Non-Profit Private
Accredited · Middle States Commission on Higher Education
New York, New York
77.1% Acceptance Rate
Pace University — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
77.1%Acceptance Rate
3.4Avg GPA
1232Avg SAT
27Avg ACT
$68,092Annual Cost
$70,378Grad Salary
27.1%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
77.1%
Avg GPA
3.4
Avg SAT
1232
Avg ACT
27
Selectivity
Inclusive
Institution Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
SAT Middle 50%
1130–1328
ACT Middle 50%
24–29
Need-Based Aid
27.1% receive Pell
Pace University is a private, comprehensive institution in New York known for its commitment to academic excellence, experiential learning, and career preparation. With a strong focus on professional success and a location in one of the world's leading business hubs, the university fosters an environment that encourages leadership, innovation, and critical inquiry. Its emphasis on practical, high-value education makes it a premier choice for students seeking to achieve their career and academic potential.
Pace University Acceptance Rate
Pace University maintains an inclusive admission policy. With an acceptance rate of 77.1%, 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 — 77.1% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
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
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Pace University Application Deadlines & Admission Dates 2026
The application deadline for Pace University is November 1 for Early Decision I applicants, with additional plans listed below. Admission decisions are typically released by December 15.
Key Admission Dates
⏳ 103 days left — Early Decision I
Early Decision I
November 1
Decision by: December 15
Early Decision II
January 1
Decision by: February 15
Regular Decision
February 15
Decision by: April 1
Early Action
November 15
Decision by: January 15
💡 The scholarship deadline (Merit scholarship priority: 2025/11/01) 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.
Pace University GPA Requirement
The average GPA of admitted students at Pace University is 3.4. 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 3.60-3.80 for this same academic profile.If your GPA is between 3.10 and 3.4, you should aim for a high SAT or ACT score.
Pace University GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Selective; solid academic performance is expected.
Recommended Strategy: Focus on a Strong 'Spike' in extracurriculars or research.
Admissions at Pace University utilize a Holistic Review process. With an average admitted GPA of 3.4, the following table illustrates how your specific academic profile aligns with institutional expectations.
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
Expert Insight: 2026 Evaluation Metrics
- Private university with campuses in New York City and Westchester (Pleasantville), NY; broadly SAT/ACT optional with stated exceptions for select programs including Nursing.
- Essay/personal statement requirement is specific: 250-650 words, on a topic of the student's choice or from a provided list, and must be confirmed as entirely original work.
- Two letters of recommendation are required from a teacher or counselor specifically, not family members or employers, who can speak to academic potential and personal characteristics.
- International transcript evaluation and electronic submission options include Common App, Credentials Solutions, National Student Clearinghouse, Naviance, Parchment Exchange, Scoir, Scribbles (ScribOrder), or slate.org - a notably broad list of accepted electronic delivery networks.
- The Rigor Metric: At Pace University, 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 Pace University
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on Pace 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.
Pace University 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 Pace University Without SAT or ACT?
Pace 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.
Pace University Average SAT Score: 1232
The average SAT score of the admitted students at Pace University is 1232 on the 1600 SAT scale.
SAT Competitiveness
SAT 1232 — Slightly Competitive
This score makes it slightly Competitive for SAT test scores. You need to do well to score 1232 on the SAT.
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (1328 SAT or 29 ACT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. Pace 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 1130, retaking the SAT is strongly recommended to improve your chances at Pace University. 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 | 605 | 550 | 660 |
| SAT Reading | 624 | 580 | 668 |
| SAT Composite | 1232 | 1130 | 1328 |
It means that if you have scored less than 1130 then you are below most of the admitted students at Pace University and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1328 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 1250
Can I get into Pace University with a 1350 SAT?
With a 1350 SAT Score, your chances of admission at Pace University are good but the admission staff at Pace University 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.
Pace University ACT Requirements
The average ACT Score at Pace University is 27.
ACT Competitiveness
ACT 27 — Competitive
This score makes Pace University Competitive for ACT scores. You need to do well to score 27 on the ACT.
ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 24 | 21 | 27 |
| ACT English | 28 | 24 | 31 |
| ACT Composite | 27 | 24 | 29 |
Can I get into Pace University with a 29 ACT?
A 29 ACT places you at the 75th percentile of admitted students at Pace 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 Pace 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 Pace 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 Pace 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 29 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 Pace University
Accessible Strategy: Academic Foundation
Pace University is accessible to students who show core competency. The focus should be on proving readiness for college-level work and securing financial aid.
Confirm which campus your application fee applies to - Pace explicitly waives the $50 fee for Westchester campus applicants specifically, not NYC
Pace's general application fee is $50, but the university explicitly states this fee is WAIVED for students applying to the Westchester (Pleasantville) campus specifically - a campus-specific waiver, not a blanket or need-based one. A family targeting the Westchester campus (notably the only location offering the 4-year BS Nursing program) should confirm this waiver applies automatically or requires a specific application-portal selection, since assuming the standard $50 fee applies everywhere could mean either overpaying or being confused by an unexpected $0 charge.
Apply to the 4-year BS Nursing program by its OWN February 15 deadline - separate from Pace's general Early Action/Early Decision/Regular Decision calendar
Pace's 4-year prelicensure Nursing program (Lienhard School of Nursing) is explicitly offered ONLY on the Westchester campus, runs as a competitive admission process, and uses a fixed February 15 first-year application deadline - distinct from Pace's standard Early Action/Decision/Regular Decision plans that apply to other majors. Critically, nursing clinical courses begin FALL semester only, meaning a spring-start nursing applicant isn't a viable path at all. A nursing-track family should build their planning calendar around February 15 specifically, not Pace's general admission deadlines.
Calculate Pforzheimer Honors College eligibility against its specific 90 (numeric, not GPA-scale) threshold - and know test-optional applicants remain eligible
Pace's Honors College uses a minimum 90 numeric GPA (on what reads as a 100-point scale, not the standard 4.0) for consideration, and explicitly allows students to apply test-optional and still be considered for Honors admission - testing is not a prerequisite for Honors eligibility despite being a factor when submitted. A student should convert their school's grading scale to this 90-point benchmark specifically (a task that may require explicit conversion guidance from a counselor, since many U.S. high schools don't natively report on a 100-point scale) rather than assuming their 4.0-scale GPA translates directly.
Use the December 15 campus-visit grant as a real, dated financial incentive - $2,000, renewable, tied to a specific calendar action
Pace offers a renewable $2,000 grant to students who VISIT either the NYC or Westchester campus by December 15, 2026, and subsequently enroll full-time for the following fall - a concrete, action-based financial incentive separate from merit scholarships or need-based aid. A family planning campus visits should treat this December 15 date as a real deadline with financial consequences, not just a recommended "visit if you can" suggestion.
Expert Insight:
Pace's College of Health Professions runs MULTIPLE distinct programs (Health Science BS, Accelerated BS Nursing, BS Nursing RN4, and several combined BS/MS dual-degree tracks with Nutrition and Dietetics, Occupational Therapy, and Public Health) each with its OWN separate admission criteria and application process, entirely independent from Pace's general undergraduate admission. A family interested in ANY health professions program at Pace should not assume general admission information applies; each specific program path needs direct confirmation from its own program website, since "admitted to Pace" and "admitted to a specific Health Professions track" are explicitly two different determinations.
Pace University Profile
Full Name
Pace University
City
New York
State
New York
ZIP Code
10038-1598
Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSACHE)
Is a Pace University Degree Worth It?
Getting into Pace University 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. Pace University 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 Pace University is $74,800 and the graduate unemployment rate is 3.68%.
How much does a degree from Pace University Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at Pace University is $68,092. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at Pace University is much less than this.
27.1% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 46.4 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to Pace University and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At Pace University, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist Pace University as your choice in the form.
How much does a Pace University Graduate earn?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4–6 years of graduation is $70,378. An average Pace University 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 Pace University. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Birmingham-Southern College | Birmingham, AL | 1197 | 24 |
| University of Mobile | Mobile, AL | 1220 | 24 |
| Samford University | Birmingham, AL | 1203 | 26 |
| Harding University | Searcy, AR | 1187 | 25 |
| John Brown University | Siloam Springs, AR | 1222 | 26 |
| Ouachita Baptist University | Arkadelphia, AR | 1212 | 25 |
| Dominican University of California | San Rafael, CA | 1194 | 26 |
| Eastern Connecticut State University | Willimantic, CT | 1200 | NA |
| University of Hartford | West Hartford, CT | 1207 | 29 |
| University of New Haven | West Haven, CT | 1190 | NA |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as Pace University. If your SAT or ACT score is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| John Brown University | Siloam Springs, AR | 1222 | 26 |
| California Lutheran University | Thousand Oaks, CA | 1224 | 26 |
| University of Redlands | Redlands, CA | 1231 | 28 |
| University of South Florida | Tampa, FL | 1235 | 27 |
| Berry College | Mount Berry, GA | 1223 | 26 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Pace University. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| The University of Alabama | Tuscaloosa, AL | 1287 | 28 |
| University of the Pacific | Stockton, CA | 1303 | 27 |
| Point Loma Nazarene University | San Diego, CA | 1278 | 26 |
| Thomas Aquinas College | Santa Paula, CA | 1277 | 29 |
| United States Coast Guard Academy | New London, CT | 1290 | 28 |
Degree Programs at Pace University
Bachelor Degree Programs
Frequently Asked Questions About Pace University Admissions
Graduates of this university typically earn a moderate salary, $70,378 annually, with some fluctuation based on the field.
The tuition fee at this university is quite high, approximately $68,092 or more per year, so it is important to consider additional funding options.
27.1% 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 Pace University is 77.1% 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 3.4. 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 3.1, you are in the standard pool. If you are below a 3.1, we need to focus on your personal essay and letters of recommendation to explain the context behind your grades.
If your GPA is 3 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 3.4, 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 Pace University is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 1232 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 1130–1328.
The application deadline for Pace University is November 1 for Early Decision I applicants. Admission decisions are released by December 15.
The application fee for Pace University is 50. Fee waivers may be available for eligible students.
The scholarship priority deadline is Merit scholarship priority: 2025/11/01. 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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