University of Cincinnati-Main Campus Acceptance Rate, GPA, and Admission Requirements

University of Cincinnati-Main Campus maintains an inclusive admission policy. With an acceptance rate of 87.67%, 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.
University of Cincinnati-Main Campus Selectivity Meter

Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem .

University of Cincinnati-Main Campus Admission Requirements

University of Cincinnati-Main Campus GPA Requirement

The average GPA of the admitted students at University of Cincinnati-Main Campus is 3.69. University of Cincinnati-Main Campus 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.

If your GPA is between 3.39 and 3.69, a strong SAT or ACT score is recommended.

University of Cincinnati-Main Campus GPA & Admission Outlook

Assessment: Selective; solid academic performance is expected.

Recommended Strategy: Focus on a Strong 'Spike' in extracurriculars or research.

Admissions at University of Cincinnati-Main Campus utilize a Holistic Review process. With an average admitted GPA of 3.69, the following table illustrates how your specific academic profile aligns with institutional expectations.

Candidate GPA Range Admission Category Strategic Requirement
3.69 – 4.00 Target/Match Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.49 – 3.68 Competitive Match Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation
3.29 – 3.48 Secondary Reach Personal Statement & Impact
Below 3.28 Institutional Reach Requires Significant Contextual Factors

Expert Insight: 2026 Evaluation Metrics

  • The Rigor Metric: At University of Cincinnati-Main Campus, 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.

Admission Chance Predictor

Real-Time Sensitive Analysis

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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.



University of Cincinnati-Main Campus SAT Requirements

Each school has different requirements for SAT and ACT testing. For the 2026 academic cycle, the landscape of standardized testing has shifted back toward Test-Required policies at the majority of highly selective and Ivy+ institutions. Following a multi-year "Test-Optional" pilot, data-driven results have led universities like Harvard, Yale, Brown, and the University of Texas at Austin to reinstate the SAT and ACT as mandatory components of the application.

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 2025 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.

University of Cincinnati-Main Campus Average SAT Score: 1281
The average SAT score of the admitted students at University of Cincinnati-Main Campus is 1281 on the 1600 SAT scale.

SAT Competitiveness

Competitiveness

This score makes it slightly Competitive for SAT test scores. You need to well to score 1281 on the SAT.

Key Insight:Aim for the 75th percentile (1360 SAT or 29 ACT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. University of Cincinnati-Main 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 1150, you must retake the SAT to improve your chances of admission to University of Cincinnati-Main Campus. It is not strange to appear multiple times for the SAT to improve scores. Colleges don’t mind if you have appeared multiple times, but not more than 5 times.

SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections

SectionAverage25th Percentile75th Percentile
SAT Math 630570690
SAT Reading 625580670
SAT Composite 128111501360

It means that if you have scored less than 1150 then you are below most of the admitted students at University of Cincinnati-Main Campus and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1360 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 1300

Can I get into University of Cincinnati-Main Campus with a 1350 SAT?

With a 1350 SAT Score, your chances of admission at University of Cincinnati-Main Campus are good but the admission staff at University of Cincinnati-Main Campus 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.

University of Cincinnati-Main Campus ACT Requirements

The average ACT Score at University of Cincinnati-Main Campus is 27.

ACT Competitiveness

Competitiveness

This score makes University of Cincinnati-Main Campus Competitive for ACT scores. You need to do well to score 27 on the ACT.

ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections

SectionAverage25th Percentile75th Percentile
ACT Math 262329
ACT English 262230
ACT Composite 272429

Can I get into University of Cincinnati-Main Campus with a 29 ACT?

With a 29 ACT Score, your chances of admission at University of Cincinnati-Main Campus are good but the admission staff does not check your ACT Score only. The College Admission process tests your all-around personality and 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.

View a list of all colleges with an average ACT score of 27.

University of Cincinnati-Main Campus Profile

Name: University of Cincinnati-Main Campus

City: Cincinnati

URL: www.uc.edu/

State: Ohio

Type: Public

Zip: 45221-0063

Campus: Main

Accredited by: Higher Learning Commission (NCACHE)


How much does a degree from University of Cincinnati-Main Campus Cost?

The average annual cost of the degree at University of Cincinnati-Main Campus is USD: 28783. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at University of Cincinnati-Main Campus is USD: 23156

How can I get a scholarship?

17.61% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 38.84 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to University of Cincinnati-Main Campus and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.

At University of Cincinnati-Main Campus, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist University of Cincinnati-Main Campus as your choice in the form.

How much a University of Cincinnati-Main Campus Graduate make?

The average annual salary of the graduate after 4-6 years of graduation is USD 54810. An average University of Cincinnati-Main Campus 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 USD: 40595



More Competitive

Less Competitive Schools

These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than University of Cincinnati-Main Campus. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.


SchoolLocationSATACT
University of Alabama at Birmingham University of Alabama at Birmingham, AL125126
University of Arizona University of Arizona, AZ126126
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott, AZ125627
Biola University Biola University, CA125827
University of Redlands University of Redlands, CA123128
Eckerd College Eckerd College, FL125627
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach, FL125627
Florida Southern College Florida Southern College, FL126328
University of South Florida University of South Florida, FL123527
Covenant College Covenant College, GA125427


Same Competitive

Equally Competitive Schools

These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as University of Cincinnati-Main Campus. If your SAT or ACT score are competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.


SchoolLocationSATACT
The University of Alabama The University of Alabama, AL128728
Point Loma Nazarene University Point Loma Nazarene University, CA127826
Thomas Aquinas College Thomas Aquinas College, CA127729
United States Coast Guard Academy United States Coast Guard Academy, CT129028
University of Central Florida University of Central Florida, FL127727
More Competitive

More Competitive Schools

These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than University of Cincinnati-Main Campus. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.


SchoolLocationSATACT
University of Alabama in Huntsville University of Alabama in Huntsville, AL132128
Auburn University Auburn University, AL131828
Hendrix College Hendrix College, AR133629
Chapman University Chapman University, CA135330
University of San Francisco University of San Francisco, CA131329

Degree Programs


Bachelor Degree Programs

Frequently Asked Questions About University of Cincinnati-Main Campus Admissions

Question: What is the average salary of a graduate?

Answer: Graduates of this university typically earn a moderate salary, $54810 annually, with some fluctuation based on the field.


Question: What is the tuition fee?

Answer: The tuition fee at this university is relatively low, around $28783 per year, making it more affordable for many students.


Question: What are my chances of getting a scholarship ?

Answer: Your chances of getting a scholarship are good, with about a 50-80% chance. Scholarships are competitive but achievable if you meet the criteria.


Question: What is the acceptance rate?

Answer: The acceptance rate of University of Cincinnati-Main Campus is 87.67 which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.


Question: What is the average GPA of admitted students?

Answer: The average GPA of admitted students is 3.69. This reflects the competitive academic profile expected from applicants.


Question: What is the minimum GPA required for admission?

Answer: 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 3.39, you're in the standard pool. If you are below a 3.39, we need to focus on your personal essay and letters of recommendation to explain the context behind your grades.


Question: What are my chances with a 3.39 GPA?

Answer: If your GPA is 3.29 or less, it may makes 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.


Question: Can I apply to University of Cincinnati-Main Campus if my GPA is below 3.29

Answer: While the average GPA of admitted students is 3.69, applicants with lower GPAs can still be considered if they have strong test scores, extracurriculars, and compelling personal essays that demonstrate resilience and potential.


Question: How competitive is the SAT score requirement

Answer: Admission to University of Cincinnati-Main Campus is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 1281 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 1150-1360


Question: Is it possible to transfer from another university?

Answer: 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.


Question: How can I improve my chances of getting Admissions?

Answer: 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.



Full list of All degree programs offered by University of Cincinnati-Main Campus.

Data on this page is sourced from IPEDS, College Scorecard's latest data as provided in 2025, US Department of Education's latest 2025 statistics, Institute's official websites and printed material as well as additional publicly available sources.

Sohaib Ahmad Khan

Sohaib Ahmad Khan is a leading career counselor and admission guidance expert who has guided over 300,000 students worldwide. He is the author of four books and developer of widely used career counseling and aptitude assessment systems. Read More about his achievements.

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