Non-Profit Private
Accredited ·
Portland, Oregon
49.8% Acceptance Rate
Multnomah University — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
49.8%Acceptance Rate
3.25Avg GPA
1135Avg SAT
$41,851Annual Cost
$47,939Grad Salary
47.4%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
49.8%
Avg GPA
3.25
Avg SAT
1135
Selectivity
Selective
Institution Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
SAT Middle 50%
1095–1165
Need-Based Aid
47.4% receive Pell
Multnomah University Multnomah University, founded in 1936 in Portland, Oregon, is a private Christian university offering undergraduate and graduate programs in biblical studies, ministry, and liberal arts. The campus provides a Christ-centered education with a 10:1 student-faculty ratio. Multnomah is particularly known for its seminary programs and its commitment to training Christian leaders. Campus features include the new Travis-Lovitt Hall and the recently renovated Mitchell Library.
Multnomah takes pride in its evangelical tradition and commitment to biblical higher education. Campus life includes chapel services, mission trips, and student organizations focused on spiritual growth. The university has expanded its online programs while maintaining its residential Christian community. Recent initiatives include the Center for Discipleship and upgraded technology infrastructure. Multnomah's combination of academic programs, spiritual emphasis, and Portland location creates a focused environment for students called to Christian service.
Multnomah University Acceptance Rate
Multnomah University is a well-known institution. It has a selective admission process. The acceptance rate of Multnomah University is 49.8%. This means that 50 out of every 100 applicants get admitted.
Admissions Guidelines
- Selective Enrollment: Applicants need a solid GPA and proof of academic growth.
- Holistic Balance: Strong recommendations and community involvement are highly valued.
Selectivity at a Glance
Selective
Selectivity scale: Selective — 49.8% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
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.
Recommended Academic Profile
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.25 – 4.00
Target Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.05 – 3.24
Competitive Reach
Focus on Score Compensation
Below 2.80
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.
MBC GPA Requirement
The average GPA of admitted students at MBC is 3.25. 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 3.45-3.65 for this same academic profile.If your GPA is between 2.95 and 3.25, you should aim for a high SAT or ACT score.
MBC GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Holistic review is critical for admission.
Recommended Strategy: Requires Contextual Factors (Leadership, hardship, or talent).
Admissions at MBC utilize a Holistic Review process. With an average admitted GPA of 3.25, the following table illustrates how your specific academic profile aligns with institutional expectations.
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.25 – 4.00
Strategic Reach
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.05 – 3.24
Competitive Match
Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation
2.85 – 3.04
Secondary Reach
Personal Statement & Impact
Below 2.84
Institutional Reach
Requires Significant Contextual Factors
Expert Insight: 2026 Evaluation Metrics
- The Rigor Metric: At MBC, 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 MBC
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on Multnomah 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.
Multnomah University (MBC) 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 MBC Without SAT or ACT?
Multnomah University considers admission test scores (SAT/ACT) during the application process but does not require them. Although it is not strictly a requirement, the test scores are considered for admission decisions. Hence, it is advisable to prepare well for the test and submit the best scores. Normally, students may appear in the test 2 to 3 times to improve their scores.
Multnomah University Average SAT Score: 1135
The average SAT score of the admitted students at Multnomah University is 1135 on the 1600 SAT scale.
SAT Competitiveness
SAT 1135 — Less Competitive
This score makes it less competitive for SAT test scores. You need to put average efforts to score 1135 on the SAT.
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (1165 SAT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. Multnomah 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 1095, retaking the SAT is strongly recommended to improve your chances at MBC. 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 | 1135 | 1095 | 1165 |
It means that if you have scored less than 1095 then you are below most of the admitted students at MBC and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1165 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 1150
Can I get into Multnomah University (MBC) with a 1150 SAT?
With a 1150 SAT Score, your chances of admission at Multnomah University (MBC) are good but the admission staff at MBC 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 MBC
Selective Strategy: Competitive Positioning
At MBC, admissions officers seek reliable, high-achieving students. The goal is to be a top-tier applicant to trigger both admission and high-value merit aid.
Target the 75th Percentile
Being 'average' is fine for admission, but being in the top 25% of the applicant pool is the primary key to securing automatic merit-based scholarships.
Demonstrated Interest
Unlike the Ivies, mid-tier schools track engagement. Open their emails, attend virtual tours, and mention specific campus programs to improve your 'Yield' profile.
The 'Breadth' Factor
Mid-tier institutions value students who contribute to campus life through a balance of sports, music, volunteering, and core academic strength.
Humanize the Transcript
Use your personal statement to prove you will be a 'good roommate' and active community member. Focus on resilience, empathy, and career goals.
Scholarship Tip: Applying Early Action (EA) at this level often increases your priority for institutional grants and honors college consideration.
MBC Profile
Full Name
Multnomah University (MBC)
City
Portland
State
Oregon
ZIP Code
97220
Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Is a MBC Degree Worth It?
Getting into MBC 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. MBC 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 MBC is $65,800 and the graduate unemployment rate is 3.9%.
How much does a degree from MBC Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at Multnomah University is $41,851. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at Multnomah University is much less than this.
47.4% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 82 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to MBC and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At Multnomah University, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist MBC as your choice in the form.
How much does a MBC Graduate earn?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4–6 years of graduation is $47,939. An average MBC 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 Multnomah University. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Auburn University at Montgomery | Montgomery, AL | 1090 | 21 |
| University of South Alabama | Mobile, AL | 1119 | 23 |
| Spring Hill College | Mobile, AL | 1090 | 22 |
| Troy University | Troy, AL | 1086 | 22 |
| Tuskegee University | Tuskegee, AL | 1121 | 22 |
| Grand Canyon University | Phoenix, AZ | 1095 | 22 |
| Arkansas State University | Jonesboro, AR | 1119 | 22 |
| University of Central Arkansas | Conway, AR | 1117 | 22 |
| University of the Ozarks | Clarksville, AR | 1088 | 21 |
| University of La Verne | La Verne, CA | 1116 | 22 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as Multnomah University. If your SAT or ACT score is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Colorado Colorado Springs | Colorado Springs, CO | 1140 | 25 |
| Western Colorado University | Gunnison, CO | 1130 | 25 |
| Lynn University | Boca Raton, FL | 1136 | 25 |
| University of West Florida | Pensacola, FL | 1137 | 24 |
| Augustana College | Rock Island, IL | 1133 | 25 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Multnomah University. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Birmingham-Southern College | Birmingham, AL | 1197 | 24 |
| Samford University | Birmingham, AL | 1203 | 26 |
| University of Arkansas | Fayetteville, AR | 1174 | 25 |
| Harding University | Searcy, AR | 1187 | 25 |
| Ouachita Baptist University | Arkadelphia, AR | 1212 | 25 |
Degree Programs at MBC
Bachelor Degree Programs
Masters Degree Programs
Full list of all degree programs offered by Multnomah University →
Frequently Asked Questions About MBC Admissions
Graduates of this university typically earn a lower salary, $47,939 annually, especially in non-technical fields.
The tuition fee at this university is moderate, around $41,851 per year. Many students seek financial aid and scholarships to manage the cost.
47.4% 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 Multnomah University is 49.8% 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 3.25. 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 2.95, you are in the standard pool. If you are below a 2.95, we need to focus on your personal essay and letters of recommendation to explain the context behind your grades.
If your GPA is 2.85 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 3.25, 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 Multnomah University is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 1135 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 1095–1165.
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.