Public
Accredited · Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Galloway, New Jersey
88.2% Acceptance Rate
Stockton University — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
88.2%Acceptance Rate
3.54Avg GPA
1171Avg SAT
24Avg ACT
$32,159Annual Cost
$57,602Grad Salary
41.5%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
88.2%
Avg GPA
3.54
Avg SAT
1171
Avg ACT
24
Selectivity
Inclusive
Institution Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
SAT Middle 50%
1080–1260
ACT Middle 50%
20–27
Avg Net Price
$19,634
Need-Based Aid
41.5% receive Pell
Stockton University is a public, coastal liberal arts and professional studies institution in New Jersey. Admissions are selective and look for evidence of intellectual curiosity and potential for community contribution. The university values applicants who have taken rigorous high school courses, such as AP or honors-level work, and who demonstrate an ability to balance academic responsibilities with extracurricular engagement or service.
A compelling application to Stockton highlights the student's ability to think critically and their interest in the university's interdisciplinary approach. Because Stockton emphasizes experiential learning and community service, highlighting these values in an application is highly beneficial. Applicants should explicitly state why they are a good match for the university's specific environment, showing they have researched the campus culture and are prepared to participate in research or community outreach projects.
Stockton University Acceptance Rate
Stockton University (The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey) maintains an inclusive admission policy. With an acceptance rate of 88.2%, 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 — 88.2% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
Recommended Academic Profile
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.54 – 4.00
Target Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.34 – 3.53
Competitive Reach
Focus on Score Compensation
Below 3.09
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.
Stockton University Application Deadlines & Admission Dates 2026
Stockton 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 1 is recommended for the best chances of admission and financial aid.
Key Admission Dates
⏳ 134 days left — Early Action
Rolling Admissions — Apply Anytime
The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey 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.
Early Action
December 1
Rolling
March 1
💡 The scholarship deadline (Merit scholarship priority: 2025/12/01) 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.
The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey GPA Requirement
The average GPA of the admitted students at The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey is 3.54. The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey 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 3.74-3.94 for this same academic profile.If your GPA is between 3.24 and 3.54, a strong SAT or ACT score is recommended.
The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Selective; solid academic performance is expected.
Recommended Strategy: Focus on a Strong 'Spike' in extracurriculars or research.
Admissions at The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey utilize a Holistic Review process. With an average admitted GPA of 3.54, the following table illustrates how your specific academic profile aligns with institutional expectations.
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.54 – 4.00
Target/Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.34 – 3.53
Competitive Match
Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation
3.14 – 3.33
Secondary Reach
Personal Statement & Impact
Below 3.13
Institutional Reach
Requires Significant Contextual Factors
Expert Insight: 2026 Evaluation Metrics
- Public university in Galloway, NJ (near Pomona/Atlantic City); $50 application fee; SAT code 2889, ACT code 2589 for direct score submission.
- Nursing students must pass a criminal background check (CBC) and a 10-panel urine drug screen UPON PROGRAM ENTRY and then ANNUALLY thereafter until graduation - not a one-time clearance, an ongoing yearly requirement throughout the program.
- A CBC result is valid for one year unless a clinical facility requires more frequent screening; a nursing student who leaves the program for more than two semesters must complete an entirely NEW CBC and drug screen before returning.
- Only the university-approved CBC vendor's results are accepted - results from any other background-check provider will not be honored, regardless of recency or content.
- The Rigor Metric: At The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey, 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 The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on Stockton 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.
Stockton University (The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey) 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 The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey Without SAT or ACT?
Stockton University 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.
Stockton University Average SAT Score: 1171
The average SAT score of the admitted students at Stockton University is 1171 on the 1600 SAT scale.
SAT Competitiveness
SAT 1171 — Less Competitive
This score makes it less competitive for SAT test scores. You need to put average efforts to score 1171 on the SAT.
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (1260 SAT or 27 ACT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. Stockton 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 1080, retaking the SAT is strongly recommended to improve your chances at The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey. 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 | 580 | 540 | 620 |
| SAT Reading | 590 | 540 | 640 |
| SAT Composite | 1171 | 1080 | 1260 |
It means that if you have scored less than 1080 then you are below most of the admitted students at The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1260 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 1150
Can I get into Stockton University (The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey) with a 1250 SAT?
With a 1250 SAT Score, your chances of admission at Stockton University (The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey) are good but the admission staff at The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey 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.
Stockton University (The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey) ACT Requirements
The average ACT Score at The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey is 24.
ACT Competitiveness
ACT 24 — Slightly Competitive
This score makes Stockton University slightly Competitive for ACT scores. You need to do well to score 24 on the ACT.
ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 23 | 19 | 26 |
| ACT English | 22 | 17 | 27 |
| ACT Composite | 24 | 20 | 27 |
Can I get into Stockton University with a 27 ACT?
A 27 ACT places you at the 75th percentile of admitted students at Stockton 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 Stockton 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 Stockton 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 Stockton 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.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey
Accessible Strategy: Academic Foundation
The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey is accessible to students who show core competency. The focus should be on proving readiness for college-level work and securing financial aid.
Calculate exact eligibility against the 4-year prelicensure BSN's published numeric floor - SAT 1190 combined with a 570 Math subscore specifically, or ACT Math 24, plus a 3.5 GPA
Stockton's 4-year prelicensure BSN publishes unusually specific minimum benchmarks: a combined SAT of 1190 WITH a Math subscore of at least 570 specifically (not just the combined total), OR an ACT Math subscore of 24, alongside an overall high school GPA of 3.5+. A student with a strong combined SAT but a weak Math subscore specifically falls short even if their total clears 1190 - calculate the Math subscore requirement as its own independent gate, not just an input to the combined score.
Submit the nursing application by the firm May 15 postmark deadline - and treat it as separate in timing from the standard freshman applicant pool
Four-year nursing applicants do NOT need a separate supplemental application from Stockton's general application, but Admissions explicitly states nursing applications must be POSTMARKED by May 15, 2026 specifically - a distinct internal deadline from Stockton's general Sept. 1 freshman application deadline. Critically, Stockton's own page warns the nursing program "may become full PRIOR TO the deadline," meaning even hitting May 15 doesn't guarantee a spot is still open; a family targeting nursing should apply as early in the cycle as possible, not simply by May 15.
Use the BS/DO (Rowan University) and BS/PharmD (Rutgers Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy) dual-degree partnerships as concrete, named accelerated-pathway options requiring their own supplemental applications and single-test-date rules
Stockton runs an accelerated 7-year BS/DO medical dual-degree program with Rowan University and a BS/PharmD partnership with Rutgers' Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy - both requiring a SEPARATE supplemental application beyond the standard freshman application, with their own specific deadlines. Notably, the BS/DO program requires ALL submitted test scores to come from a SINGLE test date (no mixing best-section scores across different sittings) - a stricter standard than Stockton's general test-optional policy allows. A student targeting either accelerated program should identify and prepare for ONE strong, complete test sitting rather than planning to mix-and-match scores across multiple attempts.
Confirm whether your intended major falls under Stockton's test-optional EXCEPTIONS list before assuming testing is unnecessary
Stockton is broadly SAT/ACT optional, but explicitly carves out exceptions for Nursing (BSN), the Accelerated 7-Year BS/DO Medical program, and the BS/PharmD partnership with Rutgers - these three specifically REQUIRE test scores regardless of Stockton's general test-optional stance. A family targeting any health-professional accelerated pathway should not assume Stockton's "test optional" branding applies to their specific program of interest; confirm against this named exceptions list directly.
Expert Insight:
Stockton's nursing admissions criteria explicitly states that meeting the published minimum conditions (SAT/ACT thresholds, 3.5 GPA, specific coursework) does NOT guarantee acceptance - admission to the 4-year prelicensure program is described as "highly competitive," and even CURRENT Stockton students applying internally are held to the same 3.5+ cumulative GPA standard as incoming freshmen. A family should treat the published numbers as a floor for consideration, not a target that guarantees a seat, and should build the strongest possible file beyond the minimums (honors/AP coursework, strong letters of recommendation) rather than stopping at the threshold.
The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey Profile
Full Name
Stockton University (The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey)
City
Galloway
State
New Jersey
ZIP Code
08205-9441
Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSACHE)
Is a The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey Degree Worth It?
Getting into The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey 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. The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey 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 The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey is $73,200 and the graduate unemployment rate is 3.61%.
How much does a degree from The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at Stockton University is $32,159. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at Stockton University is $19,634.
41.5% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 51.2 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At Stockton University, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey as your choice in the form.
How much does a The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey Graduate earn?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4–6 years of graduation is $57,602. An average The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey 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 Stockton University. 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 |
| Tuskegee University | Tuskegee, AL | 1121 | 22 |
| Azusa Pacific University | Azusa, CA | 1155 | 22 |
| University of Colorado Colorado Springs | Colorado Springs, CO | 1140 | 25 |
| Western Colorado University | Gunnison, CO | 1130 | 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 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as Stockton University. 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 |
| Savannah College of Art and Design | Savannah, GA | 1178 | 25 |
| Hawaii Pacific University | Honolulu, HI | 1180 | 25 |
| The College of Idaho | Caldwell, ID | 1166 | 24 |
| North Central College | Naperville, IL | 1165 | 25 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Stockton University. 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 |
| Samford University | Birmingham, AL | 1203 | 26 |
| John Brown University | Siloam Springs, AR | 1222 | 26 |
| Ouachita Baptist University | Arkadelphia, AR | 1212 | 25 |
Degree Programs at The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey
Bachelor Degree Programs
Frequently Asked Questions About The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey Admissions
Graduates of this university typically earn a moderate salary, $57,602 annually, with some fluctuation based on the field.
The tuition fee at this university is moderate, around $32,159 per year. Many students seek financial aid and scholarships to manage the cost.
41.5% 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 Stockton University is 88.2% 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 3.54. 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 3.24, you are in the standard pool. If you are below a 3.24, we need to focus on your personal essay and letters of recommendation to explain the context behind your grades.
If your GPA is 3.14 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 3.54, 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 Stockton University is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 1171 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 1080–1260.
The application deadline for Stockton University is December 1 for Early Action applicants. The institution also offers Rolling Admissions, so applying early improves your chances.
The application fee for Stockton University is 50. Fee waivers may be available for eligible students.
The scholarship priority deadline is Merit scholarship priority: 2025/12/01. 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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