Public
Accredited · Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Louisville, Kentucky
80.5% Acceptance Rate
University of Louisville — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
80.5%Acceptance Rate
3.64Avg GPA
1147Avg SAT
23Avg ACT
$30,843Annual Cost
$53,899Grad Salary
28.8%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
80.5%
Avg GPA
3.64
Avg SAT
1147
Avg ACT
23
Selectivity
Inclusive
Institution Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
SAT Middle 50%
1020–1250
ACT Middle 50%
19–27
Avg Net Price
$17,634
Need-Based Aid
28.8% receive Pell
University of Louisville is a premier public research university in Kentucky known for its commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and community engagement. Offering a comprehensive range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs, the university fosters a dynamic campus environment that encourages research, leadership, and professional development. Its extensive alumni network, state-of-the-art facilities, and reputation for excellence make it a top-tier choice for students.
University of Louisville Acceptance Rate
University of Louisville runs an open-access admission policy. With a 80.5% acceptance rate, the focus is on getting qualified students in, not filtering them out.
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 — 80.5% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
Recommended Academic Profile
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.64 – 4.00
Target Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.44 – 3.63
Competitive Reach
Focus on Score Compensation
Below 3.19
Secondary Reach
Requires Contextual Support
Source: IPEDS & College Scorecard (Nov 2025).
University of Louisville Application Deadlines & Admission Dates 2026
The application deadline for University of Louisville is February 15 for Regular applicants, with additional plans listed below.
Key Admission Dates
⏳ 188 days left — Regular
Regular
February 15
Early Action
November 1
Decision by: January 15
💡 The scholarship deadline (December 15, 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 Louisville GPA Requirement
The average GPA of admitted students at University of Louisville is 3.64. That makes admissions here highly selective. Most admitted students carry mostly A's with the occasional B.
Between 3.34 and 3.64? A strong standardized test score is worth prioritizing.
Most schools report GPA on a weighted or unweighted 4.0 scale differently. For an unweighted profile like this, students with AP/IB coursework typically carry a weighted GPA of 3.84–4.04.University of Louisville GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Selective; solid academic performance is expected.
Recommended Strategy: Focus on a Strong 'Spike' in extracurriculars or research.
Where your GPA falls in this range shapes what the rest of your application needs to do:
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.64 – 4.00
Target/Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.44 – 3.63
Competitive Match
Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation
3.24 – 3.43
Secondary Reach
Personal Statement & Impact
Below 3.23
Institutional Reach
Requires Significant Contextual Factors
Evaluation Metrics That Matter Here
- Public research university in Louisville, KY ("Cardinals"); test-optional for most freshman and transfer (<24 credit hours) applicants.
- Middle 50% ACT composite for enrolled first-years is 22-28; application fee is $30 outside the visit-waiver window.
- Speed School of Engineering, School of Nursing, and College of Business each offer a GPA + Accuplacer direct-admission route bypassing standard test-score review.
- All new freshmen under 20 must attend mandatory two-day overnight Summer Orientation (with a fee) before fall registration; 20+ freshmen complete online orientation modules instead.
- Rigor Over Raw Number: A slightly lower GPA (say 3.8) paired with multiple AP or IB courses often outweighs a flat 4.0 from a standard curriculum.
- Trajectory Matters: A lower start in 9th or 10th grade, followed by a clear upward trend senior year, reads as academic resilience rather than a weakness.
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 Louisville
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on University of Louisville'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 Louisville Test Requirements
Standardized scores still matter here: aim for the middle 50% range of the 2026 admitted class below, and if University of Louisville is test-optional, a high score submitted voluntarily still helps with merit scholarships.
Can I Get Into University of Louisville Without SAT or ACT?
University of Louisville considers scores when submitted, without requiring them. Prepare well and submit your best attempt. Most applicants test 2–3 times.
University of Louisville Average SAT Score: 1147
The average SAT score of admitted students at University of Louisville is 1147 on the 1600-point scale.
SAT Competitiveness
SAT 1147 — Less Competitive
This average is slightly below the national mean SAT score.
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (1250 SAT or 27 ACT) to stand out. Below average? University of Louisville allows Score Choice for the SAT, so a retake only helps — a low sitting never has to be sent.
If your score is below 1020, retaking the SAT is strongly recommended to improve your chances at University of Louisville. Retaking multiple times is completely normal. Most competitive applicants sit for it two or three times. There's no official limit on attempts.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 565 | 510 | 620 |
| SAT Reading | 570 | 510 | 630 |
| SAT Composite | 1147 | 1020 | 1250 |
Below 1020, you're behind most admitted students; at 1250 or above, you're ahead of 75% of them. (25th/75th percentile = the score below which that share of admitted students fall.)
View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1150
Can I get into University of Louisville with a 1250 SAT?
A 1250 SAT puts you ahead of most of University of Louisville's admitted class, but admissions still weighs GPA, course rigor, and essays alongside it. A strong score opens the door; the rest of your profile decides what happens next.
University of Louisville ACT Requirements
The average ACT score at University of Louisville is 23.
ACT Competitiveness
ACT 23 — Slightly Competitive
This sits close to the national average ACT score.
ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 22 | 17 | 26 |
| ACT English | 24 | 19 | 28 |
| ACT Composite | 23 | 19 | 27 |
Can I get into University of Louisville with a 27 ACT?
A 27 ACT puts you ahead of 75% of University of Louisville's admitted students. That's a strong position, though the ACT is only one benchmark among several that admissions weighs.
Unlike the SAT, the ACT scores four separate sections: English, Math, Reading, and Science, each on a 1–36 scale. A noticeably weak section, especially Science at STEM-focused schools, stands out to reviewers, so it's worth checking your section breakdown for outliers before applying.
Your ACT score clears the first filter, but GPA, course rigor, extracurricular depth, recommendations, and essays are what carry an application the rest of the way at University of Louisville.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for University of Louisville
Accessible Strategy: Academic Foundation
University of Louisville takes a broad view of applicants. Your energy is best spent proving readiness for coursework and maximizing your financial aid package.
Use program-specific Accuplacer to fast-track direct admission to Speed, Nursing, or Business
If you meet the minimum GPA for J.B. Speed School of Engineering, the School of Nursing, or the College of Business, UofL lets you demonstrate readiness through the Accuplacer placement exam instead of submitting ACT/SAT - a direct-admission path most test-optional applicants never use. If your test scores are weak but your GPA clears the program threshold, request Accuplacer placement explicitly through your admissions counselor rather than letting the file sit in standard test-optional review.
Know exactly when UofL requests a personal essay - and treat that request as a signal, not a formality
UofL does not require an essay by default, but admissions counselors WILL request one (along with a resume or letters of recommendation) when an application falls below the standard threshold, specifically when ACT composite is below the 22-28 middle-50% band or coursework rigor is in question. If you receive this request, treat it as your one chance to directly address the gap the file shows - reference specific upward grade trends or rigorous senior-year scheduling, since "marked improvement over time" is explicitly named as a factor counselors weigh in deferred-decision review.
Plan two-step admission for Nursing, Dental Hygiene, and Social Work from day one
These three programs admit in two stages: you enter a Lower Division first, then must separately apply to the Upper Division after completing 3-4 semesters of prerequisite coursework. Build your first-year schedule explicitly around Upper Division prerequisites (and note Nursing additionally expects a rigorous high-school math/English sequence per its own admissions page) so you're not scrambling to qualify for the internal transfer when the time comes.
Bank the application-fee waiver via an early campus visit
Students who schedule and attend an official UofL campus visit tour between June 1 and August 15 and then apply using the Take Flight Application with the SAME email used for the visit registration get the application fee waived for Spring, Summer, or Fall 2027 entry. This is a concrete, dated action item - book the visit inside that window and use matching emails, or the waiver does not apply retroactively.
Expert Insight:
The biggest 2026-cycle trap is outdated test-score advice: starting with 2026 applications, UofL no longer requires or uses the ACT Science Reasoning section for admission to ANY program, and will not recalculate a composite to strip it out if it's included. Students (and even some counselors working from old guidance) over-prepping for or stressing about the Science Reasoning section are spending effort on a section that no longer factors into their admission decision at all.
University of Louisville Profile
Full Name
University of Louisville
City
Louisville
State
Kentucky
ZIP Code
40292-0001
Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
Is a University of Louisville Degree Worth It?
Whether University of Louisville 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.
The average household income among admitted students is $59,000, with a graduate unemployment rate of 3.06%.
How much does a degree from University of Louisville Cost?
The sticker price is $30,843/year, but the average net price students actually pay, after Pell and federal grants, is closer to $17,634.
28.8% of students receive a Pell Grant and 28.5% take federal loans at University of Louisville. File your FAFSA early and list University of Louisville as a choice to be considered for both.
How much does a University of Louisville Graduate earn?
Median earnings 10 years after enrollment (roughly 4–6 years post-graduation) are $53,899. That's about 33% 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 Louisville. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of South Alabama | Mobile, AL | 1119 | 23 |
| Tuskegee University | Tuskegee, AL | 1121 | 22 |
| Arkansas State University | Jonesboro, AR | 1119 | 22 |
| University of Central Arkansas | Conway, AR | 1117 | 22 |
| University of La Verne | La Verne, CA | 1116 | 22 |
| University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus | Denver, CO | 1119 | 24 |
| Western Colorado University | Gunnison, CO | 1130 | 25 |
| University of Saint Joseph | West Hartford, CT | 1100 | NA |
| Lynn University | Boca Raton, FL | 1136 | 25 |
| Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University | Tallahassee, FL | 1100 | 22 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as University of Louisville. If your SAT or ACT score is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Huntingdon College | Montgomery, AL | 1148 | 23 |
| Azusa Pacific University | Azusa, CA | 1155 | 22 |
| University of Colorado Colorado Springs | Colorado Springs, CO | 1140 | 25 |
| Florida International University | Miami, FL | 1154 | 23 |
| University of West Florida | Pensacola, FL | 1137 | 24 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than University of Louisville. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, 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 |
| John Brown University | Siloam Springs, AR | 1222 | 26 |
Degree Programs at University of Louisville
Bachelor Degree Programs
Frequently Asked Questions About University of Louisville Admissions
Median graduate earnings at University of Louisville run about $53,899 a year.
University of Louisville costs roughly $30,843 a year, and most students combine this with scholarships or aid.
About 28.8% receive a Pell Grant at University of Louisville. The odds are moderate and largely income-dependent, but an early FAFSA filing still helps.
At 80.5%, University of Louisville's acceptance rate is on the more attainable end compared to top-tier selective schools.
Admitted students at University of Louisville average a 3.64 GPA.
University of Louisville doesn't publish a hard GPA floor, but landing at or above 3.34 keeps you in the typical applicant range; below it, lean on essays and recommendations.
Below 3.24, University of Louisville becomes a harder reach, though a strong test score, meaningful activities, and AP/IB coursework can still make a real case.
A strong SAT score matters at University of Louisville — aim above 1147, ideally within the 1020–1250 range admitted students typically fall in.
The application deadline for University of Louisville is February 15 for Regular applicants.
The application fee is 25. Fee waivers may be available. Check with admissions.
The scholarship/financial aid priority deadline is December 15, 2026. Submit FAFSA before then for maximum consideration.
Yes, transfers are common. Have transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement ready to make your case.
Strong academics, a focused extracurricular profile, and standout essays move the needle most, along with a competitive SAT/ACT score where relevant.
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