Non-Profit Private
Accredited · Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Crestview Hills, Kentucky
97% Acceptance Rate
Thomas More University — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
97%Acceptance Rate
3.35Avg GPA
1140Avg SAT
24Avg ACT
$46,342Annual Cost
$59,384Grad Salary
22.5%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
97%
Avg GPA
3.35
Avg SAT
1140
Avg ACT
24
Selectivity
Inclusive
Institution Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
SAT Middle 50%
1000–1150
ACT Middle 50%
20–27
Need-Based Aid
22.5% receive Pell
Thomas More University is a private, Catholic liberal arts university in Kentucky that emphasizes values-based education, professional preparation, and community engagement. Admissions are holistic, evaluating students on their academic record, character, and their readiness to thrive in an environment that prioritizes mentorship. The university seeks individuals who are ready to engage in a supportive, mission-focused environment that values both personal development and ethical leadership.
Successful applicants often demonstrate significant involvement in service-oriented activities, reflecting the university's values. A personal statement that discusses how the student's personal and professional goals align with the university's mission?and how they intend to contribute to its diverse, community-focused campus culture is strongly encouraged. The admissions team looks for students who are not only academically prepared for university-level study but who are also committed to becoming principled, service-minded leaders in their future careers.
Thomas More University Acceptance Rate
Thomas More University (Thomas More) runs an open-access admission policy. With a 97% 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 — 97% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
Recommended Academic Profile
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.35 – 4.00
Target Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.15 – 3.34
Competitive Reach
Focus on Score Compensation
Below 2.90
Secondary Reach
Requires Contextual Support
Source: IPEDS & College Scorecard (Nov 2025).
Thomas More University Application Deadlines & Admission Dates 2026
Thomas More University follows a Rolling Admissions policy, meaning applications are reviewed as they arrive and there is no single fixed deadline.
Key Admission Dates
Rolling Admissions — Apply Anytime
Thomas More reviews applications continuously throughout the year. Seats and scholarships are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, so applying early gives you a significant advantage for both admission and financial aid.
💡 The scholarship deadline (Priority scholarship: 2026/02/01) 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.
Thomas More GPA Requirement
The average GPA of admitted students at Thomas More is 3.35. That makes admissions here competitive, but not extremely selective. Most admitted students carry a mix of A's and B's.
In the 3.05–3.35 range, a high SAT or ACT score still carries real weight.
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 3.55–3.75.Thomas More GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Holistic review is critical for admission.
Recommended Strategy: Requires Contextual Factors (Leadership, hardship, or talent).
Where your GPA falls in this range shapes what the rest of your application needs to do:
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.35 – 4.00
Strategic Reach
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.15 – 3.34
Competitive Match
Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation
2.95 – 3.14
Secondary Reach
Personal Statement & Impact
Below 2.94
Institutional Reach
Requires Significant Contextual Factors
Evaluation Metrics That Matter Here
- Test-optional; overall acceptance rate runs roughly 96-97%, reflecting an accessible admissions model.
- 14:1 student-faculty ratio, with particular strength cited in Business, Nursing, Education, and the Humanities.
- Founded in 1921 by the Benedictine Sisters as Villa Madonna College; today affiliated with the Roman Catholic Diocese of Covington, Kentucky.
- Located about 10 minutes south of Cincinnati, Ohio, offering small-town campus life with access to a nearby major metro area.
- 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 Thomas More
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on Thomas More University'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.
Thomas More University (Thomas More) Test Requirements
Standardized scores still matter here: aim for the middle 50% range of the 2026 admitted class below, and if Thomas More is test-optional, a high score submitted voluntarily still helps with merit scholarships.
Can I Get Into Thomas More Without SAT or ACT?
Thomas More considers scores when submitted, without requiring them. Prepare well and submit your best attempt. Most applicants test 2–3 times.
Thomas More University Average SAT Score: 1140
The average SAT score of admitted students at Thomas More University is 1140 on the 1600-point scale.
SAT Competitiveness
SAT 1140 — Less Competitive
This average is slightly below the national mean SAT score.
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (1150 SAT or 27 ACT) to stand out. Below average? Thomas More University allows Score Choice for the SAT, so a retake only helps — a low sitting never has to be sent.
If your score is below 1000, retaking the SAT is strongly recommended to improve your chances at Thomas More. 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 | 525 | 490 | 560 |
| SAT Reading | 550 | 510 | 590 |
| SAT Composite | 1140 | 1000 | 1150 |
Below 1000, you're behind most admitted students; at 1150 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 Thomas More University (Thomas More) with a 1150 SAT?
A 1150 SAT puts you ahead of most of Thomas More'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.
Thomas More University (Thomas More) ACT Requirements
The average ACT score at Thomas More is 24.
ACT Competitiveness
ACT 24 — 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 | 18 | 26 |
| ACT English | 23 | 19 | 27 |
| ACT Composite | 24 | 20 | 27 |
Can I get into Thomas More University with a 27 ACT?
A 27 ACT puts you ahead of 75% of Thomas More'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 Thomas More.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for Thomas More
Inclusive Strategy: Success & Transfer
Thomas More provides an open gateway to higher education. Success here is about using available resources well and planning your longer-term academic or career path.
Understand the High Acceptance Rate Reflects Access, Not Lack of Rigor
TMU accepts roughly 96-97% of applicants, reflecting a deliberately accessible admissions model rather than an undemanding program. Still submit a complete, thoughtful application (GPA, essay, optional test scores), since merit scholarship tiers are calibrated closely to these same academic indicators even though outright denial is rare.
Leverage the 14:1 Ratio for Direct Faculty Access
TMU emphasizes strong programs in Business, Nursing, Education, and the Humanities with unusually small classes for a school its size. Ask the target department specifically about faculty mentorship and research/internship opportunities, since this ratio is presented as a defining feature.
Research the Benedictine Founding for Mission Fit
TMU was founded in 1921 by the Benedictine Sisters as Villa Madonna College before evolving into its current Catholic, diocesan-affiliated identity. Research this specific founding history and current Diocese of Covington affiliation rather than assuming it matches other Catholic institutions' specific traditions.
Submit Strong Test Scores Even Though Optional
TMU is test-optional, but scores in the 20-26 ACT / competitive SAT range can strengthen merit scholarship consideration or placement into selective programs like Nursing. Submit strong scores even though they aren't required for admission itself.
Expert Insight:
Do not confuse Thomas More University (Crestview Hills, Kentucky, a mid-sized Catholic university near Cincinnati) with Thomas More College of Liberal Arts (Merrimack, New Hampshire), a much smaller, distinctly traditionalist Great Books college - these are separate institutions with very similar names, different academic models, and different admissions processes.
Thomas More Profile
Full Name
Thomas More University (Thomas More)
City
Crestview Hills
State
Kentucky
ZIP Code
41017-3495
Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
Is a Thomas More Degree Worth It?
Whether Thomas More 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 $64,700, with a graduate unemployment rate of 2.63%.
How much does a degree from Thomas More Cost?
The sticker price is $46,342/year, but the average net price students actually pay, after Pell and federal grants, is typically much lower.
22.5% of students receive a Pell Grant and 59.7% take federal loans at Thomas More. File your FAFSA early and list Thomas More as a choice to be considered for both.
How much does a Thomas More Graduate earn?
Median earnings 10 years after enrollment (roughly 4–6 years post-graduation) are $59,384. That's about 46% above the U.S. median graduate income.
Compare Similar Colleges
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than Thomas More University. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 La Verne | La Verne, CA | 1116 | 22 |
| Pacific Union College | Angwin, CA | 1093 | 22 |
| University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus | Denver, CO | 1119 | 24 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as Thomas More University. 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 |
| 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 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Thomas More University. 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 |
| University of Arkansas | Fayetteville, AR | 1174 | 25 |
| Harding University | Searcy, AR | 1187 | 25 |
Degree Programs at Thomas More
Bachelor Degree Programs
Frequently Asked Questions About Thomas More Admissions
Median graduate earnings at Thomas More University run about $59,384 a year.
Thomas More University costs roughly $46,342 a year, and most students combine this with scholarships or aid.
Thomas More University's Pell Grant rate of 22.5% sits below the national average. Merit-based aid is worth checking regardless of income.
At 97%, Thomas More University's acceptance rate is on the more attainable end compared to top-tier selective schools.
Admitted students at Thomas More University average a 3.35 GPA.
Thomas More University doesn't publish a hard GPA floor, but landing at or above 3.05 keeps you in the typical applicant range; below it, lean on essays and recommendations.
Below 2.95, Thomas More University 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 Thomas More University — aim above 1140, ideally within the 1000–1150 range admitted students typically fall in.
Thomas More University follows Rolling Admissions. Applications are reviewed year-round, so applying early is your best strategy.
The scholarship/financial aid priority deadline is Priority scholarship: 2026/02/01. 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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