Non-Profit Private
Accredited · Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Teaneck, New Jersey
95.9% Acceptance Rate
Fairleigh Dickinson University-Metropolitan Campus — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
95.9%Acceptance Rate
3.31Avg GPA
1044Avg SAT
$47,791Annual Cost
$57,273Grad Salary
21.5%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
95.9%
Avg GPA
3.31
Avg SAT
1044
Selectivity
Inclusive
Institution Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
SAT Middle 50%
1004–1074
Need-Based Aid
21.5% receive Pell
Fairleigh Dickinson University-Metropolitan Campus is a private, comprehensive university in New Jersey that emphasizes professional preparation, academic excellence, and a global perspective. Admissions are holistic, evaluating students on their academic record, character, and their readiness to thrive in a diverse, supportive academic environment. The university seeks individuals who are looking for a high-quality education that integrates professional skills with a solid, global-focused foundation.
Successful applicants often demonstrate significant involvement in extracurriculars that show leadership or potential for community contribution. Demonstrating a clear approach to one's future career plans and explaining how the university's unique, global-minded academic model will facilitate those goals is a strong way to impress the admissions committee. The university looks for students who will contribute to its diverse, supportive, and forward-thinking campus environment and who demonstrate a commitment to both intellectual and professional growth.
Fairleigh Dickinson University-Metropolitan Campus Acceptance Rate
Fairleigh Dickinson University-Metropolitan Campus (FDU) maintains an inclusive admission policy. With an acceptance rate of 95.9%, 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 — 95.9% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
Recommended Academic Profile
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.31 – 4.00
Target Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.11 – 3.30
Competitive Reach
Focus on Score Compensation
Below 2.86
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.
Fairleigh Dickinson University-Metropolitan Campus Application Deadlines & Admission Dates 2026
The application deadline for Fairleigh Dickinson University-Metropolitan Campus is November 15 for Early Decision I applicants, with additional plans listed below. Admission decisions are typically released by December 15.
Key Admission Dates
⏳ 116 days left — Early Decision I
Early Decision I
November 15
Decision by: December 15
Early Decision II
January 15
Decision by: February 15
Regular Decision
February 15
💡 The scholarship deadline (Priority scholarship: 2027/02/15) 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.
FDU GPA Requirement
The average GPA of admitted students at FDU is 3.31. 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 3.51-3.71 for this same academic profile.If your GPA is between 3.01 and 3.31, you should aim for a high SAT or ACT score.
FDU GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Holistic review is critical for admission.
Recommended Strategy: Requires Contextual Factors (Leadership, hardship, or talent).
Admissions at FDU utilize a Holistic Review process. With an average admitted GPA of 3.31, the following table illustrates how your specific academic profile aligns with institutional expectations.
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.31 – 4.00
Strategic Reach
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.11 – 3.30
Competitive Match
Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation
2.91 – 3.10
Secondary Reach
Personal Statement & Impact
Below 2.90
Institutional Reach
Requires Significant Contextual Factors
Expert Insight: 2026 Evaluation Metrics
- FDU Metropolitan's traditional BSN requires a dual bar to enter directly as a sophomore: 3.0+ GPA AND full completion of first-year Sciences, Math, Writing, and Core courses - missing either results in Health Studies placement with a later change-of-major process.
- The Accelerated BSN (for existing bachelor's degree holders) requires a materially higher 3.5 GPA and B-or-higher grades in science prerequisites, completed in an intensive 15-month format.
- FDU Metropolitan is genuinely test-optional in practice - only about 12% of admits submit SAT scores and 2% submit ACT scores, with GPA doing most of the evaluative work.
- FDU is New Jersey's largest private university, with campuses in Teaneck/Hackensack (Metropolitan) and Madison (Florham), plus international campuses in Wroxton, England and Vancouver, Canada - applicants should confirm they're applying to the correct NJ campus given the shared university name.
- The Rigor Metric: At FDU, 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 FDU
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on Fairleigh Dickinson University-Metropolitan Campus'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.
Fairleigh Dickinson University-Metropolitan Campus (FDU) 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 FDU Without SAT or ACT?
Fairleigh Dickinson University-Metropolitan Campus 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.
Fairleigh Dickinson University-Metropolitan Campus Average SAT Score: 1044
The average SAT score of the admitted students at Fairleigh Dickinson University-Metropolitan Campus is 1044 on the 1600 SAT scale.
SAT Competitiveness
SAT 1044 — Accessible
This score makes it an easy target for SAT test scores. You need to put average efforts to score 1044 on the SAT.
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (1074 SAT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. Fairleigh Dickinson University-Metropolitan Campus allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.
If your score is below 1004, retaking the SAT is strongly recommended to improve your chances at FDU. 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 | - | - | - |
| SAT Reading | - | - | - |
| SAT Composite | 1044 | 1004 | 1074 |
It means that if you have scored less than 1004 then you are below most of the admitted students at FDU and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1074 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 1050
Can I get into Fairleigh Dickinson University-Metropolitan Campus (FDU) with a 1050 SAT?
With a 1050 SAT Score, your chances of admission at Fairleigh Dickinson University-Metropolitan Campus (FDU) are good but the admission staff at FDU 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.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for FDU
Inclusive Strategy: Success & Transfer
FDU provides an open gateway to higher education. Success here is about utilizing resources and planning your long-term academic or career trajectory.
Hit the 3.0 GPA and full first-year course-completion bar to enter Nursing directly as a sophomore - miss either one and you're routed through a different degree first
FDU requires a 3.0+ high school GPA (or 3.0+ cumulative transfer GPA) AND completion of all first-year Sciences, Math, Writing, and University Core courses to begin the BSN directly in fall of sophomore year; students who don't meet both conditions are instead accepted into the BS in Health Studies (General Track) and must formally change majors later after satisfying prerequisites. If nursing is your firm goal, treat your entire first year as building toward this specific dual bar rather than assuming general good grades alone secure the direct sophomore-year nursing entry.
If you're routed into BS Health Studies first, actively file the change-of-major form once you clear prerequisites - this transition is not automatic
FDU explicitly describes a process where students in Health Studies "can apply/process the change of major form after meeting the following requirements," meaning simply finishing the coursework doesn't automatically move you into nursing - you must actively submit the change-of-major paperwork. Track your own prerequisite completion against the nursing entry checklist and file the change-of-major form the moment you qualify, rather than waiting for an advisor to flag it for you.
If you're a career-changer considering the Accelerated BSN, budget for a genuinely higher academic bar than the traditional track - 3.5 GPA and B-or-higher science prerequisites
FDU's Accelerated BSN (for those who already hold a bachelor's degree) requires a competitive 3.5 GPA and B-or-higher grades in specific science prerequisites, plus a comprehensive background check - a materially higher bar than the 3.0 GPA needed for the traditional first-year pathway. If your undergraduate GPA is below 3.5, strengthen your prerequisite science grades specifically before applying to this 15-month intensive track, since science performance is weighted with zero room for a C.
Use FDU's test-optional status to your advantage, but know your GPA carries essentially all the weight in the general admission review
FDU Metropolitan is test-optional with only about 12% of admitted students submitting SAT scores and 2% submitting ACT scores, and admissions data shows GPA is treated as a "very important" factor while class rank isn't considered at all. If your standardized test scores are weak but your GPA and course rigor are solid, skip submitting scores entirely and let your transcript carry the application, since this reflects the actual behavior of the vast majority of admitted students.
Expert Insight:
Because FDU Metropolitan's general acceptance rate sits in the 80-96% range depending on the source, and the university markets itself around personal attention and accessibility, applicants sometimes assume the nursing program shares that same flexibility. The Accelerated BSN specifically requires a 3.5 GPA - a full half-point higher than the traditional-track threshold - and the standard BSN pathway has a hard dual gate (3.0 GPA AND full first-year course completion) that, if missed, results in a different starting major rather than an outright rejection; understanding this branching structure in advance prevents confusion about which "FDU nursing path" a given GPA or course-completion status actually leads to.
FDU Profile
Full Name
Fairleigh Dickinson University-Metropolitan Campus (FDU)
City
Teaneck
State
New Jersey
ZIP Code
7666
Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSACHE)
Is a FDU Degree Worth It?
Getting into FDU 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. FDU 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 FDU is $80,700 and the graduate unemployment rate is 3.6%.
How much does a degree from FDU Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at Fairleigh Dickinson University-Metropolitan Campus is $47,791. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at Fairleigh Dickinson University-Metropolitan Campus is much less than this.
21.5% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 22.1 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to FDU and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At Fairleigh Dickinson University-Metropolitan Campus, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist FDU as your choice in the form.
How much does a FDU Graduate earn?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4–6 years of graduation is $57,273. An average FDU 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 Fairleigh Dickinson University-Metropolitan Campus. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Faulkner University | Montgomery, AL | 1016 | 20 |
| University of West Alabama | Livingston, AL | 1015 | 20 |
| Central Baptist College | Conway, AR | 1022 | 20 |
| University of Arkansas Community College-Morrilton | Morrilton, AR | 1020 | 20 |
| Williams Baptist University | Walnut Ridge, AR | 1018 | 19 |
| Metropolitan State University of Denver | Denver, CO | 1014 | 20 |
| Colorado State University Pueblo | Pueblo, CO | 1005 | 22 |
| Trinity Baptist College | Jacksonville, FL | 1007 | 20 |
| Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College | Tifton, GA | 994 | 19 |
| College of Coastal Georgia | Brunswick, GA | 1001 | 18 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as Fairleigh Dickinson University-Metropolitan Campus. If your SAT or ACT score is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marion Military Institute | Marion, AL | 1043 | 20 |
| University of Arkansas at Little Rock | Little Rock, AR | 1049 | 21 |
| Arkansas Tech University | Russellville, AR | 1050 | 21 |
| Southern Arkansas University Main Campus | Magnolia, AR | 1050 | 20 |
| University of Arkansas-Fort Smith | Fort Smith, AR | 1050 | 21 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Fairleigh Dickinson University-Metropolitan Campus. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Auburn University at Montgomery | Montgomery, AL | 1090 | 21 |
| University of South Alabama | Mobile, AL | 1119 | 23 |
| Spring Hill College | Mobile, AL | 1090 | 22 |
| Troy University | Troy, AL | 1086 | 22 |
| Tuskegee University | Tuskegee, AL | 1121 | 22 |
Degree Programs at FDU
Bachelor Degree Programs
Frequently Asked Questions About FDU Admissions
Graduates of this university typically earn a moderate salary, $57,273 annually, with some fluctuation based on the field.
The tuition fee at this university is moderate, around $47,791 per year. Many students seek financial aid and scholarships to manage the cost.
21.5% 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 Fairleigh Dickinson University-Metropolitan Campus is 95.9% 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 3.31. 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 3.01, you are in the standard pool. If you are below a 3.01, we need to focus on your personal essay and letters of recommendation to explain the context behind your grades.
If your GPA is 2.91 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 3.31, 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 Fairleigh Dickinson University-Metropolitan Campus is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 1044 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 1004–1074.
The application deadline for Fairleigh Dickinson University-Metropolitan Campus is November 15 for Early Decision I applicants. Admission decisions are released by December 15.
The scholarship priority deadline is Priority scholarship: 2027/02/15. 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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