Public
Accredited · Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Fayetteville, North Carolina
79.9% Acceptance Rate
Fayetteville State University — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
79.9%Acceptance Rate
3.11Avg GPA
972Avg SAT
18Avg ACT
$16,098Annual Cost
$40,144Grad Salary
52.6%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
79.9%
Avg GPA
3.11
Avg SAT
972
Avg ACT
18
Selectivity
Inclusive
Institution Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
SAT Middle 50%
855–1045
ACT Middle 50%
15–20
Avg Net Price
$7,360
Need-Based Aid
52.6% receive Pell
Fayetteville State University is a public, historically Black university (HBCU) in North Carolina known for its commitment to academic excellence, student success, and regional service. Offering a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs, the university fosters a supportive campus community that encourages critical thinking, research, and leadership development. Its focus on providing an accessible, high-value education makes it a reliable and effective choice for students aiming to reach their academic and career goals.
Fayetteville State University Acceptance Rate
Admission at Fayetteville State University is inclusive by design. 79.9% of applicants who meet basic eligibility are accepted.
What to Expect
- Eligibility First: A high school diploma or GED typically clears the main bar.
- Plan Ahead for Placement: Placement tests can shape which courses you start in. They are worth preparing for.
Selectivity at a Glance
Inclusive
Selectivity scale: Inclusive — 79.9% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
Recommended Academic Profile
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.11 – 4.00
Target Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
2.91 – 3.10
Competitive Reach
Focus on Score Compensation
Below 2.66
Secondary Reach
Requires Contextual Support
Source: IPEDS & College Scorecard (Nov 2025).
Fayetteville State University Application Deadlines & Admission Dates 2026
Mark December 18 for Fayetteville State University (Regular Decision — other plans are listed below).
Key Admission Dates
⏳ 130 days left — Regular Decision
Regular Decision
December 18
Regular Decision
May 18
Regular Decision
June 15
Regular Decision
August 2
💡 The scholarship deadline (October 31, 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.
Fayetteville State University GPA Requirement
The average GPA of admitted students at Fayetteville State University is 3.11. That makes admissions here competitive, but not extremely selective. Most admitted students carry a mix of A's and B's.
In the 2.81–3.11 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 3.31–3.51.Fayetteville State University GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Admission here leans heavily on holistic review.
Recommended Strategy: Leans on context, such as leadership, personal circumstances, or a standout talent.
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
3.11 – 4.00
Strategic Reach
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
2.91 – 3.10
Competitive Match
Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation
2.71 – 2.90
Secondary Reach
Personal Statement & Impact
Below 2.70
Institutional Reach
Requires Significant Contextual Factors
Evaluation Metrics That Matter Here
- GPA-tiered admission: 2.5 minimum required; applicants with GPA 2.5-2.8 must submit ACT 17+ or SAT 930+; applicants at 2.8+ face no test-score requirement
- Historically Black College and University (HBCU); no personal essay or letter of recommendation required for standard first-year review
- On-campus ROTC branch unit integrates officer training directly into degree programs
- Accepts CLEP General, CLEP Subject, DANTES, AP, and dual-enrollment credit; transfer admission offered across fall, winter, spring, and summer terms
- 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 Fayetteville State University
Admission Chance Predictor
Built from Fayetteville State 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.
Fayetteville State University Test Requirements
Scores aren't just a formality at Fayetteville State 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 Fayetteville State University Without SAT or ACT?
Fayetteville State University considers scores when submitted, without requiring them. Prepare well and submit your best attempt. Most applicants test 2–3 times.
Fayetteville State University Average SAT Score: 972
Admitted students at Fayetteville State University average a 972 SAT (out of 1600).
SAT Competitiveness
SAT 972 — Accessible
A 972 average means even a modest SAT score can strengthen your application.
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (1045 SAT or 20 ACT) to stand out. Below average? Fayetteville State University allows Score Choice for the SAT, so a retake only helps — a low sitting never has to be sent.
Scored under 855? A retake is worth it at Fayetteville State 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 | 468 | 410 | 525 |
| SAT Reading | 483 | 445 | 520 |
| SAT Composite | 972 | 855 | 1045 |
A score under 855 puts you in the lower quarter of admits; 1045+ 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 950
Can I get into Fayetteville State University with a 1050 SAT?
At 1050, your SAT is squarely in Fayetteville State 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.
Fayetteville State University ACT Requirements
Fayetteville State University's admitted students average an ACT of 18.
ACT Competitiveness
ACT 18 — Accessible
An average of 18 means even a modest ACT score can strengthen your application.
ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 17 | 15 | 18 |
| ACT English | 17 | 14 | 19 |
| ACT Composite | 18 | 15 | 20 |
Can I get into Fayetteville State University with a 20 ACT?
At 20, you're in the top quarter of Fayetteville State 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, Fayetteville State 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 Fayetteville State University
Accessible Strategy: Academic Foundation
Fayetteville State University is accessible to students who show core competency. Focus on proving readiness for college-level work and locking in financial aid.
Know your exact GPA lane - it changes whether test scores matter at all
FSU sets a firm 2.5 minimum weighted GPA, but applicants between 2.5 and 2.8 must additionally submit an ACT of 17+ or SAT of 930+ - while applicants at 2.8+ can skip test scores entirely. If your GPA sits in that 2.5-2.8 band, treat a test score as a hard requirement, not an optional boost; if you're above 2.8, redirect that test-prep time elsewhere.
Use ROTC as a structural draw, not a side interest, if military leadership appeals to you
FSU hosts an on-campus ROTC branch unit, letting students integrate officer training directly into their degree rather than commuting to a host campus. Applicants interested in military service should name this specific on-campus ROTC presence in outreach to admissions or program advisors, since it's a genuine structural feature that not every regional HBCU offers in-house.
Leverage FSU's below-state-average selectivity to apply confidently with a B-average record
FSU's acceptance rate runs near 80% and the average admitted-student GPA sits around 3.1-3.35 - meaning solid B-average students with some A's are squarely in range, not stretching. Don't self-select out or over-invest in test prep if your transcript already clears the 2.8+ no-test-required threshold; put that energy into program-specific outreach instead.
Explore CLEP, DANTES, and AP credit pathways aggressively if you're transferring or have military credit
FSU explicitly accepts CLEP General, CLEP Subject, and DANTES exam credit alongside AP and dual-enrollment credit - a genuine time-and-cost-saving structural feature for transfer and military-connected students. Request a credit evaluation early to see how much of your degree these pathways can cover before registering for redundant coursework.
Expert Insight:
Because FSU doesn't require a personal essay or letters of recommendation for most first-year applicants, students sometimes treat the application as effectively automatic once their GPA clears 2.8. It isn't fully automatic - applicants in the 2.5-2.8 GPA band face a real, binding test-score requirement (ACT 17+/SAT 930+) that a student who skips submitting scores, assuming test-optional means test-free for everyone, can get tripped up by.
Fayetteville State University Profile
Full Name
Fayetteville State University
City
Fayetteville
State
North Carolina
ZIP Code
28301-4298
Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
Is a Fayetteville State University Degree Worth It?
At $16,098/year against a $40,144 median graduate salary, Fayetteville State University is worth weighing against your specific program and financial situation. The numbers below give you a real basis for that decision.
Admitted students' families report a median household income around $49,800, and graduates see a 4.37% unemployment rate.
How much does a degree from Fayetteville State University Cost?
Listed tuition runs $16,098/year at Fayetteville State University. Factor in Pell and federal grant aid, and most students land closer to $7,360.
At Fayetteville State University, 52.6% receive a Pell Grant and 45.9% carry federal loans. Filing FAFSA early and naming Fayetteville State University on it improves your shot at both.
How much does a Fayetteville State University Graduate earn?
Ten years out from enrollment, Fayetteville State University graduates report a median income of $40,144, somewhat below the U.S. median graduate income of $40,595.
Compare Similar Colleges
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than Fayetteville State University. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama A & M University | Normal, AL | 947 | 17 |
| Johnson University Florida | Kissimmee, FL | 940 | NA |
| Warner University | Lake Wales, FL | 937 | 17 |
| Gordon State College | Barnesville, GA | 950 | 18 |
| Upper Iowa University | Fayette, IA | 929 | 18 |
| Baker University | Baldwin City, KS | 950 | 17 |
| Grambling State University | Grambling, LA | 955 | 17 |
| Southern University and A & M College | Baton Rouge, LA | 938 | 17 |
| Bowie State University | Bowie, MD | 935 | NA |
| Avila University | Kansas City, MO | 942 | 18 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as Fayetteville State University. If your SAT or ACT score is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama State University | Montgomery, AL | 977 | 18 |
| Baptist Health College Little Rock | Little Rock, AR | 980 | 20 |
| Clayton State University | Morrow, GA | 973 | 18 |
| University of Hawaii-West Oahu | Kapolei, HI | 973 | 18 |
| Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College | Saint Mary of the Woods, IN | 966 | 17 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Fayetteville State University. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, 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 |
| 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 |
Degree Programs at Fayetteville State University
Bachelor Degree Programs
Frequently Asked Questions About Fayetteville State University Admissions
Fayetteville State University graduates earn a lower median salary of $40,144/year, especially outside technical fields.
Tuition at Fayetteville State University is relatively affordable, around $16,098/year.
52.6% of Fayetteville State University students receive a Pell Grant, which is need-based aid you don't repay. File your FAFSA early and list Fayetteville State University as a choice for the best shot at maximum aid.
Fayetteville State University's acceptance rate is 79.9%, comparatively higher than most selective universities. Admission is more attainable here.
The average GPA of admitted Fayetteville State University students is 3.11, reflecting a competitive applicant pool.
There's no strict cutoff, but a GPA at or above 2.81 puts you in the standard applicant pool at Fayetteville State University. Below that, your essays and recommendations need to work harder to provide context.
A GPA of 2.71 or below makes admission tougher at Fayetteville State University, but strong test scores, activities, and essays, plus AP/IB coursework, can still keep you in contention.
Fayetteville State University weighs the SAT heavily. Scoring above 972, and within the 855–1045 range, keeps you competitive.
Fayetteville State University's deadline is December 18 (Regular Decision).
Fayetteville State University charges an application fee of 50; ask admissions about waiver eligibility if cost is a barrier.
For priority financial aid consideration, get your FAFSA in before October 31, 2026. That's Fayetteville State 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.
Explore Other Options
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