Non-Profit Private
Accredited · Higher Learning Commission
Kansas City, Missouri
59.5% Acceptance Rate
Avila University — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
59.5%Acceptance Rate
3.24Avg GPA
942Avg SAT
18Avg ACT
$32,863Annual Cost
$52,773Grad Salary
49.1%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
59.5%
Avg GPA
3.24
Avg SAT
942
Avg ACT
18
Selectivity
Somewhat Selective
Institution Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Higher Learning Commission
SAT Middle 50%
800–1000
ACT Middle 50%
15–21
Need-Based Aid
49.1% receive Pell
Avila University, founded in 1916 in Kansas City, Missouri, is a private Catholic university ranked #71 in Regional Universities Midwest by U.S. News. Known for its nursing, psychology, and business programs, Avila's 50-acre campus includes the Hooley-Bundschu Library and the Goppert Performing Arts Center.
Avila's Together We Program' integrates service-learning into the curriculum. The university's location provides internships at Cerner and Children's Mercy Hospital. NCAA Division II athletics and a 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio foster community.
Avila University Acceptance Rate
Avila University takes a broad view of applicants, admitting about 59.5% each year.
What Avila University Admissions Looks For
- Whole-Person Review: Personal circumstances and career goals are weighed alongside grades.
- Flexible on GPA: Strong extracurriculars or work experience can offset an average transcript.
Selectivity at a Glance
Somewhat Selective
Selectivity scale: Somewhat Selective — 59.5% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
Recommended Academic Profile
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.24 – 4.00
Target Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.04 – 3.23
Competitive Reach
Focus on Score Compensation
Below 2.79
Secondary Reach
Requires Contextual Support
Source: IPEDS & College Scorecard (Nov 2025).
Avila University Application Deadlines & Admission Dates 2026
Avila University follows a Rolling Admissions policy, meaning applications are reviewed as they arrive and there is no single fixed deadline, though the priority deadline of December 15 is recommended for the best chances of admission and financial aid.
Key Admission Dates
⏳ 126 days left — Priority
Rolling Admissions — Apply Anytime
Avila University 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.
Priority
December 15
💡 The scholarship deadline (FAFSA priority: 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.
Avila University GPA Requirement
The average GPA of admitted students at Avila University is 3.24. That makes admissions here competitive, but not extremely selective. Most admitted students carry a mix of A's and B's.
In the 2.94–3.24 range, a high SAT or ACT score still carries real weight.
Note the scale: this figure reflects an unweighted 4.0 GPA. Add AP or IB coursework and the equivalent weighted GPA usually lands around 3.44–3.64.Avila University GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Admission here leans heavily on holistic review.
Recommended Strategy: Leans on context, such as leadership, personal circumstances, or a standout talent.
This range is a rough map. Where you land determines what else needs to carry weight in your application.:
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.24 – 4.00
Strategic Reach
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.04 – 3.23
Competitive Match
Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation
2.84 – 3.03
Secondary Reach
Personal Statement & Impact
Below 2.83
Institutional Reach
Requires Significant Contextual Factors
Evaluation Metrics That Matter Here
- Founded 1916 by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet; Catholic university in Kansas City, MO.
- Acceptance rate around 68%; test-optional; no Common App, no rec letters used, no class rank considered.
- Average admitted GPA is 3.18.
- Rolling admission, no fixed deadline; recommend applying ~90 days before term start.
- Rigor Over Raw Number: Course rigor is read alongside the number itself. A 3.8 with a demanding schedule can beat a 4.0 without one.
- Trajectory Matters: Grades that climb toward graduation tend to matter more than a flat average. The trajectory tells its own story.
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 Avila University
Admission Chance Predictor
Built from Avila University's own verified admissions data — adjust the sliders below
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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.
Avila University Test Requirements
Scores aren't just a formality at Avila University. Landing within or above the 2026 admitted class's middle 50% keeps you fully competitive, even where submission is optional.
Can I Get Into Avila University Without SAT or ACT?
Avila University considers scores when submitted, without requiring them. Prepare well and submit your best attempt. Most applicants test 2–3 times.
Avila University Average SAT Score: 942
Admitted students at Avila University average a 942 SAT (out of 1600).
SAT Competitiveness
SAT 942 — Accessible
A 942 average means even a modest SAT score can strengthen your application.
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (1000 SAT or 21 ACT) to stand out. Below average? Avila University allows Score Choice for the SAT, so a retake only helps — a low sitting never has to be sent.
Scored under 800? A retake is worth it at Avila University. Two or three sittings is standard for competitive applicants, and there's no cap on how many times you can test.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 455 | 400 | 510 |
| SAT Reading | 445 | 400 | 490 |
| SAT Composite | 942 | 800 | 1000 |
A score under 800 puts you in the lower quarter of admits; 1000+ puts you ahead of three-quarters of the admitted class. (These percentiles mark where a given share of the admitted class scored at or below.)
View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 950
Can I get into Avila University with a 1000 SAT?
At 1000, your SAT is squarely in Avila University's favor. That said, admissions staff read the full file. GPA, activities, and essays still carry real weight even with a strong score in hand.
Avila University ACT Requirements
Avila University's admitted students average an ACT of 18.
ACT Competitiveness
ACT 18 — Accessible
An average of 18 means even a modest ACT score can strengthen your application.
ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 18 | 15 | 20 |
| ACT English | 18 | 14 | 21 |
| ACT Composite | 18 | 15 | 21 |
Can I get into Avila University with a 21 ACT?
At 21, you're in the top quarter of Avila University's admitted class by ACT score. That's a real advantage, but admissions still reads GPA, essays, and activities alongside it.
The ACT's four sections, English, Math, Reading, and Science, are each scored independently on a 1–36 scale, and admissions staff do notice a lopsided breakdown. If one section trails the others significantly, that's worth addressing before you apply, particularly for STEM programs where Science carries extra weight.
Beyond the number itself, Avila University weighs your transcript rigor, activities, recommendations, and essays just as heavily. The ACT opens the door, and the rest of your file decides what happens next.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for Avila University
Accessible Strategy: Academic Foundation
Avila University is accessible to students who show core competency. Focus on proving readiness for college-level work and locking in financial aid.
Lean on the Sisters of St. Joseph founding story if service matters to you
Avila was founded in 1916 by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet with a mission emphasis on community and social justice. If you have genuine service or community-engagement experience, connect it explicitly to this founding mission in your essay.
Don't worry about class rank or recommendation letters
Avila doesn't use recommendation letters or consider class rank in review. Put your effort into your GPA context and personal statement instead, since those carry more actual weight in the file.
Target a GPA above 3.18 for a comfortable admit, but know the floor is lower
Average admitted GPA is around 3.18, and Avila accepts solidly below-average students (B/C mix) without penalty. If you're a B-average student worried about competitiveness, Avila's holistic review genuinely gives you a real shot.
Ask specifically about accelerated 8-week graduate pathways if you're eyeing grad school later
Avila's graduate programs (MBA, Counseling Psychology) run on accelerated 8-week terms with online/low-residency options. If you're an undergrad considering a 4+1 pathway, ask admissions how your undergrad track feeds into these accelerated grad terms.
Expert Insight:
Because Avila doesn't require the Common App and has flexible, non-restrictive admission requirements, some applicants under-invest in the personal statement. It's still the main differentiator in a review process that skips letters and class rank.
Avila University Profile
Full Name
Avila University
City
Kansas City
State
Missouri
ZIP Code
64145-1698
Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Higher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
Is a Avila University Degree Worth It?
At $32,863/year against a $52,773 median graduate salary, Avila University is worth weighing against your specific program and financial situation. The numbers below give you a real basis for that decision.
Admitted students' families report a median household income around $67,600, and graduates see a 2.85% unemployment rate.
How much does a degree from Avila University Cost?
Listed tuition runs $32,863/year at Avila University. Factor in Pell and federal grant aid, and most students land typically much lower.
At Avila University, 49.1% receive a Pell Grant and 85.2% carry federal loans. Filing FAFSA early and naming Avila University on it improves your shot at both.
How much does a Avila University Graduate earn?
Ten years out from enrollment, Avila University graduates report a median income of $52,773, about 30% above the U.S. median graduate income.
Compare Similar Colleges
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than Avila University. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff | Pine Bluff, AR | 916 | 16 |
| Bethune-Cookman University | Daytona Beach, FL | 913 | 17 |
| Trinity College of Florida | Trinity, FL | 905 | 19 |
| Wesleyan College | Macon, GA | 905 | NA |
| Morningside University | Sioux City, IA | 910 | 17 |
| Upper Iowa University | Fayette, IA | 929 | 18 |
| Kentucky State University | Frankfort, KY | 910 | 17 |
| Southern University at New Orleans | New Orleans, LA | 910 | 16 |
| Maine College of Health Professions | Lewiston, ME | 910 | NA |
| Washington Adventist University | Takoma Park, MD | 920 | NA |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as Avila University. If your SAT or ACT score is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama A & M University | Normal, AL | 947 | 17 |
| Johnson University Florida | Kissimmee, FL | 940 | NA |
| Warner University | Lake Wales, FL | 937 | 17 |
| Gordon State College | Barnesville, GA | 950 | 18 |
| Baker University | Baldwin City, KS | 950 | 17 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Avila University. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama State University | Montgomery, AL | 977 | 18 |
| Faulkner University | Montgomery, AL | 1016 | 20 |
| University of West Alabama | Livingston, AL | 1015 | 20 |
| Baptist Health College Little Rock | Little Rock, AR | 980 | 20 |
| Central Baptist College | Conway, AR | 1022 | 20 |
Degree Programs at Avila University
Bachelor Degree Programs
Frequently Asked Questions About Avila University Admissions
Avila University graduates earn a moderate median salary of $52,773/year, with some variation by field.
Tuition at Avila University is moderate, around $32,863/year; many students supplement with aid.
49.1% of Avila University students get a Pell Grant. Your odds depend mostly on household income, and filing FAFSA early still helps maximize what you're offered.
Avila University's acceptance rate is 59.5%, comparatively higher than most selective universities. Admission is more attainable here.
The average GPA of admitted Avila University students is 3.24, reflecting a competitive applicant pool.
There's no strict cutoff, but a GPA at or above 2.94 puts you in the standard applicant pool at Avila University. Below that, your essays and recommendations need to work harder to provide context.
A GPA of 2.84 or below makes admission tougher at Avila University, but strong test scores, activities, and essays, plus AP/IB coursework, can still keep you in contention.
Avila University weighs the SAT heavily. Scoring above 942, and within the 800–1000 range, keeps you competitive.
Avila University's deadline is December 15. Rolling Admissions applies too, so earlier is always better.
For priority financial aid consideration, get your FAFSA in before FAFSA priority: 2026/02/01. That's Avila University's scholarship priority date.
Transferring in is a well-trodden path here. Line up your transcripts, recommendations, and a strong personal statement before applying.
The biggest levers are academic performance, a clear extracurricular focus, and essays that stand out, plus a solid test score where the school considers one.
Explore Other Options
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