Ohio Christian University, founded in 1948 as Circleville Bible College, offers faith-based education across its 200-acre rural campus. OCU specializes in ministry, business, and psychology programs, featuring a 500-seat chapel, counseling center, and outdoor leadership facilities. The university serves about 1,000 traditional students plus adult learners through its Trailblazer accelerated degree programs. OCU maintains affiliations with Churches of Christ in Christian Union.
OCU is unranked among national universities but holds accreditation from the Association for Biblical Higher Education. The campus features a 50-acre woods for outdoor ministry training and a 1,200-seat performing arts center. Unique programs include a Worship Arts degree with recording studio and a Criminal Justice program with prison ministry focus. The rural setting provides a close-knit Christian community just 30 miles from Columbus.
Ohio Christian University Acceptance Rate
Ohio Christian University is a well-known institution with a selective admissions process. With an acceptance rate of 39.9%, successful applicants typically show strong performance across both academic and personal categories.
Admissions Guidelines
- Selective Enrollment: Applicants need a solid GPA and proof of academic growth.
- Holistic Balance: Strong recommendations and community involvement are highly valued.
If your GPA is slightly below the institutional average, you can remain competitive by scoring well on standardized tests and showcasing leadership in co-curricular activities.
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem .
Ohio Christian University Admission Requirements
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Ohio Christian University 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.
Ohio Christian University Average SAT Score: 910
The average SAT score of the admitted students at Ohio Christian University is 910 on the 1600 SAT scale.
SAT Competitiveness
This score makes it an easy target or SAT test scores. You need to put average efforts to score 910 on the SAT.
Key Insight:Aim for the 75th percentile (940 SAT or 17 ACT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. Ohio Christian 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 870, you must retake the SAT to improve your chances of admission to Ohio Christian University. 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
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 0 | ||
| SAT Reading | 0 | ||
| SAT Composite | 910 | 870 | 940 |
It means that if you have scored less than 870 then you are below most of the admitted students at Ohio Christian University and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 940 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 900
Can I get into Ohio Christian University with a 950 SAT?
With a 950 SAT Score, your chances of admission at Ohio Christian University are good but the admission staff at Ohio Christian 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.
Ohio Christian University ACT Requirements
The average ACT Score at Ohio Christian University is 16.
ACT Competitiveness
This score makes Ohio Christian University an easy target or ACT scores. You need to put average efforts to score 16 on the ACT.
ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 17 | 16 | 17 |
| ACT English | 14 | 12 | 16 |
| ACT Composite | 16 | 15 | 17 |
Can I get into Ohio Christian University with a 17 ACT?
With a 17 ACT Score, your chances of admission at Ohio Christian University 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 16.Ohio Christian University Profile
Name: Ohio Christian University
City: Circleville
State: Ohio
Type: Non-Profit Private
Zip: 43113-9487
Campus: Main
Accredited by: Higher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
How much does a degree from Ohio Christian University Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at Ohio Christian University is USD: 33472. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at Ohio Christian University is much less than this.
How can I get a scholarship?
33.84% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 44.61 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to Ohio Christian University and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At Ohio Christian University, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist Ohio Christian University as your choice in the form.
How much a Ohio Christian University Graduate make?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4-6 years of graduation is USD 39813. An average Ohio Christian 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 USD: 40595
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than Ohio Christian University. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fort Valley State University | Fort Valley State University, GA | 864 | 18 |
| Bennett College | Bennett College, NC | 890 | NA |
| Virginia Union University | Virginia Union University, VA | 860 | NA |
| Chamberlain University-Illinois | Chamberlain University-Illinois, IL | 868 | 16 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as Ohio Christian University. If your SAT or ACT score are competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff | University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, AR | 916 | 16 |
| Bethune-Cookman University | Bethune-Cookman University, FL | 913 | 17 |
| Trinity College of Florida | Trinity College of Florida, FL | 905 | 19 |
| Wesleyan College | Wesleyan College, GA | 905 | NA |
| Morningside University | Morningside University, IA | 910 | 17 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Ohio Christian University. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama A & M University | Alabama A & M University, AL | 947 | 17 |
| Alabama State University | Alabama State University, AL | 977 | 18 |
| Baptist Health College Little Rock | Baptist Health College Little Rock, AR | 980 | 20 |
| University of Bridgeport | University of Bridgeport, CT | 985 | NA |
| Delaware State University | Delaware State University, DE | 984 | 24 |
Degree Programs
Bachelor Degree Programs
- Accounting and Related Services
- Bible/Biblical Studies
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
- English Language and Literature, General
- Health and Medical Administrative Services
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- History
- Homeland Security
Frequently Asked Questions About Ohio Christian University Admissions
Answer: Graduates of this university typically earn a lower salary, $39813 annually, especially in non-technical fields.
Question: What is the tuition fee?
Answer: The tuition fee at this university is moderate, around $33472 per year. Many students seek financial aid and scholarships to manage the cost.
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 Ohio Christian University is 39.9 which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.
Question: How competitive is the SAT score requirement
Answer: Admission to Ohio Christian University is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 910 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 870-940
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 Ohio Christian University.
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.