Last Updated: Sunday May 17, 2026  ·  Source: IPEDS & College Scorecard Nov 2025
Moore College of Art and Design (Moore College) — Acceptance Rate and Admission Requirements
Non-Profit Private Accredited · Middle States Commission on Higher Education Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 60.5% Acceptance Rate

Moore College of Art and Design (Moore College) Acceptance Rate, GPA, and Admission Requirements

📍 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103-1179 🏛️ Main Campus 🌐 www.moore.edu/

Moore College of Art and Design — Admission Snapshot 2026

A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application

60.5%Acceptance Rate
3.24Avg GPA
1303Avg SAT
28Avg ACT
$68,583Annual Cost
$37,839Grad Salary
40.9%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
60.5%
Avg GPA
3.24
Avg SAT
1303
Avg ACT
28
Selectivity
Somewhat Selective
Institution Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
SAT Middle 50%
1233–1411
ACT Middle 50%
25–31
Need-Based Aid
40.9% receive Pell

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 is somewhat selective in its admission process. The acceptance rate of Moore College of Art and Design is 60.5%. This means that 61 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
Moore College of Art and Design Selectivity Meter
Selectivity scale: Somewhat Selective — 60.5% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)

Recommended Academic Profile

Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.24 – 4.00
Target Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.04 – 3.23
Competitive Reach
Focus on Score Compensation
Below 2.79
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.

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.

Note: This is an unweighted GPA on a 4.0 scale. Students with AP or IB courses will typically have a weighted GPA of 3.44-3.64 for this same academic profile.

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.

Check Your Admission Chances at Moore College

Admission Chance Predictor

Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on Moore College of Art and Design'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.

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 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 Moore College Without SAT or ACT?

Moore College of Art and Design 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.

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

Moore College of Art and Design SAT Competitiveness
SAT 1303 — Competitive

This score makes it Competitive for SAT scores. You need to do well to score 1303 on the SAT.

SAT Math
676
SAT Reading
647
Composite
1303
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, retaking the SAT is strongly recommended to improve your chances at Moore College. 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

SAT score percentiles for Moore College of Art and Design
SectionAverage25th Percentile75th Percentile
SAT Math676628723
SAT Reading647605688
SAT Composite130312331411

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

Moore College of Art and Design ACT Competitiveness
ACT 28 — Competitive

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

ACT score percentiles for Moore College of Art and Design
SectionAverage25th Percentile75th Percentile
ACT Math262329
ACT English292434
ACT Composite282531

Can I get into Moore College of Art and Design with a 31 ACT?

A 31 ACT places you at the 75th percentile of admitted students at Moore College of Art and Design — meaning you score higher than 75% of students who were accepted. This is a strong position, but the ACT is just one dimension of your application. Admissions officers at Moore College of Art and Design use the ACT as a benchmark to validate your academic readiness, not as a standalone admission ticket.

Unlike the SAT, the ACT measures four distinct subject areas — English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science — each scored on a 1–36 scale. If one of your section scores is significantly lower than the others, admissions staff will notice the imbalance. For example, a weak ACT Science score at a STEM-focused institution carries more weight than the same weakness at a liberal arts college. It is worth reviewing your section-level scores and addressing any outliers before applying.

One important advantage the ACT has over the SAT is that Moore College of Art and Design — like most US universities — accepts Superscoring for the ACT, meaning they take your highest section scores across multiple test attempts and combine them into a new composite. If you have taken the ACT more than once, confirm whether Moore College of Art and Design uses Superscoring, as this could meaningfully improve your effective composite beyond what any single sitting shows.

Beyond your score, what ultimately determines admission at this level is the strength of your overall profile. Your unweighted GPA, course rigor (AP, IB, or dual enrollment), extracurricular depth, letters of recommendation, and personal essays all carry significant weight. A 31 ACT gets your application through the first filter — but your essays and activities are what move it forward from there.

View a list of all colleges with an average ACT score of 28

Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for Moore College

Accessible Strategy: Academic Foundation

Moore College is accessible to students who show core competency. The focus should be on proving readiness for college-level work and securing financial aid.

Consistency over Perfection

Prove you can handle a college curriculum by maintaining a steady or upward GPA trend. One or two lower grades won't be a dealbreaker if you've improved since.

Placement Validation

Use the SAT or ACT to exempt yourself from non-credit remedial courses. A solid score here saves you time and tuition money once you enroll.

Practical Leadership

Highlight work experience, family responsibilities, or community service. These schools value 'grit' and real-world maturity.

FAFSA & Deadlines

At schools with higher acceptance rates, the 'win' is financial. Submit your FAFSA and local scholarship apps as early as possible to maximize your aid package.

Next Step: Review the specific 'Pre-Professional' tracks at Moore College to ensure your high school electives align with your intended major.

Moore College Profile

Full Name
Moore College of Art and Design (Moore College)
City
Philadelphia
State
Pennsylvania
ZIP Code
19103-1179
Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSACHE)

Is a Moore College Degree Worth It?

Getting into Moore College 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. Moore College 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 Moore College is $70,700 and the graduate unemployment rate is 3.55%.

How much does a degree from Moore College Cost?

The average annual cost of the degree at Moore College of Art and Design is $68,583. 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.

40.9% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 84.2 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 does a Moore College Graduate earn?

The average annual salary of the graduate after 4–6 years of graduation is $37,839. 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 $40,595.

$68,583Annual Cost
40.9%Pell Grant
84.2%Federal Loan
$37,839Grad Salary (10yr)

Compare Similar Colleges

Less Competitive

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.

SchoolLocationSATACT
The University of Alabama Tuscaloosa, AL 1287 28
University of Arizona Tucson, AZ 1261 26
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott Prescott, AZ 1256 27
Biola University La Mirada, CA 1258 27
Point Loma Nazarene University San Diego, CA 1278 26
Thomas Aquinas College Santa Paula, CA 1277 29
United States Coast Guard Academy New London, CT 1290 28
University of Central Florida Orlando, FL 1277 27
Eckerd College Saint Petersburg, FL 1256 27
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach Daytona Beach, FL 1256 27
Same Competitive

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 is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.

SchoolLocationSATACT
University of the Pacific Stockton, CA 1303 27
University of San Francisco San Francisco, CA 1313 29
University of Delaware Newark, DE 1297 29
Rollins College Winter Park, FL 1304 29
Agnes Scott College Decatur, GA 1296 29
More Competitive

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.

SchoolLocationSATACT
Hendrix College Conway, AR 1336 29
Chapman University Orange, CA 1353 30
Pepperdine University Malibu, CA 1367 29
Westmont College Santa Barbara, CA 1367 32
University of Colorado Boulder Boulder, CO 1353 31

Degree Programs at Moore College

Bachelor Degree Programs

Masters Degree Programs

Post-baccalaureate Certificate Programs

Professional Certificate Programs

Full list of all degree programs offered by Moore College of Art and Design →

Frequently Asked Questions About Moore College Admissions

Graduates of this university typically earn a lower salary, $37,839 annually, especially in non-technical fields.

The tuition fee at this university is quite high, approximately $68,583 or more per year, so it is important to consider additional funding options.

40.9% 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 Moore College of Art and Design is 60.5% 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 3.24. 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 2.94, you are 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.

If your GPA is 2.84 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 3.24, applicants with lower GPAs can still be considered if they have strong test scores, extracurriculars, and compelling personal essays that demonstrate resilience and potential.

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.

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.

Last Updated: Sunday May 17, 2026

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Sohaib Ahmad Khan

Sohaib Ahmad Khan is a leading career counselor and admission guidance expert who has guided over 50,000 students worldwide. He is the author of four books and developer of widely used career counseling and aptitude assessment systems. .

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