Non-Profit Private
Accredited · Higher Learning Commission
New Concord, Ohio
81.7% Acceptance Rate
Muskingum University — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
81.7%Acceptance Rate
3.42Avg GPA
1016Avg SAT
20Avg ACT
$44,615Annual Cost
$48,440Grad Salary
41.1%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
81.7%
Avg GPA
3.42
Avg SAT
1016
Avg ACT
20
Selectivity
Inclusive
Institution Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Branch Campus
Accredited By
Higher Learning Commission
SAT Middle 50%
900–1120
ACT Middle 50%
17–22
Need-Based Aid
41.1% receive Pell
Muskingum University is a private, comprehensive institution in Ohio known for its commitment to academic excellence, experiential learning, and student success. Offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, the university provides a supportive campus community that encourages critical inquiry, leadership, and professional preparation. Its focus on providing a high-value, well-rounded education makes it a meaningful choice for students seeking to prepare for leadership in their fields.
Muskingum University Acceptance Rate
Muskingum University (Muskingum) runs an open-access admission policy. With a 81.7% acceptance rate, the focus is on getting qualified students in, not filtering them out.
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 — 81.7% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
Recommended Academic Profile
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.42 – 4.00
Target Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.22 – 3.41
Competitive Reach
Focus on Score Compensation
Below 2.97
Secondary Reach
Requires Contextual Support
Source: IPEDS & College Scorecard (Nov 2025).
Muskingum University Application Deadlines & Admission Dates 2026
Muskingum University follows a Rolling Admissions policy, meaning applications are reviewed as they arrive and there is no single fixed deadline.
Key Admission Dates
Rolling Admissions — Apply Anytime
Muskingum reviews applications continuously throughout the year. Seats and scholarships are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, so applying early gives you a significant advantage for both admission and financial aid.
💡 The scholarship deadline (February 1, 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.
Muskingum GPA Requirement
The average GPA of admitted students at Muskingum is 3.42. That makes admissions here competitive, but not extremely selective. Most admitted students carry a mix of A's and B's.
In the 3.12–3.42 range, a high SAT or ACT score still carries real weight.
Most schools report GPA on a weighted or unweighted 4.0 scale differently. For an unweighted profile like this, students with AP/IB coursework typically carry a weighted GPA of 3.62–3.82.Muskingum GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Selective; solid academic performance is expected.
Recommended Strategy: Focus on a Strong 'Spike' in extracurriculars or research.
Where your GPA falls in this range shapes what the rest of your application needs to do:
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.42 – 4.00
Target/Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.22 – 3.41
Competitive Match
Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation
3.02 – 3.21
Secondary Reach
Personal Statement & Impact
Below 3.01
Institutional Reach
Requires Significant Contextual Factors
Evaluation Metrics That Matter Here
- The PLUS Program, operating since 1983, provides comprehensive academic support for students with learning differences but requires separate admission to Muskingum University first, followed by a distinct PLUS application with documentation.
- ACT/SAT scores are optional for general admission but required specifically for Nursing program applicants and Science Scholarship consideration.
- The application essay must be at least 500 words, specifically addressing self-description, intended subject area, and career plans.
- Admission is rolling, with international application deadlines of June 1 (Fall) and November 1 (Spring); over 90% of students live on campus or in nearby New Concord.
- Rigor Over Raw Number: A slightly lower GPA (say 3.8) paired with multiple AP or IB courses often outweighs a flat 4.0 from a standard curriculum.
- Trajectory Matters: A lower start in 9th or 10th grade, followed by a clear upward trend senior year, reads as academic resilience rather than a weakness.
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 Muskingum
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on Muskingum 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.
Muskingum University (Muskingum) Test Requirements
Standardized scores still matter here: aim for the middle 50% range of the 2026 admitted class below, and if Muskingum is test-optional, a high score submitted voluntarily still helps with merit scholarships.
Can I Get Into Muskingum Without SAT or ACT?
Muskingum considers scores when submitted, without requiring them. Prepare well and submit your best attempt. Most applicants test 2–3 times.
Muskingum University Average SAT Score: 1016
The average SAT score of admitted students at Muskingum University is 1016 on the 1600-point scale.
SAT Competitiveness
SAT 1016 — Accessible
This average is on the lower end nationally, making a strong score here a genuine advantage.
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (1120 SAT or 22 ACT) to stand out. Below average? Muskingum University allows Score Choice for the SAT, so a retake only helps — a low sitting never has to be sent.
If your score is below 900, retaking the SAT is strongly recommended to improve your chances at Muskingum. Retaking multiple times is completely normal. Most competitive applicants sit for it two or three times. There's no official limit on attempts.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 500 | 430 | 570 |
| SAT Reading | 510 | 470 | 550 |
| SAT Composite | 1016 | 900 | 1120 |
Below 900, you're behind most admitted students; at 1120 or above, you're ahead of 75% of them. (25th/75th percentile = the score below which that share of admitted students fall.)
View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1000
Can I get into Muskingum University (Muskingum) with a 1100 SAT?
A 1100 SAT puts you ahead of most of Muskingum's admitted class, but admissions still weighs GPA, course rigor, and essays alongside it. A strong score opens the door; the rest of your profile decides what happens next.
Muskingum University (Muskingum) ACT Requirements
The average ACT score at Muskingum is 20.
ACT Competitiveness
ACT 20 — Less Competitive
This average is slightly below the national ACT mean.
ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 20 | 16 | 23 |
| ACT English | 19 | 15 | 22 |
| ACT Composite | 20 | 17 | 22 |
Can I get into Muskingum University with a 22 ACT?
A 22 ACT puts you ahead of 75% of Muskingum's admitted students. That's a strong position, though the ACT is only one benchmark among several that admissions weighs.
Unlike the SAT, the ACT scores four separate sections: English, Math, Reading, and Science, each on a 1–36 scale. A noticeably weak section, especially Science at STEM-focused schools, stands out to reviewers, so it's worth checking your section breakdown for outliers before applying.
Your ACT score clears the first filter, but GPA, course rigor, extracurricular depth, recommendations, and essays are what carry an application the rest of the way at Muskingum.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for Muskingum
Accessible Strategy: Academic Foundation
Muskingum is accessible to students who show core competency. Focus on proving readiness for college-level work and locking in financial aid.
Apply to Muskingum first, then apply separately to the PLUS Program with documentation
Muskingum's PLUS Program (operating since 1983) provides comprehensive academic support for students with learning differences, but it requires a two-step process: first gain admission to Muskingum University itself, then indicate interest in PLUS on your application and separately submit documentation of your learning difference directly to the PLUS office. Don't wait until after enrollment to start this second step - begin gathering your documentation alongside your general application so both processes move in parallel.
Submit ACT/SAT scores if you're targeting Nursing or Science Scholarships - otherwise they're optional
Muskingum's general admission doesn't require standardized test scores, but they become specifically required if you're applying to the Nursing program or competing for Science Scholarships. If either applies to you, don't skip testing just because the general application says it's optional - confirm with admissions whether your specific program or scholarship goal requires scores before deciding not to submit them.
Write your required 500-word essay with genuine specificity about your subject area and career plans
Muskingum's application essay must be at least 500 words and specifically asks you to describe yourself, your intended subject area, and your career plans - a more directed prompt than a generic personal statement. Address all three components explicitly (self-description, academic interest, career plan) rather than writing a purely narrative essay that only touches on one of them.
International applicants: choose your transcript evaluator based on which one Muskingum explicitly recommends
Muskingum accepts foreign transcript evaluations through specific approved services and provides direct guidance on selecting the correct evaluation type (course-by-course with GPA) at a discounted rate through its partner evaluators. Use Muskingum's own linked evaluation portal rather than an independently chosen evaluation service, since selecting the wrong evaluation type can mean redoing the process at full price.
Expert Insight:
Applicants interested in the PLUS Program sometimes submit documentation of their learning difference before being admitted to Muskingum itself, or assume PLUS admission is bundled with general admission - but Muskingum is explicit that general university admission must happen first, and PLUS is a genuinely separate, subsequent application requiring its own documentation. Treating these as one combined step can create confusion about where an application actually stands.
Muskingum Profile
Full Name
Muskingum University (Muskingum)
City
New Concord
State
Ohio
ZIP Code
43762-1837
Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Branch Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Higher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
Is a Muskingum Degree Worth It?
Whether Muskingum is worth it depends less on its reputation and more on your program choice, financial aid package, and career goals. Here's the data to weigh it against.
The average household income among admitted students is $57,600, with a graduate unemployment rate of 3.06%.
How much does a degree from Muskingum Cost?
The sticker price is $44,615/year, but the average net price students actually pay, after Pell and federal grants, is typically much lower.
41.1% of students receive a Pell Grant and 83.1% take federal loans at Muskingum. File your FAFSA early and list Muskingum as a choice to be considered for both.
How much does a Muskingum Graduate earn?
Median earnings 10 years after enrollment (roughly 4–6 years post-graduation) are $48,440. That's about 19% above the U.S. median graduate income.
Compare Similar Colleges
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than Muskingum University. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama State University | Montgomery, AL | 977 | 18 |
| Baptist Health College Little Rock | Little Rock, AR | 980 | 20 |
| Colorado State University Pueblo | Pueblo, CO | 1005 | 22 |
| University of Bridgeport | Bridgeport, CT | 985 | NA |
| Delaware State University | Dover, DE | 984 | 24 |
| Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College | Tifton, GA | 994 | 19 |
| College of Coastal Georgia | Brunswick, GA | 1001 | 18 |
| Clayton State University | Morrow, GA | 973 | 18 |
| Columbus State University | Columbus, GA | 994 | 21 |
| Georgia Southwestern State University | Americus, GA | 998 | 19 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as Muskingum University. If your SAT or ACT score is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Faulkner University | Montgomery, AL | 1016 | 20 |
| University of West Alabama | Livingston, AL | 1015 | 20 |
| Central Baptist College | Conway, AR | 1022 | 20 |
| University of Arkansas Community College-Morrilton | Morrilton, AR | 1020 | 20 |
| Williams Baptist University | Walnut Ridge, AR | 1018 | 19 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Muskingum University. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Auburn University at Montgomery | Montgomery, AL | 1090 | 21 |
| Jacksonville State University | Jacksonville, AL | 1055 | 21 |
| Spring Hill College | Mobile, AL | 1090 | 22 |
| Troy University | Troy, AL | 1086 | 22 |
| Grand Canyon University | Phoenix, AZ | 1095 | 22 |
Degree Programs at Muskingum
Bachelor Degree Programs
Frequently Asked Questions About Muskingum Admissions
Median earnings for Muskingum University graduates sit around $48,440 a year.
Muskingum University costs roughly $44,615 a year, and most students combine this with scholarships or aid.
About 41.1% receive a Pell Grant at Muskingum University. The odds are moderate and largely income-dependent, but an early FAFSA filing still helps.
At 81.7%, Muskingum University's acceptance rate is on the more attainable end compared to top-tier selective schools.
Admitted students at Muskingum University average a 3.42 GPA.
Muskingum University doesn't publish a hard GPA floor, but landing at or above 3.12 keeps you in the typical applicant range; below it, lean on essays and recommendations.
Below 3.02, Muskingum University becomes a harder reach, though a strong test score, meaningful activities, and AP/IB coursework can still make a real case.
A strong SAT score matters at Muskingum University — aim above 1016, ideally within the 900–1120 range admitted students typically fall in.
Muskingum University follows Rolling Admissions. Applications are reviewed year-round, so applying early is your best strategy.
The scholarship/financial aid priority deadline is February 1, 2026. Submit FAFSA before then for maximum consideration.
Yes, transfers are common. Have transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement ready to make your case.
Strong academics, a focused extracurricular profile, and standout essays move the needle most, along with a competitive SAT/ACT score where relevant.