Last Updated: Monday August 03, 2026  ·  Source: IPEDS & College Scorecard Nov 2025
University of Pittsburgh-Bradford (Pitt-Bradford) — Acceptance Rate and Admission Requirements
Public Accredited · Middle States Commission on Higher Education Bradford, Pennsylvania 90.8% Acceptance Rate

University of Pittsburgh-Bradford (Pitt-Bradford) Acceptance Rate, GPA, and Admission Requirements

📍 Bradford, Pennsylvania 16701 🏛️ Main Campus 🌐 https://www.upb.pitt.edu/

University of Pittsburgh-Bradford — Admission Snapshot 2026

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

90.8%Acceptance Rate
3.28Avg GPA
1168Avg SAT
27Avg ACT
$29,488Annual Cost
$66,125Grad Salary
46%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
90.8%
Avg GPA
3.28
Avg SAT
1168
Avg ACT
27
Selectivity
Inclusive
Institution Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
SAT Middle 50%
1030–1260
ACT Middle 50%
22–31
Avg Net Price
$16,630
Need-Based Aid
46% receive Pell

University of Pittsburgh-Bradford (Pitt-Bradford), established in 1963, offers nursing, engineering, and business programs in a small-campus setting. Ranked for affordability and teaching excellence in the North.

The wooded campus features a nursing simulation lab, engineering workshops, and outdoor recreation programs. Its connection to Pitt's main campus expands research and transfer opportunities.

University of Pittsburgh-Bradford Acceptance Rate

Admission at University of Pittsburgh-Bradford is inclusive by design. 90.8% of applicants who meet basic eligibility are accepted.

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
University of Pittsburgh-Bradford Selectivity Meter
Selectivity scale: Inclusive — 90.8% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)

Recommended Academic Profile

Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.28 – 4.00
Target Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.08 – 3.27
Competitive Reach
Focus on Score Compensation
Below 2.83
Secondary Reach
Requires Contextual Support

Source: IPEDS & College Scorecard (Nov 2025).

University of Pittsburgh-Bradford Application Deadlines & Admission Dates 2026

University of Pittsburgh-Bradford 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

Pitt-Bradford 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.

2027/02/01 (priority scholarship consideration)Scholarship Deadline
RollingAdmission Type

💡 The scholarship deadline (2027/02/01 (priority scholarship consideration)) 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.

Pitt-Bradford GPA Requirement

The average GPA of admitted students at Pitt-Bradford is 3.28. That makes admissions here competitive, but not extremely selective. Most admitted students carry a mix of A's and B's.

In the 2.98–3.28 range, a high SAT or ACT score still carries real weight.

Note the scale: this figure reflects an unweighted 4.0 GPA. Add AP or IB coursework and the equivalent weighted GPA usually lands around 3.48–3.68.

Pitt-Bradford GPA & Admission Outlook

Assessment: Admission here leans heavily on holistic review.

Recommended Strategy: Leans on context, such as leadership, personal circumstances, or a standout talent.

This range is a rough map. Where you land determines what else needs to carry weight in your application.:

Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.28 – 4.00
Strategic Reach
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.08 – 3.27
Competitive Match
Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation
2.88 – 3.07
Secondary Reach
Personal Statement & Impact
Below 2.87
Institutional Reach
Requires Significant Contextual Factors

Evaluation Metrics That Matter Here

  • General admission (except nursing, engineering, mathematics) requires 15 high school college-preparatory units; SAT/ACT scores are optional and stated to never hurt a student's chances.
  • The Associate Degree Nursing program specifically requires top two-fifths class rank plus a minimum combined SAT of 1025 (old)/1110 (new) or ACT composite of 22.
  • Average GPA for the Fall 2025 incoming class was 3.37, with average SAT around 1115 and average ACT around 22.
  • As a regional Pitt campus, some majors are more easily entered at Bradford but require transferring to the main Oakland campus to finish degree-specific coursework.
  • Rigor Over Raw Number: Course rigor is read alongside the number itself. A 3.8 with a demanding schedule can beat a 4.0 without one.
  • Trajectory Matters: Grades that climb toward graduation tend to matter more than a flat average. The trajectory tells its own story.

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 Pitt-Bradford

Admission Chance Predictor

Built from University of Pittsburgh-Bradford's own verified admissions data — adjust the sliders below

--%
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.

University of Pittsburgh-Bradford (Pitt-Bradford) Test Requirements

Scores aren't just a formality at Pitt-Bradford. Landing within or above the 2026 admitted class's middle 50% keeps you fully competitive, even where submission is optional.

Can I Get Into Pitt-Bradford Without SAT or ACT?

Pitt-Bradford considers scores when submitted, without requiring them. Prepare well and submit your best attempt. Most applicants test 2–3 times.

University of Pittsburgh-Bradford Average SAT Score: 1168

Admitted students at University of Pittsburgh-Bradford average a 1168 SAT (out of 1600).

SAT Competitiveness

University of Pittsburgh-Bradford SAT Competitiveness
SAT 1168 — Less Competitive

A 1168 average leaves meaningful room above it for a competitive application.

SAT Math
570
SAT Reading
575
Composite
1168
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (1260 SAT or 31 ACT) to stand out. Below average? University of Pittsburgh-Bradford allows Score Choice for the SAT, so a retake only helps — a low sitting never has to be sent.

Scored under 1030? A retake is worth it at Pitt-Bradford. Two or three sittings is standard for competitive applicants, and there's no cap on how many times you can test.

SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections

SAT score percentiles for University of Pittsburgh-Bradford
SectionAverage25th Percentile75th Percentile
SAT Math570510630
SAT Reading575520630
SAT Composite116810301260

A score under 1030 puts you in the lower quarter of admits; 1260+ puts you ahead of three-quarters of the admitted class. (These percentiles mark where a given share of the admitted class scored at or below.)

View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1150

Can I get into University of Pittsburgh-Bradford (Pitt-Bradford) with a 1250 SAT?

At 1250, your SAT is squarely in Pitt-Bradford's favor. That said, admissions staff read the full file. GPA, activities, and essays still carry real weight even with a strong score in hand.

University of Pittsburgh-Bradford (Pitt-Bradford) ACT Requirements

Pitt-Bradford's admitted students average an ACT of 27.

ACT Competitiveness

University of Pittsburgh-Bradford ACT Competitiveness
ACT 27 — Competitive

An average of 27 is a respectable, above-average national benchmark.

ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections

ACT score percentiles for University of Pittsburgh-Bradford
SectionAverage25th Percentile75th Percentile
ACT Math252029
ACT English272331
ACT Composite272231

Can I get into University of Pittsburgh-Bradford with a 31 ACT?

At 31, you're in the top quarter of Pitt-Bradford's admitted class by ACT score. That's a real advantage, but admissions still reads GPA, essays, and activities alongside it.

The ACT's four sections, English, Math, Reading, and Science, are each scored independently on a 1–36 scale, and admissions staff do notice a lopsided breakdown. If one section trails the others significantly, that's worth addressing before you apply, particularly for STEM programs where Science carries extra weight.

Beyond the number itself, Pitt-Bradford weighs your transcript rigor, activities, recommendations, and essays just as heavily. The ACT opens the door, and the rest of your file decides what happens next.

View a list of all colleges with an average ACT score of 27

Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for Pitt-Bradford

Inclusive Strategy: Success & Transfer

Getting into Pitt-Bradford is the easy part. What matters next is using placement testing, advising, and available resources to set up a strong first year.

Understand the ADN Nursing Program's Distinct, Higher-Stakes Bar

Unlike general admission (test-optional, scores that "will never hurt" chances), the Associate Degree Nursing program specifically requires placing in the top two-fifths of the graduating class plus a minimum combined SAT of 1025 (old test)/1110 (new test) or ACT composite of 22. Treat these as hard prerequisites rather than assuming the general test-optional policy applies.

Confirm Whether the Target Major Requires Finishing at Pitt's Main Campus

Some majors with limited local enrollment are more easily entered at Bradford but typically require transferring to Pitt's main Oakland campus to complete degree-specific coursework. Ask the intended department directly whether the major can be completed entirely at Bradford or requires this two-campus sequence.

Verify Major-Specific Exceptions to the 15-Unit Standard

General admission (except nursing, engineering, and mathematics) requires 15 specific high school college-prep units. Students targeting engineering, mathematics, or nursing should confirm those majors' distinct unit or test requirements directly, since they're carved out as exceptions.

Submit Test Scores If Targeting Nursing, Despite the General Optional Policy

Because ADN admission has a specific minimum test score requirement, nursing applicants should submit SAT/ACT scores regardless of the school's general test-optional messaging, since they're evaluated under a different, more numeric standard.

Expert Insight:

Do not assume Pitt-Bradford's general test-optional, "scores will never hurt you" admissions messaging applies uniformly across all programs - the Associate Degree Nursing program specifically requires a minimum test score and top-two-fifths class rank, a meaningfully different and more numeric bar than general admission.

Pitt-Bradford Profile

Full Name
University of Pittsburgh-Bradford (Pitt-Bradford)
City
Bradford
State
Pennsylvania
ZIP Code
16701
Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSACHE)

Is a Pitt-Bradford Degree Worth It?

Whether Pitt-Bradford 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.

Admitted students' families report a median household income around $58,500, and graduates see a 3.28% unemployment rate.

How much does a degree from Pitt-Bradford Cost?

Listed tuition runs $29,488/year at Pitt-Bradford. Factor in Pell and federal grant aid, and most students land closer to $16,630.

At Pitt-Bradford, 46% receive a Pell Grant and 68.5% carry federal loans. Filing FAFSA early and naming Pitt-Bradford on it improves your shot at both.

How much does a Pitt-Bradford Graduate earn?

Ten years out from enrollment, Pitt-Bradford graduates report a median income of $66,125, about 63% above the U.S. median graduate income.

$29,488Annual Cost
$16,630Net Price
46%Pell Grant
68.5%Federal Loan
$66,125Grad Salary (10yr)

Compare Similar Colleges

Less Competitive

Less Competitive Schools

These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than University of Pittsburgh-Bradford. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.

SchoolLocationSATACT
Huntingdon College Montgomery, AL 1148 23
University of South Alabama Mobile, AL 1119 23
Tuskegee University Tuskegee, AL 1121 22
Arkansas State University Jonesboro, AR 1119 22
Azusa Pacific University Azusa, CA 1155 22
University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus Denver, CO 1119 24
University of Colorado Colorado Springs Colorado Springs, CO 1140 25
Western Colorado University Gunnison, CO 1130 25
Lynn University Boca Raton, FL 1136 25
Florida Atlantic University Boca Raton, FL 1119 23
Same Competitive

Equally Competitive Schools

These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as University of Pittsburgh-Bradford. If your SAT or ACT score is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.

SchoolLocationSATACT
University of Arkansas Fayetteville, AR 1174 25
Savannah College of Art and Design Savannah, GA 1178 25
The College of Idaho Caldwell, ID 1166 24
North Central College Naperville, IL 1165 25
Ball State University Muncie, IN 1172 28
More Competitive

More Competitive Schools

These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than University of Pittsburgh-Bradford. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.

SchoolLocationSATACT
University of Mobile Mobile, AL 1220 24
Samford University Birmingham, AL 1203 26
John Brown University Siloam Springs, AR 1222 26
Ouachita Baptist University Arkadelphia, AR 1212 25
California Lutheran University Thousand Oaks, CA 1224 26

Degree Programs at Pitt-Bradford

Bachelor Degree Programs

Frequently Asked Questions About Pitt-Bradford Admissions

University of Pittsburgh-Bradford graduates earn a moderate median salary of $66,125/year, with some variation by field.

Tuition at University of Pittsburgh-Bradford is relatively affordable, around $29,488/year.

46.0% of University of Pittsburgh-Bradford students get a Pell Grant. Your odds depend mostly on household income, and filing FAFSA early still helps maximize what you're offered.

University of Pittsburgh-Bradford's acceptance rate is 90.8%, comparatively higher than most selective universities. Admission is more attainable here.

The average GPA of admitted University of Pittsburgh-Bradford students is 3.28, reflecting a competitive applicant pool.

There's no strict cutoff, but a GPA at or above 2.98 puts you in the standard applicant pool at University of Pittsburgh-Bradford. Below that, your essays and recommendations need to work harder to provide context.

A GPA of 2.88 or below makes admission tougher at University of Pittsburgh-Bradford, but strong test scores, activities, and essays, plus AP/IB coursework, can still keep you in contention.

University of Pittsburgh-Bradford weighs the SAT heavily. Scoring above 1168, and within the 1030–1260 range, keeps you competitive.

University of Pittsburgh-Bradford follows Rolling Admissions. Applications are reviewed year-round, so applying early is your best strategy.

For priority financial aid consideration, get your FAFSA in before 2027/02/01 (priority scholarship consideration). That's University of Pittsburgh-Bradford's scholarship priority date.

Transferring in is a well-trodden path here. Line up your transcripts, recommendations, and a strong personal statement before applying.

The biggest levers are academic performance, a clear extracurricular focus, and essays that stand out, plus a solid test score where the school considers one.

SK

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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