Wilberforce University Wilberforce University, founded in 1856 in Ohio, holds the distinction of being America's first private historically black university. Affiliated with the African Methodist Episcopal Church, Wilberforce offers liberal arts and professional programs with a focus on leadership development. The 125-acre campus features historic buildings like Galloway Hall and modern facilities including the new STEM Center. Wilberforce maintains a 10:1 student-faculty ratio, fostering close mentoring relationships. The university is particularly known for its business administration and computer science programs that prepare students for 21st-century careers.
Wilberforce takes pride in its rich legacy as an HBCU and its continued commitment to African-American education. Campus life includes traditions like the Honors Convocation and active participation in the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. The university's athletic teams, the Bulldogs, compete in NAIA sports. Recent initiatives include partnerships with major corporations to enhance STEM education. Despite financial challenges, Wilberforce continues its mission of providing accessible, transformative education. The university's combination of historical significance, small size, and focus on leadership creates a distinctive environment for nurturing African-American scholars.
Wilberforce University Acceptance Rate
Wilberforce University is a well-known institution with a selective admissions process. With an acceptance rate of 45.12%, 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 .
Wilberforce University Admission Requirements
Wilberforce University GPA Requirement
The average GPA of admitted students at Wilberforce University is 2.82. This suggests moderate selectivity.
A mix of A’s, B’s, and some C’s is common. Higher SAT/ACT scores can compensate for a lower GPA.
If your GPA is between 2.52 and 2.82, aim for a strong standardized test score.
Wilberforce University GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Holistic review is critical for admission.
Recommended Strategy: Requires Contextual Factors (Leadership, hardship, or talent).
Admissions at Wilberforce University utilize a Holistic Review process. With an average admitted GPA of 2.82, the following table illustrates how your specific academic profile aligns with institutional expectations.
| Candidate GPA Range | Admission Category | Strategic Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| 2.82 – 4.00 | Strategic Reach | Maintain Rigor & High Testing |
| 2.62 – 2.81 | Competitive Match | Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation |
| 2.42 – 2.61 | Secondary Reach | Personal Statement & Impact |
| Below 2.41 | Institutional Reach | Requires Significant Contextual Factors |
Expert Insight: 2026 Evaluation Metrics
- The Rigor Metric: At Wilberforce 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.
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Calculated via College Portal’s Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards.
Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
Wilberforce 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.
Wilberforce University Average SAT Score: 910
The average SAT score of the admitted students at Wilberforce 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 18 ACT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. Wilberforce 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 840, you must retake the SAT to improve your chances of admission to Wilberforce 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 | 440 | 410 | 470 |
| SAT Reading | 450 | 430 | 470 |
| SAT Composite | 910 | 840 | 940 |
It means that if you have scored less than 840 then you are below most of the admitted students at Wilberforce 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 Wilberforce University with a 950 SAT?
With a 950 SAT Score, your chances of admission at Wilberforce University are good but the admission staff at Wilberforce 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.
Wilberforce University ACT Requirements
The average ACT Score at Wilberforce University is 16.
ACT Competitiveness
This score makes Wilberforce 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 | 15 | 18 |
| ACT English | 15 | 11 | 18 |
| ACT Composite | 16 | 14 | 18 |
Can I get into Wilberforce University with a 18 ACT?
With a 18 ACT Score, your chances of admission at Wilberforce 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.Wilberforce University Profile
Name: Wilberforce University
City: Wilberforce
URL: www.wilberforce.edu/
State: Ohio
Type: Non-Profit Private
Zip: 45384-1001
Campus: Main
Accredited by: Higher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
How much does a degree from Wilberforce University Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at Wilberforce University is USD: 23450. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at Wilberforce University is much less than this.
How can I get a scholarship?
65.58% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 59.06 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to Wilberforce University and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At Wilberforce University, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist Wilberforce University as your choice in the form.
How much a Wilberforce University Graduate make?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4-6 years of graduation is USD 38298. An average Wilberforce 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 Wilberforce University. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff | University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, AR | 878 | 16 |
| Gallaudet University | Gallaudet University, DC | 896 | 17 |
| Fort Valley State University | Fort Valley State University, GA | 871 | 18 |
| Kentucky State University | Kentucky State University, KY | 889 | 17 |
| Mississippi Valley State University | Mississippi Valley State University, MS | 870 | 16 |
| Bloomfield College | Bloomfield College, NJ | 862 | 15 |
| Villa Maria College | Villa Maria College, NY | 895 | NA |
| Livingstone College | Livingstone College, NC | 887 | 18 |
| Benedict College | Benedict College, SC | 900 | NA |
| Virginia Union University | Virginia Union University, VA | 900 | NA |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as Wilberforce University. If your SAT or ACT score are competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama A & M University | Alabama A & M University, AL | 920 | 17 |
| Bethune-Cookman University | Bethune-Cookman University, FL | 903 | 17 |
| St Luke's College | St Luke's College, IA | 910 | 17 |
| Bowie State University | Bowie State University, MD | 910 | NA |
| Fayetteville State University | Fayetteville State University, NC | 915 | 17 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Wilberforce University. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama State University | Alabama State University, AL | 963 | 18 |
| Johnson University Florida | Johnson University Florida, FL | 960 | NA |
| Trinity Baptist College | Trinity Baptist College, FL | 987 | 19 |
| Trinity College of Florida | Trinity College of Florida, FL | 966 | 19 |
| Warner University | Warner University, FL | 968 | 19 |
Degree Programs
Bachelor Degree Programs
- Accounting and Related Services
- Biology, General
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services
- Communication and Media Studies
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Computer Engineering
- Computer Science
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
Frequently Asked Questions About Wilberforce University Admissions
Answer: Graduates of this university typically earn a lower salary, $38298 annually, especially in non-technical fields.
Question: What is the tuition fee?
Answer: The tuition fee at this university is relatively low, around $23450 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 excellent, with more than a 80% chance, depending on your academic performance and extracurricular involvement.
Question: What is the acceptance rate?
Answer: The acceptance rate of Wilberforce University is 45.12 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 2.82. 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 2.52, you're in the standard pool. If you are below a 2.52, 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 2.52 GPA?
Answer: If your GPA is 2.42 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 Wilberforce University if my GPA is below 2.42
Answer: While the average GPA of admitted students is 2.82, 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 Wilberforce 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 840-940
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 Wilberforce 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.