Moore College of Art and Design Moore College of Art and Design, founded in 1848 in Philadelphia, is the nation's first and only women's visual arts college. The urban campus offers bachelor's and graduate programs in fine arts, design, and art education with a 7:1 student-faculty ratio. Moore is particularly renowned for its programs in illustration, graphic design, and fashion design. Campus features include the Galleries at Moore and the newly renovated Wilson Hall studios.
Moore takes pride in its commitment to educating women in the visual arts and its location in Philadelphia's cultural district. Students benefit from internship opportunities with museums, design firms, and cultural organizations. The college's annual Senior Show connects students with potential employers. Recent initiatives include expanded programs in animation and interactive design. Moore's combination of artistic excellence, women-centered education, and urban location makes it a distinctive institution in arts education.
Moore College of Art and Design Acceptance Rate
Moore College of Art and Design (Moore College) is somewhat selective. With an acceptance rate of 60.51%, the school is accessible to students who demonstrate foundational academic competency and a readiness for college-level work.
Admissions Guidelines
- Broad Evaluation: Personal growth and vocational goals are considered alongside grades.
- Flexible Standards: Strengths in extracurriculars can often balance an average GPA.
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem .
Moore College of Art and Design Admission Requirements
Moore College GPA Requirement
The average GPA of admitted students at Moore College is 3.24. Admission is competitive, but not extremely selective.
A mix of A’s and B’s is acceptable, and taking AP/IB courses helps.
If your GPA is between 2.94 and 3.24, you should aim for a high SAT or ACT score.
Moore College GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Holistic review is critical for admission.
Recommended Strategy: Requires Contextual Factors (Leadership, hardship, or talent).
Admissions at Moore College utilize a Holistic Review process. With an average admitted GPA of 3.24, the following table illustrates how your specific academic profile aligns with institutional expectations.
| Candidate GPA Range | Admission Category | Strategic Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| 3.24 – 4.00 | Strategic Reach | Maintain Rigor & High Testing |
| 3.04 – 3.23 | Competitive Match | Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation |
| 2.84 – 3.03 | Secondary Reach | Personal Statement & Impact |
| Below 2.83 | Institutional Reach | Requires Significant Contextual Factors |
Expert Insight: 2026 Evaluation Metrics
- The Rigor Metric: At Moore College, 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.
Moore College of Art and Design (Moore College) 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 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.
Moore College of Art and Design Average SAT Score: 1303
The average SAT score of the admitted students at Moore College of Art and Design is 1303 on the 1600 SAT scale.
SAT Competitiveness
This score makes it Competitive for SAT scores. You need to do well to score 1303 on the SAT.
Key Insight:Aim for the 75th percentile (1411 SAT or 31 ACT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. Moore College of Art and Design allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.
If your score is below 1233, you must retake the SAT to improve your chances of admission to Moore College. 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 | 676 | 628 | 723 |
| SAT Reading | 647 | 605 | 688 |
| SAT Composite | 1303 | 1233 | 1411 |
It means that if you have scored less than 1233 then you are below most of the admitted students at Moore College and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1411 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 1300
Can I get into Moore College of Art and Design (Moore College) with a 1400 SAT?
With a 1400 SAT Score, your chances of admission at Moore College of Art and Design (Moore College) are good but the admission staff at Moore College 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.
Moore College of Art and Design (Moore College) ACT Requirements
The average ACT Score at Moore College is 28.
ACT Competitiveness
This score makes Moore College of Art and Design Competitive for ACT scores. You need to do well to score 28 on the ACT.
ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 26 | 23 | 29 |
| ACT English | 29 | 24 | 34 |
| ACT Composite | 28 | 25 | 31 |
Can I get into Moore College of Art and Design with a 31 ACT?
With a 31 ACT Score, your chances of admission at Moore College of Art and Design 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 28.Moore College Profile
Name: Moore College of Art and Design (Moore College)
City: Philadelphia
URL: www.moore.edu/
State: Pennsylvania
Type: Non-Profit Private
Zip: 19103-1179
Campus: Main
Accredited by: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSACHE)
How much does a degree from Moore College Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at Moore College of Art and Design is USD: 68583. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at Moore College of Art and Design is much less than this.
How can I get a scholarship?
40.85% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 84.23 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to Moore College and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At Moore College of Art and Design, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist Moore College as your choice in the form.
How much a Moore College Graduate make?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4-6 years of graduation is USD 37839. An average Moore College 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 Moore College of Art and Design. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| The University of Alabama | The University of Alabama, AL | 1287 | 28 |
| University of Arizona | University of Arizona, AZ | 1261 | 26 |
| Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott | Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott, AZ | 1256 | 27 |
| Biola University | Biola University, CA | 1258 | 27 |
| Point Loma Nazarene University | Point Loma Nazarene University, CA | 1278 | 26 |
| Thomas Aquinas College | Thomas Aquinas College, CA | 1277 | 29 |
| United States Coast Guard Academy | United States Coast Guard Academy, CT | 1290 | 28 |
| University of Central Florida | University of Central Florida, FL | 1277 | 27 |
| Eckerd College | Eckerd College, FL | 1256 | 27 |
| Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach | Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach, FL | 1256 | 27 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as Moore College of Art and Design. If your SAT or ACT score are competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of the Pacific | University of the Pacific, CA | 1303 | 27 |
| University of San Francisco | University of San Francisco, CA | 1313 | 29 |
| University of Delaware | University of Delaware, DE | 1297 | 29 |
| Rollins College | Rollins College, FL | 1304 | 29 |
| Agnes Scott College | Agnes Scott College, GA | 1296 | 29 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Moore College of Art and Design. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hendrix College | Hendrix College, AR | 1336 | 29 |
| Chapman University | Chapman University, CA | 1353 | 30 |
| Pepperdine University | Pepperdine University, CA | 1367 | 29 |
| Westmont College | Westmont College, CA | 1367 | 32 |
| University of Colorado Boulder | University of Colorado Boulder, CO | 1353 | 31 |
Degree Programs
Bachelor Degree Programs
- Design and Applied Arts
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Museology/Museum Studies
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Visual and Performing Arts, General
Masters Degree Programs
- Cultural Studies/Critical Theory and Analysis
- Design and Applied Arts
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
Frequently Asked Questions About Moore College of Art and Design Admissions
Answer: Graduates of this university typically earn a lower salary, $37839 annually, especially in non-technical fields.
Question: What is the tuition fee?
Answer: The tuition fee at this university is quite high, approximately $68583 or more per year for out-of-state students, so it is important to consider additional funding options.
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 Moore College of Art and Design is 60.51 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 3.24. 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 2.94, you're in the standard pool. If you are below a 2.94, 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 2.94 GPA?
Answer: If your GPA is 2.84 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 Moore College of Art and Design if my GPA is below 2.84
Answer: While the average GPA of admitted students is 3.24, 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 Moore College of Art and Design is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 1303 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 1233-1411
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 Moore College of Art and Design.
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.