Non-Profit Private
Accredited · Higher Learning Commission
Liberty, Missouri
34.3% Acceptance Rate
William Jewell College — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
34.3%Acceptance Rate
3.61Avg GPA
1114Avg SAT
22Avg ACT
$34,291Annual Cost
$59,268Grad Salary
27.9%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
34.3%
Avg GPA
3.61
Avg SAT
1114
Avg ACT
22
Selectivity
Selective
Institution Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Higher Learning Commission
SAT Middle 50%
960–1120
ACT Middle 50%
19–25
Need-Based Aid
27.9% receive Pell
William Jewell College Founded in 1849, William Jewell College is a private liberal arts institution located in Liberty, Missouri. Known for its rigorous academic programs and commitment to leadership development, the college offers a unique Oxbridge Honors Program modeled after the tutorial systems of Oxford and Cambridge. With a student-faculty ratio of 10:1, William Jewell emphasizes personalized education and undergraduate research. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities, including the Pryor Learning Commons and the newly renovated Yates-Gill College Union. Ranked among the top regional colleges in the Midwest by U.S. News & World Report, the college is affiliated with the Baptist tradition but welcomes students of all backgrounds.
William Jewell College is celebrated for its strong emphasis on civic engagement and global perspectives, offering study abroad opportunities in over 50 countries. The college's distinctive 'Critical Thought & Inquiry' curriculum challenges students to think deeply across disciplines. Athletics play a significant role in campus life, with the Cardinals competing in NCAA Division II. Recent investments in STEM facilities, including the Science Center, demonstrate the college's commitment to innovation. Notable alumni include politicians, scientists, and business leaders, reflecting the institution's impact across diverse fields.
William Jewell College Acceptance Rate
William Jewell College is a well-known institution. It has a selective admission process. The acceptance rate of William Jewell College is 34.3%. This means that 34 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.
Selectivity at a Glance
Selective
Selectivity scale: Selective — 34.3% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
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.
Recommended Academic Profile
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.61 – 4.00
Target Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.41 – 3.60
Competitive Reach
Focus on Score Compensation
Below 3.16
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 Jewell College GPA Requirement
The average GPA of the admitted students at William Jewell College is 3.61. William Jewell College is highly selective.
Mostly A's with a few B's will keep you competitive. Taking AP/IB courses related to your field will improve your chances.
Note: This is an unweighted GPA on a 4.0 scale. Students with AP or IB courses will typically have a weighted GPA of 3.81-4.01 for this same academic profile.If your GPA is between 3.31 and 3.61, a strong SAT or ACT score is recommended.
William Jewell College GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Selective; solid academic performance is expected.
Recommended Strategy: Focus on a Strong 'Spike' in extracurriculars or research.
Admissions at William Jewell College utilize a Holistic Review process. With an average admitted GPA of 3.61, the following table illustrates how your specific academic profile aligns with institutional expectations.
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.61 – 4.00
Target/Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.41 – 3.60
Competitive Match
Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation
3.21 – 3.40
Secondary Reach
Personal Statement & Impact
Below 3.20
Institutional Reach
Requires Significant Contextual Factors
Expert Insight: 2026 Evaluation Metrics
- Acceptance rate approximately 34% (IPEDS: 34.28%; Niche reports 47% ? sources conflict by cycle; the 34% figure reflects the most recent IPEDS-sourced data of 731 admitted from 2,132 applicants); test-optional; no application fee; rolling admissions; personal statement recommended; tuition $20,610 (2024-25) ? dramatically reduced from $31,800+ in 2015 via intentional tuition reset.
- Oxbridge Honors Program: $26,000/year scholarship + academic residency at Oxford University, available to students maintaining 3.4+ GPA; tutorial-based learning model; graduates have received Fulbright, Goldwater, Rhodes, and Truman award nominations; Journey Grants fund student-designed travel projects available after sophomore year.
- 3-year degree pathways available in select majors with day-one advising support; 4+1 MBA program; ABET-accredited civil engineering; CCNE-accredited nursing with 100% NCLEX-RN pass rate; 99.1% employment or graduate school placement within 6 months of graduation.
- Ranked #11 Regional Colleges Midwest (US News 2026); 11:1 student-faculty ratio; 200-acre campus in Liberty, MO (20 minutes from downtown Kansas City); NCAA Division II, Great Lakes Valley Conference; four-year graduation guarantee included with enrollment.
- The Rigor Metric: At William Jewell College, 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 Jewell College
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on William Jewell College'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 Jewell College 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 Jewell College Without SAT or ACT?
William Jewell 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.
William Jewell College Average SAT Score: 1114
The average SAT score of the admitted students at William Jewell College is 1114 on the 1600 SAT scale.
SAT Competitiveness
SAT 1114 — Less Competitive
This score makes it less competitive for SAT test scores. You need to put average efforts to score 1114 on the SAT.
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (1120 SAT or 25 ACT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. William Jewell 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 960, retaking the SAT is strongly recommended to improve your chances at William Jewell College. 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
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 510 | 470 | 550 |
| SAT Reading | 530 | 490 | 570 |
| SAT Composite | 1114 | 960 | 1120 |
It means that if you have scored less than 960 then you are below most of the admitted students at William Jewell College and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1120 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 Jewell College with a 1100 SAT?
With a 1100 SAT Score, your chances of admission at William Jewell College are good but the admission staff at William Jewell College 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 Jewell College ACT Requirements
The average ACT Score at William Jewell College is 22.
ACT Competitiveness
ACT 22 — Slightly Competitive
This score makes William Jewell College slightly Competitive for ACT scores. You need to do well to score 22 on the ACT.
ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 21 | 17 | 25 |
| ACT English | 21 | 17 | 25 |
| ACT Composite | 22 | 19 | 25 |
Can I get into William Jewell College with a 25 ACT?
A 25 ACT places you at the 75th percentile of admitted students at William Jewell College — 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 Jewell College 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 Jewell College — 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 Jewell College 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 25 ACT gets your application through the first filter — but your essays and activities are what move it forward from there.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for William Jewell College
Selective Strategy: Competitive Positioning
At William Jewell College, admissions officers seek reliable, high-achieving students. The goal is to be a top-tier applicant to trigger both admission and high-value merit aid.
The Tuition Reset Makes Jewell's Real Cost Dramatically Different from Its Historical Reputation
William Jewell College deliberately cut its undergraduate tuition from approximately $31,800 (2015) to $20,610 (2024-25) ? a 35% reduction over a decade ? as part of a strategic repositioning to make its private education cost-competitive with Missouri's public university options. This is not financial hardship; it is intentional pricing transparency. With 99% of students receiving grants or scholarships and an average aid amount of approximately $15,673, the effective out-of-pocket cost for most students is well below the sticker price. Jewell's own cost-of-attendance page notes a four-year graduation guarantee, which further reduces financial risk. Before ruling Jewell out or in on tuition grounds, run the net price calculator ? the gap between the $20,610 headline rate and the actual net price for most Missouri and regional families is significant.
The Oxbridge Honors Program Is Among the Most Distinctive Undergraduate Honors Experiences Available in the Midwest
William Jewell's Oxbridge Honors Program combines a tutorial-style learning model modeled on the British educational tradition with a spring or year-long academic residency at Oxford University. Students admitted to the program receive a $26,000/year scholarship ? available to undergraduates who maintain a 3.4+ GPA ? and work directly with a don-style faculty mentor. This is not a study abroad add-on or a summer program; it is a structured honors track embedded in the degree that produces graduates who have presented at international conferences, received Fulbright and Rhodes Scholarship nominations, and published undergraduate research. Applicants interested in the Oxbridge program should indicate that interest clearly on the application and be prepared for an interview, as the program selects students who demonstrate the intellectual independence its tutorial model requires.
The 3-Year Degree Option Is Real ? Plan It from the First Advising Meeting
Jewell offers formally structured 3-year degree pathways for students who want to reduce time to graduation and reduce total tuition expenditure. These are not individually negotiated accelerated schedules ? they are official degree plans available in specific majors, with day-one advising support built in, and the option to switch to a 4-year version of the same program without penalty. For students who have accumulated AP, IB, or dual-enrollment credits or who have a clear career direction and don't need a fourth year for exploration, the 3-year pathway is a concrete financial strategy: three years at $20,610 is meaningfully cheaper than four years at the same rate, and Jewell's 4+1 MBA program allows students who want graduate-level credentials to add an MBA at reduced cost directly after graduation.
Kansas City's Proximity Is an Active Career Asset ? Use It Beyond the Campus Bubble
Liberty, Missouri is 20 minutes from downtown Kansas City ? one of the fastest-growing metro areas in the Midwest with major healthcare systems (KU Health System, Saint Luke's), Sprint and Cerner-era tech infrastructure, financial services, and the NFL's Kansas City Chiefs and MLB's Royals. Jewell explicitly maintains connections with over 82,000 employers in the KC metro for internship placement, and the Journey Grant program (available after sophomore year) allows students to design their own travel projects for academic credit and institutional funding. For nursing students, clinical placements include Centerpoint Medical Center and Excelsior Springs Hospital. Students who treat Liberty as a residential location rather than a professional launching pad into the KC metro are consistently the ones who don't tap into the placement pipeline that produces Jewell's 99.1% employment rate.
Expert Insight:
The most consequential failure mode at William Jewell involves students who apply to the Oxbridge Honors Program without understanding that the tutorial model requires sustained independent intellectual work, not simply high GPA performance in structured courses. Oxbridge tutorials at Oxford are one-on-one meetings with a faculty don in which the student presents and defends a weekly essay ? a format that rewards intellectual confidence, curiosity, and the ability to argue under pressure. Students who are strong grade-performers in structured classroom environments but who struggle to initiate independent inquiry, generate original arguments without prompts, or handle direct academic debate consistently underperform in the tutorial setting and find the Oxford year more disorienting than enriching. The Oxbridge program at Jewell provides preparatory mentoring specifically for this reason ? engage with that preparation, not just the scholarship.
William Jewell College Profile
Full Name
William Jewell College
City
Liberty
State
Missouri
ZIP Code
64068-1896
Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Higher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
Is a William Jewell College Degree Worth It?
Getting into William Jewell College 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 Jewell College 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 Jewell College is $66,200 and the graduate unemployment rate is 2.64%.
How much does a degree from William Jewell College Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at William Jewell College is $34,291. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at William Jewell College is much less than this.
27.9% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 79.9 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to William Jewell College and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At William Jewell College, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist William Jewell College as your choice in the form.
How much does a William Jewell College Graduate earn?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4–6 years of graduation is $59,268. An average William Jewell College 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.
Compare Similar Colleges
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than William Jewell College. 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 |
| 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 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as William Jewell College. If your SAT or ACT score is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| 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 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than William Jewell College. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Huntingdon College | Montgomery, AL | 1148 | 23 |
| 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 Jewell College
Bachelor Degree Programs
Full list of all degree programs offered by William Jewell College →
Frequently Asked Questions About William Jewell College Admissions
Graduates of this university typically earn a moderate salary, $59,268 annually, with some fluctuation based on the field.
The tuition fee at this university is moderate, around $34,291 per year. Many students seek financial aid and scholarships to manage the cost.
27.9% of students receive a Pell Grant at this institution. Your chances of need-based aid are moderate and depend primarily on your household income. Filing FAFSA early significantly improves your chances of receiving the maximum available grant amount.
The acceptance rate of William Jewell College is 34.3% 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 3.61. 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 3.31, you are in the standard pool. If you are below a 3.31, we need to focus on your personal essay and letters of recommendation to explain the context behind your grades.
If your GPA is 3.21 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 3.61, 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 Jewell College is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 1114 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 960–1120.
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.