Non-Profit Private
Accredited · Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Alfred, New York
48.3% Acceptance Rate
Alfred University — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
48.3%Acceptance Rate
3.4Avg GPA
1205Avg SAT
28Avg ACT
$54,516Annual Cost
$54,897Grad Salary
39%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
48.3%
Avg GPA
3.4
Avg SAT
1205
Avg ACT
28
Selectivity
Selective
Institution Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
SAT Middle 50%
1100–1280
ACT Middle 50%
24–31
Need-Based Aid
39% receive Pell
Alfred University Alfred University, founded in 1836 in western New York, is a private institution known for its distinctive combination of liberal arts and specialized programs. The 232-acre campus offers comprehensive programs with particular strengths in art and design, engineering, and business. Alfred maintains a 10:1 student-faculty ratio and is home to the renowned New York State College of Ceramics. The campus features unique facilities including the Robert C. Turner Gallery and the McMahon Engineering Building. Alfred's NCAA Division III athletic teams compete in the Empire 8 Conference.
Alfred takes pride in its tradition of innovation and inclusivity as one of the first coeducational institutions in the Northeast. Campus life includes over 80 student organizations and a vibrant arts scene. The university has expanded its STEM offerings while maintaining strong programs in traditional disciplines. Recent additions include the Powell Campus Center. Alfred's combination of academic excellence, specialized programs, and rural setting creates a distinctive educational experience.
Alfred University Acceptance Rate
At an acceptance rate of 48.3%, Alfred University rewards applicants who show real academic growth rather than a flawless transcript.
What Alfred University Admissions Looks For
- Holistic Read: Recommendations and community involvement carry real weight here.
- Test Scores Help: Where submitted, scores near or above the middle 50% strengthen an application.
Selectivity at a Glance
Selective
Selectivity scale: Selective — 48.3% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
A GPA a bit under the average isn't disqualifying at this tier. A solid test score or clear leadership record can offset it.
Recommended Academic Profile
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.40 – 4.00
Target Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.20 – 3.39
Competitive Reach
Focus on Score Compensation
Below 2.95
Secondary Reach
Requires Contextual Support
Source: IPEDS & College Scorecard (Nov 2025).
Alfred University Application Deadlines & Admission Dates 2026
Mark December 1 for Alfred University (Early Action — other plans are listed below).
Key Admission Dates
⏳ 113 days left — Early Action
Early Action
December 1
Regular Decision
February 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.
Alfred University GPA Requirement
The average GPA of admitted students at Alfred University is 3.4. That makes admissions here competitive, but not extremely selective. Most admitted students carry a mix of A's and B's.
In the 3.10–3.4 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 3.60–3.80.Alfred University GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Selective, with solid academic performance as the expectation.
Recommended Strategy: A clear, defined strength in one activity or research area matters more than breadth.
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
3.40 – 4.00
Target/Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.20 – 3.39
Competitive Match
Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation
3.00 – 3.19
Secondary Reach
Personal Statement & Impact
Below 2.99
Institutional Reach
Requires Significant Contextual Factors
Evaluation Metrics That Matter Here
- The NYS College of Ceramics (School of Art & Design and Inamori School of Engineering's materials programs) is a SUNY statutory college - NY residents in qualifying majors can access SUNY-rate tuition.
- First-year applicants submit transcripts, a personal essay, and a letter of recommendation; test scores are optional.
- MFA in Ceramic Art is ranked No. 1 nationally by U.S. News; the Inamori School educates over one-third of all U.S. ceramic engineering graduates.
- One of only two NY institutions eligible to combine the Excelsior Scholarship, NYS STEM Incentive Program, and Enhanced Tuition Assistance Program.
- 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 Alfred University
Admission Chance Predictor
Built from Alfred 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.
Alfred University Test Requirements
Scores aren't just a formality at Alfred 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 Alfred University Without SAT or ACT?
Alfred University considers scores when submitted, without requiring them. Prepare well and submit your best attempt. Most applicants test 2–3 times.
Alfred University Average SAT Score: 1205
Admitted students at Alfred University average a 1205 SAT (out of 1600).
SAT Competitiveness
SAT 1205 — Slightly Competitive
A 1205 average tracks near the middle of the national distribution.
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (1280 SAT or 31 ACT) to stand out. Below average? Alfred University allows Score Choice for the SAT, so a retake only helps — a low sitting never has to be sent.
Scored under 1100? A retake is worth it at Alfred 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 | 600 | 560 | 640 |
| SAT Reading | 590 | 540 | 640 |
| SAT Composite | 1205 | 1100 | 1280 |
A score under 1100 puts you in the lower quarter of admits; 1280+ 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 1200
Can I get into Alfred University with a 1300 SAT?
At 1300, your SAT is squarely in Alfred 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.
Alfred University ACT Requirements
Alfred University's admitted students average an ACT of 28.
ACT Competitiveness
ACT 28 — Competitive
An average of 28 is a respectable, above-average national benchmark.
ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 26 | 23 | 28 |
| ACT English | 27 | 22 | 31 |
| ACT Composite | 28 | 24 | 31 |
Can I get into Alfred University with a 31 ACT?
At 31, you're in the top quarter of Alfred 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, Alfred 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 Alfred University
Selective Strategy: Competitive Positioning
Alfred University rewards consistency. Being a top-quartile applicant here doesn't just help admission odds. It's usually what unlocks the strongest scholarship offers too.
New York residents: confirm your major qualifies for SUNY-rate tuition
The NYS College of Ceramics (School of Art & Design and the Inamori School of Engineering's materials-based majors) is a SUNY statutory college hosted at a private university - meaning NY residents in these specific programs can pay SUNY in-state tuition rather than private-university rates. Confirm with admissions that your intended major falls under this designation before assuming you'll pay full private tuition.
Ceramic/Materials Engineering applicants: know the standard first-year process applies, no separate portfolio
Unlike the MFA (which requires a SlideRoom portfolio), first-year engineering applicants follow the standard process: transcripts, personal essay, and a letter of recommendation, with test scores optional. Don't over-prepare a portfolio meant for the graduate-level program.
BFA/Ceramic Art applicants: lean into the 125-year legacy in your portfolio narrative
Alfred's ceramic art program is described as central to the history of American ceramics, and its BFA students get individual studios senior year. Reference specific techniques (throwing, hand-building, slip-casting, glaze formation) you've worked with, not generic "I love art" language, to show you understand the program's depth.
STEM-track New York residents: stack the Excelsior, STEM Incentive, and institutional aid together
Alfred is one of only two NY institutions where students can combine the Excelsior Scholarship, NYS STEM Incentive Program, and Enhanced Tuition Assistance with institutional aid - ask financial aid specifically how to layer these rather than assuming they're mutually exclusive.
Expert Insight:
Applicants and families frequently don't realize part of Alfred is technically a public SUNY college - treating the entire university as a standard private-school price tag without checking major-specific SUNY eligibility can mean overpaying by tens of thousands of dollars a year.
Alfred University Profile
Full Name
Alfred University
City
Alfred
State
New York
ZIP Code
14802-1205
Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSACHE)
Is a Alfred University Degree Worth It?
Whether Alfred University is worth it depends less on its reputation and more on your program choice, financial aid package, and career goals. Here's the data to weigh it against.
Admitted students' families report a median household income around $63,700, and graduates see a 3.69% unemployment rate.
How much does a degree from Alfred University Cost?
Listed tuition runs $54,516/year at Alfred University. Factor in Pell and federal grant aid, and most students land typically much lower.
At Alfred University, 39% receive a Pell Grant and 67.2% carry federal loans. Filing FAFSA early and naming Alfred University on it improves your shot at both.
How much does a Alfred University Graduate earn?
Ten years out from enrollment, Alfred University graduates report a median income of $54,897, about 35% above the U.S. median graduate income.
Compare Similar Colleges
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than Alfred University. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| 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 |
| Spelman College | Atlanta, GA | 1184 | 24 |
| 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 Alfred University. If your SAT or ACT score is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Birmingham-Southern College | Birmingham, AL | 1197 | 24 |
| Samford University | Birmingham, AL | 1203 | 26 |
| Ouachita Baptist University | Arkadelphia, AR | 1212 | 25 |
| Eastern Connecticut State University | Willimantic, CT | 1200 | NA |
| University of Hartford | West Hartford, CT | 1207 | 29 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Alfred 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 Arizona | Tucson, AZ | 1261 | 26 |
| Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott | Prescott, AZ | 1256 | 27 |
| Biola University | La Mirada, CA | 1258 | 27 |
| Point Loma Nazarene University | San Diego, CA | 1278 | 26 |
Degree Programs at Alfred University
Bachelor Degree Programs
Frequently Asked Questions About Alfred University Admissions
Alfred University graduates earn a moderate median salary of $54,897/year, with some variation by field.
Tuition at Alfred University runs high, at roughly $54,516+/year, so financial aid planning matters.
39.0% of Alfred University students get a Pell Grant. Your odds depend mostly on household income, and filing FAFSA early still helps maximize what you're offered.
Alfred University's acceptance rate is 48.3%, comparatively higher than most selective universities. Admission is more attainable here.
The average GPA of admitted Alfred University students is 3.4, reflecting a competitive applicant pool.
There's no strict cutoff, but a GPA at or above 3.1 puts you in the standard applicant pool at Alfred University. Below that, your essays and recommendations need to work harder to provide context.
A GPA of 3 or below makes admission tougher at Alfred University, but strong test scores, activities, and essays, plus AP/IB coursework, can still keep you in contention.
Alfred University weighs the SAT heavily. Scoring above 1205, and within the 1100–1280 range, keeps you competitive.
Alfred University's deadline is December 1 (Early Action).
For priority financial aid consideration, get your FAFSA in before Merit scholarship priority: 2025/12/01. That's Alfred 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.
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