Last Updated: Sunday May 17, 2026  ·  Source: IPEDS & College Scorecard Nov 2025
William Carey University — Acceptance Rate and Admission Requirements
Non-Profit Private Accredited · Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges Hattiesburg, Mississippi 58% Acceptance Rate

William Carey University Acceptance Rate, GPA, and Admission Requirements

📍 Hattiesburg, Mississippi 39401 🏛️ Main Campus 🌐 https://www.wmcarey.edu/

William Carey University — Admission Snapshot 2026

A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application

58%Acceptance Rate
3.46Avg GPA
1120Avg SAT
24Avg ACT
$30,846Annual Cost
$43,087Grad Salary
24.6%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
58%
Avg GPA
3.46
Avg SAT
1120
Avg ACT
24
Selectivity
Somewhat Selective
Institution Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
SAT Middle 50%
880–1200
ACT Middle 50%
20–27
Need-Based Aid
24.6% receive Pell

William Carey University William Carey University, founded in 1906 in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, is a private Christian university affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention. The 120-acre campus offers undergraduate and graduate programs with particular strengths in nursing, education, and ministry. WCU maintains a 12:1 student-faculty ratio and is known for its strong health professions programs. Campus features include the new Thomas Business Building and the recently expanded School of Nursing facilities. The university's athletic teams, the Crusaders, compete in NAIA sports.

WCU takes pride in its commitment to integrating faith and learning across all disciplines. Campus life includes chapel services, mission opportunities, and student organizations focused on spiritual growth. The university has expanded its online programs while maintaining its residential Christian community. Recent initiatives include the Center for Global Education and upgraded science labs. WCU's combination of academic programs, Christian environment, and commitment to service creates a transformative educational experience.

William Carey University Acceptance Rate

William Carey University is somewhat selective in its admission process. The acceptance rate of William Carey University is 58%. This means that 58 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
William Carey University Selectivity Meter
Selectivity scale: Somewhat Selective — 58% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)

Recommended Academic Profile

Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.46 – 4.00
Target Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.26 – 3.45
Competitive Reach
Focus on Score Compensation
Below 3.01
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.

William Carey University GPA Requirement

The average GPA of admitted students at William Carey University is 3.46. Admission is competitive, but not extremely selective.

A mix of A's and B's is acceptable, and taking AP/IB courses helps.

Note: This is an unweighted GPA on a 4.0 scale. Students with AP or IB courses will typically have a weighted GPA of 3.66-3.86 for this same academic profile.

If your GPA is between 3.16 and 3.46, you should aim for a high SAT or ACT score.

William Carey University GPA & Admission Outlook

Assessment: Selective; solid academic performance is expected.

Recommended Strategy: Focus on a Strong 'Spike' in extracurriculars or research.

Admissions at William Carey University utilize a Holistic Review process. With an average admitted GPA of 3.46, the following table illustrates how your specific academic profile aligns with institutional expectations.

Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.46 – 4.00
Target/Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.26 – 3.45
Competitive Match
Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation
3.06 – 3.25
Secondary Reach
Personal Statement & Impact
Below 3.05
Institutional Reach
Requires Significant Contextual Factors

Expert Insight: 2026 Evaluation Metrics

  • The Rigor Metric: At William Carey University, 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 William Carey University

Admission Chance Predictor

Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on William Carey 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.

William Carey University 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 William Carey University Without SAT or ACT?

William Carey University requires test (SAT/ACT) scores to determine the merit for admission. It means that students will not be allowed to apply without test 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. Normally, students may appear in the test multiple times to improve their scores.

William Carey University Average SAT Score: 1120

The average SAT score of the admitted students at William Carey University is 1120 on the 1600 SAT scale.

SAT Competitiveness

William Carey University SAT Competitiveness
SAT 1120 — Less Competitive

This score makes it less competitive for SAT test scores. You need to put average efforts to score 1120 on the SAT.

SAT Math
500
SAT Reading
540
Composite
1120
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (1200 SAT or 27 ACT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. William Carey University allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.

If your score is below 880, retaking the SAT is strongly recommended to improve your chances at William Carey University. 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

SAT score percentiles for William Carey University
SectionAverage25th Percentile75th Percentile
SAT Math500420580
SAT Reading540460620
SAT Composite11208801200

It means that if you have scored less than 880 then you are below most of the admitted students at William Carey University and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1200 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 1100

Can I get into William Carey University with a 1200 SAT?

With a 1200 SAT Score, your chances of admission at William Carey University are good but the admission staff at William Carey University 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.

William Carey University ACT Requirements

The average ACT Score at William Carey University is 24.

ACT Competitiveness

William Carey University ACT Competitiveness
ACT 24 — Slightly Competitive

This score makes William Carey University slightly Competitive for ACT scores. You need to do well to score 24 on the ACT.

ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections

ACT score percentiles for William Carey University
SectionAverage25th Percentile75th Percentile
ACT Math211725
ACT English241928
ACT Composite242027

Can I get into William Carey University with a 27 ACT?

A 27 ACT places you at the 75th percentile of admitted students at William Carey University — 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 William Carey University 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 William Carey University — 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 William Carey University 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 27 ACT gets your application through the first filter — but your essays and activities are what move it forward from there.

View a list of all colleges with an average ACT score of 24

Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for William Carey University

Accessible Strategy: Academic Foundation

William Carey University is accessible to students who show core competency. The focus should be on proving readiness for college-level work and securing financial aid.

Consistency over Perfection

Prove you can handle a college curriculum by maintaining a steady or upward GPA trend. One or two lower grades won't be a dealbreaker if you've improved since.

Placement Validation

Use the SAT or ACT to exempt yourself from non-credit remedial courses. A solid score here saves you time and tuition money once you enroll.

Practical Leadership

Highlight work experience, family responsibilities, or community service. These schools value 'grit' and real-world maturity.

FAFSA & Deadlines

At schools with higher acceptance rates, the 'win' is financial. Submit your FAFSA and local scholarship apps as early as possible to maximize your aid package.

Next Step: Review the specific 'Pre-Professional' tracks at William Carey University to ensure your high school electives align with your intended major.

William Carey University Profile

Full Name
William Carey University
City
Hattiesburg
State
Mississippi
ZIP Code
39401
Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)

Is a William Carey University Degree Worth It?

Getting into William Carey University 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. William Carey University 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 William Carey University is $45,400 and the graduate unemployment rate is 4.01%.

How much does a degree from William Carey University Cost?

The average annual cost of the degree at William Carey University is $30,846. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at William Carey University is much less than this.

24.6% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 25.5 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to William Carey University and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.

At William Carey University, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist William Carey University as your choice in the form.

How much does a William Carey University Graduate earn?

The average annual salary of the graduate after 4–6 years of graduation is $43,087. An average William Carey University 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.

$30,846Annual Cost
24.6%Pell Grant
25.5%Federal Loan
$43,087Grad Salary (10yr)

Compare Similar Colleges

Less Competitive

Less Competitive Schools

These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than William Carey University. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.

SchoolLocationSATACT
Auburn University at Montgomery Montgomery, AL 1090 21
Spring Hill College Mobile, AL 1090 22
Troy University Troy, AL 1086 22
Grand Canyon University Phoenix, AZ 1095 22
University of the Ozarks Clarksville, AR 1088 21
Pacific Union College Angwin, CA 1093 22
Fort Lewis College Durango, CO 1084 20
Colorado Mesa University Grand Junction, CO 1070 23
University of Northern Colorado Greeley, CO 1077 22
Central Connecticut State University New Britain, CT 1091 24
Same Competitive

Equally Competitive Schools

These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as William Carey University. If your SAT or ACT score is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.

SchoolLocationSATACT
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
More Competitive

More Competitive Schools

These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than William Carey University. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.

SchoolLocationSATACT
Birmingham-Southern College Birmingham, AL 1197 24
University of Arkansas Fayetteville, AR 1174 25
Harding University Searcy, AR 1187 25
Azusa Pacific University Azusa, CA 1155 22
Dominican University of California San Rafael, CA 1194 26

Degree Programs at William Carey University

Bachelor Degree Programs

Full list of all degree programs offered by William Carey University →

Frequently Asked Questions About William Carey University Admissions

Graduates of this university typically earn a lower salary, $43,087 annually, especially in non-technical fields.

The tuition fee at this university is moderate, around $30,846 per year. Many students seek financial aid and scholarships to manage the cost.

24.6% 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 William Carey University is 58% 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 3.46. 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 3.16, you are in the standard pool. If you are below a 3.16, we need to focus on your personal essay and letters of recommendation to explain the context behind your grades.

If your GPA is 3.06 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 3.46, 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 William Carey University is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 1120 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 880–1200.

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.

Last Updated: Sunday May 17, 2026

SK

Sohaib Ahmad Khan

Sohaib Ahmad Khan is a leading career counselor and admission guidance expert who has guided over 50,000 students worldwide. He is the author of four books and developer of widely used career counseling and aptitude assessment systems. .

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