Non-Profit Private
Accredited · New England Commission on Higher Education
Manchester, New Hampshire
78.3% Acceptance Rate
Saint Anselm College — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
78.3%Acceptance Rate
3.39Avg GPA
1183Avg SAT
26Avg ACT
$65,067Annual Cost
$73,371Grad Salary
10.5%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
78.3%
Avg GPA
3.39
Avg SAT
1183
Avg ACT
26
Selectivity
Inclusive
Institution Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
New England Commission on Higher Education
SAT Middle 50%
1090–1270
ACT Middle 50%
25–27
Need-Based Aid
10.5% receive Pell
Saint Anselm College is a private, Catholic liberal arts institution in New Hampshire known for its commitment to academic excellence, critical inquiry, and character development. With a strong focus on the liberal arts and a supportive campus community, the college fosters an environment that encourages intellectual and personal growth. Its emphasis on providing a high-value, well-rounded education makes it a premier choice for students seeking a formative and values-based collegiate experience.
Saint Anselm College Acceptance Rate
Saint Anselm College maintains an inclusive admission policy. With an acceptance rate of 78.3%, the institution prioritizes accessibility and opportunity for all qualified students.
Admissions Guidelines
- Inclusive Enrollment: Emphasis is placed on meeting basic eligibility and high school completion.
- Launchpad Policy: Ideal for students looking to build a GPA for future transfer or career certification.
Selectivity at a Glance
Inclusive
Selectivity scale: Inclusive — 78.3% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
Recommended Academic Profile
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.39 – 4.00
Target Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.19 – 3.38
Competitive Reach
Focus on Score Compensation
Below 2.94
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.
Saint Anselm College Application Deadlines & Admission Dates 2026
The application deadline for Saint Anselm College is February 1 for Regular Decision applicants, with additional plans listed below. Admission decisions are typically released by March 15.
Key Admission Dates
⏳ 195 days left — Regular Decision
Regular Decision
February 1
Decision by: March 15
Early Action
November 15
Decision by: January 15
Early Decision
December 1
Decision by: January 1
💡 The scholarship deadline (December 1, 2026) 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.
Saint Anselm College GPA Requirement
The average GPA of admitted students at Saint Anselm College is 3.39. 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 3.59-3.79 for this same academic profile.If your GPA is between 3.09 and 3.39, you should aim for a high SAT or ACT score.
Saint Anselm College GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Holistic review is critical for admission.
Recommended Strategy: Requires Contextual Factors (Leadership, hardship, or talent).
Admissions at Saint Anselm College utilize a Holistic Review process. With an average admitted GPA of 3.39, the following table illustrates how your specific academic profile aligns with institutional expectations.
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.39 – 4.00
Strategic Reach
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.19 – 3.38
Competitive Match
Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation
2.99 – 3.18
Secondary Reach
Personal Statement & Impact
Below 2.98
Institutional Reach
Requires Significant Contextual Factors
Expert Insight: 2026 Evaluation Metrics
- Acceptance rate is approximately 78% (consistent across US News, BigFuture, Niche, and other independent trackers); one outlier source cites 12%, which appears to be an error.
- Single required Common App supplemental essay: "Why are you interested in Saint Anselm College?" (75-250 words).
- $50 application fee is waived for students completing an official campus visit (in-person or virtual) before applying, and for first-generation domestic/international students.
- Regular Decision deadline is Feb 1; Early Decision (binding) requires application by Dec 1; Early Action (non-binding) deadline is Nov 15; self-reported test scores accepted with superscoring.
- The Rigor Metric: At Saint Anselm 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 Saint Anselm College
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on Saint Anselm 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.
Saint Anselm 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 Saint Anselm College Without SAT or ACT?
Saint Anselm 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.
Saint Anselm College Average SAT Score: 1183
The average SAT score of the admitted students at Saint Anselm College is 1183 on the 1600 SAT scale.
SAT Competitiveness
SAT 1183 — Less Competitive
This score makes it less competitive for SAT test scores. You need to put average efforts to score 1183 on the SAT.
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (1270 SAT or 27 ACT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. Saint Anselm 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 1090, retaking the SAT is strongly recommended to improve your chances at Saint Anselm 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 | 575 | 530 | 620 |
| SAT Reading | 605 | 560 | 650 |
| SAT Composite | 1183 | 1090 | 1270 |
It means that if you have scored less than 1090 then you are below most of the admitted students at Saint Anselm College and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1270 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 1200
Can I get into Saint Anselm College with a 1250 SAT?
With a 1250 SAT Score, your chances of admission at Saint Anselm College are good but the admission staff at Saint Anselm 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.
Saint Anselm College ACT Requirements
The average ACT Score at Saint Anselm College is 26.
ACT Competitiveness
ACT 26 — Competitive
This score makes Saint Anselm College Competitive for ACT scores. You need to do well to score 26 on the ACT.
ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 27 | 25 | 28 |
| ACT English | 25 | 21 | 29 |
| ACT Composite | 26 | 25 | 27 |
Can I get into Saint Anselm College with a 27 ACT?
A 27 ACT places you at the 75th percentile of admitted students at Saint Anselm 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 Saint Anselm 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 Saint Anselm 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 Saint Anselm 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 27 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 Saint Anselm College
Accessible Strategy: Academic Foundation
Saint Anselm College is accessible to students who show core competency. The focus should be on proving readiness for college-level work and securing financial aid.
Register for a visit before you apply - it waives the fee
Saint Anselm waives its $50 application fee for any student who completes an official campus visit (in-person OR virtual) before submitting their application, with the waiver confirmation sent within 24 hours of the visit's conclusion. This is a genuinely low-effort, no-downside step - a 30-minute virtual visit accomplishes the same fee waiver as an in-person tour.
Anchor the single required essay in one concrete thing, not general Catholic-college appeal
Saint Anselm requires just one short-answer supplement - "Why are you interested in Saint Anselm College?" (75?250 words) - which is a tight space that punishes breadth. Pick ONE specific anchor (the Registered Nurse major, the New Hampshire Institute of Politics given the state's first-in-the-nation primary, a named professor or research area) rather than trying to summarize general fit; in 250 words, specificity reads as genuine interest and vagueness reads as a template.
Submit test scores before Nov 15 if you want them considered for early rounds
Saint Anselm accepts self-reported scores (from the Common App or a PDF score report) and superscores both the SAT and ACT, but SAT/ACT test dates before November 15 are the cutoff for scores to be back in time for Early Action or Early Decision consideration. A student planning to apply early who is still testing in the fall should prioritize test dates that clear this deadline, not just any date before the application deadline itself.
Homeschooled applicants: prepare the specific two-letter package
Homeschool applicants need a letter from the primary person responsible for curriculum design (covering learning outcomes, academic goals, learning style, and how the student works through challenges), PLUS a separate letter from an instructor of at least one academic course - and if no external instructor exists, a letter from someone who can speak to non-academic capacities (coach, employer, volunteer coordinator) substitutes for the second letter. This is a defined checklist, not a generic "homeschool transcript" waiver.
Expert Insight:
Search results conflict sharply on Saint Anselm's acceptance rate - one secondary source states 12%, while multiple independent sources (US News, BigFuture, Niche, and the college's own admissions data aggregators) consistently report approximately 78%. The 12% figure appears to be an error and should not be used for list-building; verify directly with the college's admissions office if this number is decision-critical for a student.
Saint Anselm College Profile
Full Name
Saint Anselm College
City
Manchester
State
New Hampshire
ZIP Code
03102-1310
Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
New England Commission on Higher Education (NECHE)
Is a Saint Anselm College Degree Worth It?
Getting into Saint Anselm 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. Saint Anselm 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 Saint Anselm College is $81,200 and the graduate unemployment rate is 2.42%.
How much does a degree from Saint Anselm College Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at Saint Anselm College is $65,067. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at Saint Anselm College is much less than this.
10.5% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 68.3 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to Saint Anselm College and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At Saint Anselm College, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist Saint Anselm College as your choice in the form.
How much does a Saint Anselm College Graduate earn?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4–6 years of graduation is $73,371. An average Saint Anselm 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 Saint Anselm College. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Huntingdon College | Montgomery, AL | 1148 | 23 |
| Azusa Pacific University | Azusa, CA | 1155 | 22 |
| University of Colorado Colorado Springs | Colorado Springs, CO | 1140 | 25 |
| Lynn University | Boca Raton, FL | 1136 | 25 |
| Florida International University | Miami, FL | 1154 | 23 |
| University of West Florida | Pensacola, FL | 1137 | 24 |
| Georgia College & State University | Milledgeville, GA | 1150 | 24 |
| Georgia State University | Atlanta, GA | 1149 | 23 |
| Toccoa Falls College | Toccoa Falls, GA | 1155 | 23 |
| Chaminade University of Honolulu | Honolulu, HI | 1155 | NA |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as Saint Anselm College. If your SAT or ACT score is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Arkansas | Fayetteville, AR | 1174 | 25 |
| Harding University | Searcy, AR | 1187 | 25 |
| University of New Haven | West Haven, CT | 1190 | NA |
| Nova Southeastern University | Fort Lauderdale, FL | 1182 | 25 |
| Savannah College of Art and Design | Savannah, GA | 1178 | 25 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Saint Anselm College. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Alabama at Birmingham | Birmingham, AL | 1251 | 26 |
| University of Mobile | Mobile, AL | 1220 | 24 |
| University of Arizona | Tucson, AZ | 1261 | 26 |
| Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott | Prescott, AZ | 1256 | 27 |
| John Brown University | Siloam Springs, AR | 1222 | 26 |
Degree Programs at Saint Anselm College
Bachelor Degree Programs
Frequently Asked Questions About Saint Anselm College Admissions
Graduates of this university typically earn a moderate salary, $73,371 annually, with some fluctuation based on the field.
The tuition fee at this university is quite high, approximately $65,067 or more per year, so it is important to consider additional funding options.
10.5% 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 Saint Anselm College is 78.3% 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 3.39. 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 3.09, you are in the standard pool. If you are below a 3.09, we need to focus on your personal essay and letters of recommendation to explain the context behind your grades.
If your GPA is 2.99 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 3.39, 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 Saint Anselm College is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 1183 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 1090–1270.
The application deadline for Saint Anselm College is February 1 for Regular Decision applicants. Admission decisions are released by March 15.
The application fee for Saint Anselm College is 50. Fee waivers may be available for eligible students.
The scholarship priority deadline is December 1, 2026. Submit your FAFSA before this date for maximum aid consideration.
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.
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