless of financial circumstances. Merit scholarships are awarded automatically and without a separate application to all admitted students. Filing the FAFSA before the priority deadline adds $1,000 to the merit scholarship; completing a campus visit adds another $500. Three Army ROTC scholarships are available annually covering full tuition plus room and board. Test-optional applicants are fully eligible for merit scholarships, with additional weight placed on high school curriculum rigor and performance.
The Alumni Network and Career Infrastructure Are Documented Differentiators ? Use Them from Freshman Year
Wabash is the only college in the country to simultaneously appear on the Princeton Review's lists for Best Alumni Network, Best School for Internships, Great Career Services, Great Professors, Great Classroom Experience, Highest Alumni Salaries, and Happiest/Most Successful Alumni (2025 Guide). The "Wabash Mafia" alumni network is a genuine professional force, with alumni actively sponsoring internships, facilitating job placements, and providing mentorship to current students through formal and informal channels. Wabash's medical school acceptance rate is 91% and its law school acceptance rate is 88% ? both well above national averages. Students who activate the alumni network and career services from freshman year ? not senior year ? are the ones who land competitive internships and post-graduation placements that account for the high-salary outcomes the institution consistently reports.
Expert Insight:
The most predictable failure pattern at Wabash is students who arrive having chosen it because the acceptance rate looked attainable and the merit aid was attractive, without genuinely processing what it means to live for four years in an all-male, rural-Indiana environment with the Gentleman's Rule as the only formal conduct standard. Crawfordsville is a town of approximately 15,000 people, 45 miles from Indianapolis. Greek life ? over half the campus is in a fraternity ? dominates the social structure. The Senior Comprehensive Exam requires four years of integrated academic preparation, not just accumulated course credits. And the all-male environment is not a demographic detail; it is the organizing logic of the campus culture, reinforced by every tradition from Ringing In Saturday to the Monon Bell Classic. Students who are honest with themselves about fitting that specific context thrive at Wabash. Those who arrive expecting to tolerate it gradually tend to disengage before completing their degree.
Wabash College Profile
Full Name
Wabash College
City
Crawfordsville
State
Indiana
ZIP Code
47933-0352
Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Higher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
Is a Wabash College Degree Worth It?
Getting into Wabash College 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. Wabash College 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 Wabash College is $66,800 and the graduate unemployment rate is 2.8%.
How much does a degree from Wabash College Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at Wabash College is $62,750. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at Wabash College is much less than this.
22.5% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 59.9 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to Wabash College and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At Wabash College, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist Wabash College as your choice in the form.
How much does a Wabash College Graduate earn?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4–6 years of graduation is $69,952. An average Wabash College 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 Wabash College. 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 Arkansas | Fayetteville, AR | 1174 | 25 |
| Harding University | Searcy, AR | 1187 | 25 |
| Dominican University of California | San Rafael, CA | 1194 | 26 |
| Eastern Connecticut State University | Willimantic, CT | 1200 | NA |
| University of New Haven | West Haven, CT | 1190 | NA |
| Nova Southeastern University | Fort Lauderdale, FL | 1182 | 25 |
| Savannah College of Art and Design | Savannah, GA | 1178 | 25 |
| Spelman College | Atlanta, GA | 1184 | 24 |
| Hawaii Pacific University | Honolulu, HI | 1180 | 25 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as Wabash College. If your SAT or ACT score is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Mobile | Mobile, AL | 1220 | 24 |
| Samford University | Birmingham, AL | 1203 | 26 |
| Ouachita Baptist University | Arkadelphia, AR | 1212 | 25 |
| Eastern Connecticut State University | Willimantic, CT | 1200 | NA |
| University of Hartford | West Hartford, CT | 1207 | 29 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Wabash College. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Alabama at Birmingham | Birmingham, AL | 1251 | 26 |
| The University of Alabama | Tuscaloosa, AL | 1287 | 28 |
| University of Arizona | Tucson, AZ | 1261 | 26 |
| Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott | Prescott, AZ | 1256 | 27 |
| Biola University | La Mirada, CA | 1258 | 27 |
Degree Programs at Wabash College
Bachelor Degree Programs
Full list of all degree programs offered by Wabash College →
Frequently Asked Questions About Wabash College Admissions
Graduates of this university typically earn a moderate salary, $69,952 annually, with some fluctuation based on the field.
The tuition fee at this university is quite high, approximately $62,750 or more per year, so it is important to consider additional funding options.
22.5% 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 Wabash College is 62.8% 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 3.6. 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 3.3, you are in the standard pool. If you are below a 3.3, we need to focus on your personal essay and letters of recommendation to explain the context behind your grades.
If your GPA is 3.2 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 3.6, 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 Wabash College is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 1210 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 1100–1300.
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.