St. John's College St. John's College, with campuses in Annapolis and Santa Fe, is a unique liberal arts institution founded in 1696 that focuses exclusively on the Great Books curriculum. The college offers a single interdisciplinary program where students read and discuss original works of Western civilization in small seminars. St. John's maintains a 7:1 student-faculty ratio with all classes taught by tutors who guide discussions across disciplines. The campuses feature historic buildings and libraries dedicated to the Great Books tradition.
St. John's takes pride in its distinctive educational approach that emphasizes primary texts over textbooks and discussion over lectures. All students complete four years of mathematics, laboratory science, music, and language study alongside the core reading sequence. Campus life includes formal Friday night lectures and student-organized seminars. The college's commitment to the Great Books program creates an intellectual community where students engage directly with foundational ideas of Western thought across centuries.
St. John's College Acceptance Rate
St. John's College is a well-known institution. It has a selective admission process. The acceptance rate of St. John's College is 44.29%. This means that 44 out of every 100 applicants get admitted.
Admissions Guidelines
- Selective Enrollment: Applicants need a solid GPA and proof of academic growth.
- Holistic Balance: Strong recommendations and community involvement are highly valued.
If your GPA is slightly below the institutional average, you can remain competitive by scoring well on standardized tests and showcasing leadership in co-curricular activities.
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem .
St. John's College Admission Requirements
SJC GPA Requirement
The average GPA of the admitted students at SJC is 3.81. This indicates extreme selectivity in admissions.
To have strong chances, you must aim for straight A’s in all courses.
If your GPA is between 3.51 and 3.81, then you need a high SAT or ACT score to compensate.
SJC 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 SJC utilize a Holistic Review process. With an average admitted GPA of 3.81, the following table illustrates how your specific academic profile aligns with institutional expectations.
| Candidate GPA Range | Admission Category | Strategic Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| 3.81 – 4.00 | Competitive Reach | Maintain Rigor & High Testing |
| 3.61 – 3.80 | Competitive Match | Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation |
| 3.41 – 3.60 | Secondary Reach | Personal Statement & Impact |
| Below 3.40 | Institutional Reach | Requires Significant Contextual Factors |
Expert Insight: 2026 Evaluation Metrics
- The Rigor Metric: At SJC, 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.
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Calculated via College Portal’s Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards.
Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
St. John's College (SJC) 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 2025 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.
St. John's College Average SAT Score: 1381
The average SAT score of the admitted students at St. John's College is 1381 on the 1600 SAT scale.
SAT Competitiveness
This score makes it Competitive for SAT scores. You need to do well to score 1381 on the SAT.
Key Insight:Aim for the 75th percentile (1500 SAT or 32 ACT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. St. John's 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 1250, you must retake the SAT to improve your chances of admission to SJC. It is not strange to appear multiple times for the SAT to improve scores. Colleges don’t mind if you have appeared multiple times, but not more than 5 times.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 670 | 600 | 740 |
| SAT Reading | 705 | 650 | 760 |
| SAT Composite | 1381 | 1250 | 1500 |
It means that if you have scored less than 1250 then you are below most of the admitted students at SJC and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1500 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 1400
Can I get into St. John's College (SJC) with a 1500 SAT?
With a 1500 SAT Score, your chances of admission at St. John's College (SJC) are good but the admission staff at SJC 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.
St. John's College (SJC) ACT Requirements
The average ACT Score at SJC is 31.
ACT Competitiveness
This score makes St. John's College very Competitive for ACT scores. You need to do very well to score 31 on the ACT.
ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 26 | 23 | 29 |
| ACT English | 33 | 31 | 35 |
| ACT Composite | 31 | 29 | 32 |
Can I get into St. John's College with a 32 ACT?
With a 32 ACT Score, your chances of admission at St. John's College are good but the admission staff does not check your ACT Score only. The College Admission process tests your all-around personality and 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.
View a list of all colleges with an average ACT score of 31.SJC Profile
Name: St. John's College (SJC)
City: Annapolis
URL: www.sjc.edu/
State: Maryland
Type: Non-Profit Private
Zip: 21401
Campus: Branch Campus
Accredited by: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSACHE)
Can I Get Into SJC Without SAT Or ACT?: St. John's 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. Hence you are required to plan early and appear in upcoming SAT / ACT tests. Check the schedule of the test and plan accordingly. It is advisable to appear multiple times in the test unless you score well above the average SAT / ACT score of the admitted students, as given below.
Does a degree from SJC Worth It?
Getting into SJC 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. SJC 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 SJC is USD: 72041.37 and unemployment rate is 3.2%.
How much does a degree from SJC Cost?The average annual cost of the degree at St. John's College is USD: 52683. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at St. John's College is much less than this.
How can I get a scholarship?
22.08% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 49.35 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to SJC and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At St. John's College, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist SJC as your choice in the form.
How much a SJC Graduate make?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4-6 years of graduation is USD 51584. An average SJC 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 USD: 40595
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than St. John's College. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hendrix College | Hendrix College, AR | 1336 | 29 |
| Chapman University | Chapman University, CA | 1353 | 30 |
| Pepperdine University | Pepperdine University, CA | 1367 | 29 |
| Westmont College | Westmont College, CA | 1367 | 32 |
| University of Colorado Boulder | University of Colorado Boulder, CO | 1353 | 31 |
| University of Denver | University of Denver, CO | 1344 | 31 |
| United States Air Force Academy | United States Air Force Academy, CO | 1362 | 30 |
| University of Connecticut | University of Connecticut, CT | 1338 | 31 |
| Wheaton College | Wheaton College, IL | 1363 | 30 |
| Centre College | Centre College, KY | 1345 | 29 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as St. John's College. If your SAT or ACT score are competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology | Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, IN | 1389 | 32 |
| St Olaf College | St Olaf College, MN | 1373 | 30 |
| Rutgers University-New Brunswick | Rutgers University-New Brunswick, NJ | 1383 | 31 |
| Bard College | Bard College, NY | 1387 | 31 |
| Rochester Institute of Technology | Rochester Institute of Technology, NY | 1378 | 31 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than St. John's College. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Occidental College | Occidental College, CA | 1461 | 33 |
| Santa Clara University | Santa Clara University, CA | 1417 | 32 |
| Colorado College | Colorado College, CO | 1445 | 33 |
| Connecticut College | Connecticut College, CT | 1412 | 32 |
| George Washington University | George Washington University, DC | 1433 | 33 |
Degree Programs
Bachelor Degree Programs
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
Masters Degree Programs
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
UG Certificate or Diploma Programs
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
Professional Certificate Programs
Frequently Asked Questions About St. John's College Admissions
Answer: Graduates of this university typically earn a moderate salary, $51584 annually, with some fluctuation based on the field.
Question: What is the tuition fee?
Answer: The tuition fee at this university is quite high, approximately $52683 or more per year for out-of-state students, so it is important to consider additional funding options.
Question: What are my chances of getting a scholarship ?
Answer: Your chances of getting a scholarship are good, with about a 50-80% chance. Scholarships are competitive but achievable if you meet the criteria.
Question: What is the acceptance rate?
Answer: The acceptance rate of St. John's College is 44.29 which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.
Question: What is the average GPA of admitted students?
Answer: The average GPA of admitted students is 3.81. This reflects the competitive academic profile expected from applicants.
Question: What is the minimum GPA required for admission?
Answer: 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 3.51, you're in the standard pool. If you are below a 3.51, we need to focus on your personal essay and letters of recommendation to explain the context behind your grades.
Question: What are my chances with a 3.51 GPA?
Answer: If your GPA is 3.41 or less, it may makes 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.
Question: Can I apply to St. John's College if my GPA is below 3.41
Answer: While the average GPA of admitted students is 3.81, applicants with lower GPAs can still be considered if they have strong test scores, extracurriculars, and compelling personal essays that demonstrate resilience and potential.
Question: How competitive is the SAT score requirement
Answer: Admission to St. John's College is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 1381 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 1250-1500
Question: Is it possible to transfer from another university?
Answer: 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.
Question: How can I improve my chances of getting Admissions?
Answer: 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.
Full list of All degree programs offered by St. John's College.
Last Updated: Saturday February 07, 2026
Data on this page is sourced from IPEDS, College Scorecard's latest data as provided in November 2025, US Department of Education's latest statistics, Institute's official websites and printed material as well as additional publicly available sources.