Non-Profit Private
Accredited · Higher Learning Commission
Sylvania, Ohio
74.1% Acceptance Rate
Lourdes University — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
74.1%Acceptance Rate
3.26Avg GPA
965Avg SAT
$42,796Annual Cost
$48,150Grad Salary
27.3%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
74.1%
Avg GPA
3.26
Avg SAT
965
Selectivity
Somewhat Selective
Institution Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Higher Learning Commission
SAT Middle 50%
925–995
Need-Based Aid
27.3% receive Pell
Lourdes University, founded in 1958 in Sylvania, Ohio, is a Franciscan institution offering strong nursing, business, and social work programs. Known for its small class sizes and service-learning focus.
The 127-acre campus features the Franciscan Center for Science and Media, the Canticle Center for health sciences, and the historic Mother Adelaide Hall. The university's Toledo-area location provides extensive internship opportunities.
Lourdes University Acceptance Rate
Lourdes University is somewhat selective in its admission process. The acceptance rate of Lourdes University is 74.1%. This means that 74 out of every 100 applicants get admitted.
Admissions Guidelines
- Broad Evaluation: Personal growth and vocational goals are considered alongside grades.
- Flexible Standards: Strengths in extracurriculars can often balance an average GPA.
Selectivity at a Glance
Somewhat Selective
Selectivity scale: Somewhat Selective — 74.1% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
Recommended Academic Profile
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.26 – 4.00
Target Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.06 – 3.25
Competitive Reach
Focus on Score Compensation
Below 2.81
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.
Lourdes University GPA Requirement
The average GPA of admitted students at Lourdes University is 3.26. 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 3.46-3.66 for this same academic profile.If your GPA is between 2.96 and 3.26, you should aim for a high SAT or ACT score.
Lourdes University GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Holistic review is critical for admission.
Recommended Strategy: Requires Contextual Factors (Leadership, hardship, or talent).
Admissions at Lourdes University utilize a Holistic Review process. With an average admitted GPA of 3.26, the following table illustrates how your specific academic profile aligns with institutional expectations.
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.26 – 4.00
Strategic Reach
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.06 – 3.25
Competitive Match
Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation
2.86 – 3.05
Secondary Reach
Personal Statement & Impact
Below 2.85
Institutional Reach
Requires Significant Contextual Factors
Expert Insight: 2026 Evaluation Metrics
- Lourdes University permanently closed at the end of the 2025?2026 academic year; closure announced February 11, 2026.
- Sponsored by the Sisters of St. Francis of Sylvania; founded 1958; located in Sylvania, OH (suburban Toledo).
- Students seeking comparable Franciscan or Catholic health-focused programs in Ohio should explore Franciscan University of Steubenville, Ursuline College, Notre Dame College, Walsh University, or Madonna University (MI).
- Academic records: contact the Ohio Department of Higher Education as the repository of last resort; HLC-accredited credits earned in good standing are generally transferable but program-level review (especially nursing) is required by receiving institutions.
- The Rigor Metric: At Lourdes 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 Lourdes University
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on Lourdes University's verified institutional data
--%
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.
Lourdes 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 Lourdes University Without SAT or ACT?
Lourdes University does not require admission test scores (SAT/ACT) during the application process and does not recommend that students provide these scores. But it is better to submit the test score if you have performed well in the test. It gives an extra opportunity to showcase your skills and competencies and hence will improve your chances of admission. It is advisable to appear multiple times in the test unless you score well above the average SAT / ACT score of the admitted students. Normally, students may appear in the test 2 to 3 times to improve their scores. But if your score is not up to the mark and is less than the national or state average, then it is better not to submit the score as it will impact negatively.
Lourdes University Average SAT Score: 965
The average SAT score of the admitted students at Lourdes University is 965 on the 1600 SAT scale.
SAT Competitiveness
SAT 965 — Accessible
This score makes it an easy target for SAT test scores. You need to put average efforts to score 965 on the SAT.
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (995 SAT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. Lourdes 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 925, retaking the SAT is strongly recommended to improve your chances at Lourdes 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 | - | - | - |
| SAT Reading | - | - | - |
| SAT Composite | 965 | 925 | 995 |
It means that if you have scored less than 925 then you are below most of the admitted students at Lourdes University and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 995 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 950
Can I get into Lourdes University with a 1000 SAT?
With a 1000 SAT Score, your chances of admission at Lourdes University are good but the admission staff at Lourdes 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.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for Lourdes University
Accessible Strategy: Academic Foundation
Lourdes University is accessible to students who show core competency. The focus should be on proving readiness for college-level work and securing financial aid.
This Institution Has Permanently Closed
Lourdes University announced on February 11, 2026 that it would close at the conclusion of the 2025?2026 academic year, citing declining enrollment and rising costs. The university - a Franciscan institution founded in 1958 and sponsored by the Sisters of St. Francis of Sylvania - enrolled its final class in spring 2026 and is no longer accepting applications. No admissions roadmap can be provided for a closed institution.
For Students Who Were Considering Lourdes
Students drawn to Lourdes for its Franciscan Catholic mission and small-college nursing or allied health programs should redirect their search to comparable institutions in Ohio and the broader region. Franciscan University of Steubenville (OH), Ursuline College (OH), and Notre Dame College (OH) share a Catholic values orientation with strong healthcare and social sciences tracks. Walsh University (OH) and Madonna University (MI) are also worth examining for students who valued Lourdes' faith-integrated, professionally focused curriculum.
Credit Transfer and Teach-Out Guidance
Students who were mid-program at Lourdes should contact the Ohio Department of Higher Education and the Higher Learning Commission regarding teach-out agreements and credit transfer options. Lourdes held HLC accreditation, which means credits earned in good standing should be transferable to other regionally accredited institutions - but individual programs (especially nursing) may require program-level review by the receiving institution. Contact the Ohio Board of Nursing directly if your nursing clinical hours or coursework are in question.
Accreditation and Records Access
Lourdes was regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and held program-level accreditations in nursing and other health fields. Closed institutions are required to maintain student academic records; the Ohio Department of Higher Education serves as the repository of last resort. Former students needing official transcripts should contact the Ohio Department of Higher Education if Lourdes' own records office is no longer reachable.
Expert Insight:
Any web search results, aggregator pages, or College Portal data for Lourdes University (UNITID 203757) reflecting open enrollment, acceptance rates, or active programs are stale. The institution closed at the end of spring 2026. College Portal should suppress or clearly flag this profile to avoid directing prospective students to a non-existent program.
Lourdes University Profile
Full Name
Lourdes University
City
Sylvania
State
Ohio
ZIP Code
43560-2898
Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Higher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
Is a Lourdes University Degree Worth It?
Getting into Lourdes 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. Lourdes 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 Lourdes University is $59,400 and the graduate unemployment rate is 3.5%.
How much does a degree from Lourdes University Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at Lourdes University is $42,796. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at Lourdes University is much less than this.
27.3% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 59.8 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to Lourdes University and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At Lourdes University, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist Lourdes University as your choice in the form.
How much does a Lourdes University Graduate earn?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4–6 years of graduation is $48,150. An average Lourdes 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 Lourdes 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 |
| University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff | Pine Bluff, AR | 916 | 16 |
| 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 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as Lourdes University. If your SAT or ACT score is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Union Commonwealth University | Barbourville, KY | 965 | 18 |
| Grambling State University | Grambling, LA | 955 | 17 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Lourdes 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 |
| Central Baptist College | Conway, AR | 1022 | 20 |
| University of Arkansas Community College-Morrilton | Morrilton, AR | 1020 | 20 |
Degree Programs at Lourdes University
Bachelor Degree Programs
Masters Degree Programs
Full list of all degree programs offered by Lourdes University →
Frequently Asked Questions About Lourdes University Admissions
Graduates of this university typically earn a lower salary, $48,150 annually, especially in non-technical fields.
The tuition fee at this university is moderate, around $42,796 per year. Many students seek financial aid and scholarships to manage the cost.
27.3% 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 Lourdes University is 74.1% 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 3.26. 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 2.96, you are in the standard pool. If you are below a 2.96, we need to focus on your personal essay and letters of recommendation to explain the context behind your grades.
If your GPA is 2.86 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 3.26, 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 Lourdes University is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 965 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 925–995.
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.