Last Updated: Sunday May 17, 2026  ·  Source: IPEDS & College Scorecard Nov 2025
Johnson & Wales University-Providence — Acceptance Rate and Admission Requirements
Non-Profit Private Accredited · New England Commission on Higher Education Providence, Rhode Island 83.7% Acceptance Rate

Johnson & Wales University-Providence Acceptance Rate, GPA, and Admission Requirements

📍 Providence, Rhode Island 02903-3703 🏛️ Main Campus 🌐 https://www.jwu.edu/campuses/providence/

Johnson & Wales University-Providence — Admission Snapshot 2026

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

83.7%Acceptance Rate
1107Avg SAT
23Avg ACT
$58,330Annual Cost
$43,418Grad Salary
30.2%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
83.7%
Avg SAT
1107
Avg ACT
23
Selectivity
Inclusive
Institution Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
New England Commission on Higher Education
SAT Middle 50%
970–1230
ACT Middle 50%
20–26
Need-Based Aid
30.2% receive Pell

Johnson & Wales University-Providence Acceptance Rate

Johnson & Wales University-Providence maintains an inclusive admission policy. With an acceptance rate of 83.7%, the institution prioritizes accessibility and opportunity for all qualified students.

Admissions Guidelines

  • Inclusive Enrollment: Emphasis is placed on meeting basic eligibility and high school completion.
  • Launchpad Policy: Ideal for students looking to build a GPA for future transfer or career certification.

Selectivity at a Glance

Inclusive
Johnson & Wales University-Providence Selectivity Meter
Selectivity scale: Inclusive — 83.7% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)

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 Johnson & Wales University-Providence

Admission Chance Predictor

Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on Johnson & Wales University-Providence'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

⚠️ Note: Predicting based on regional averages as this institution does not publicly report full score datasets.

Calculated via College Portal's Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards. Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.

Johnson & Wales University-Providence 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 Johnson & Wales University-Providence Without SAT or ACT?

Johnson & Wales University-Providence 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.

Johnson & Wales University-Providence Average SAT Score: 1107

The average SAT score of the admitted students at Johnson & Wales University-Providence is 1107 on the 1600 SAT scale.

SAT Competitiveness

Johnson & Wales University-Providence SAT Competitiveness
SAT 1107 — Less Competitive

This score makes it less competitive for SAT test scores. You need to put average efforts to score 1107 on the SAT.

SAT Math
535
SAT Reading
565
Composite
1107
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (1230 SAT or 26 ACT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. Johnson & Wales University-Providence allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.

If your score is below 970, retaking the SAT is strongly recommended to improve your chances at Johnson & Wales University-Providence. 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 Johnson & Wales University-Providence
SectionAverage25th Percentile75th Percentile
SAT Math535470600
SAT Reading565500630
SAT Composite11079701230

It means that if you have scored less than 970 then you are below most of the admitted students at Johnson & Wales University-Providence and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1230 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 1100

Can I get into Johnson & Wales University-Providence with a 1250 SAT?

With a 1250 SAT Score, your chances of admission at Johnson & Wales University-Providence are good but the admission staff at Johnson & Wales University-Providence 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.

Johnson & Wales University-Providence ACT Requirements

The average ACT Score at Johnson & Wales University-Providence is 23.

ACT Competitiveness

Johnson & Wales University-Providence ACT Competitiveness
ACT 23 — Slightly Competitive

This score makes Johnson & Wales University-Providence slightly Competitive for ACT scores. You need to do well to score 23 on the ACT.

ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections

ACT score percentiles for Johnson & Wales University-Providence
SectionAverage25th Percentile75th Percentile
ACT Math211824
ACT English221825
ACT Composite232026

Can I get into Johnson & Wales University-Providence with a 26 ACT?

A 26 ACT places you at the 75th percentile of admitted students at Johnson & Wales University-Providence — 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 Johnson & Wales University-Providence 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 Johnson & Wales University-Providence — 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 Johnson & Wales University-Providence 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 26 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 23

Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for Johnson & Wales University-Providence

Accessible Strategy: Academic Foundation

Johnson & Wales University-Providence 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 Johnson & Wales University-Providence to ensure your high school electives align with your intended major.

Johnson & Wales University-Providence Profile

Full Name
Johnson & Wales University-Providence
City
Providence
State
Rhode Island
ZIP Code
02903-3703
Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
New England Commission on Higher Education (NECHE)

Is a Johnson & Wales University-Providence Degree Worth It?

Getting into Johnson & Wales University-Providence 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. Johnson & Wales University-Providence 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 Johnson & Wales University-Providence is $68,900 and the graduate unemployment rate is 3.39%.

How much does a degree from Johnson & Wales University-Providence Cost?

The average annual cost of the degree at Johnson & Wales University-Providence is $58,330. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at Johnson & Wales University-Providence is much less than this.

30.2% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 73.5 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to Johnson & Wales University-Providence and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.

At Johnson & Wales University-Providence, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist Johnson & Wales University-Providence as your choice in the form.

How much does a Johnson & Wales University-Providence Graduate earn?

The average annual salary of the graduate after 4–6 years of graduation is $43,418. An average Johnson & Wales University-Providence 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.

$58,330Annual Cost
30.2%Pell Grant
73.5%Federal Loan
$43,418Grad Salary (10yr)

Compare Similar Colleges

Less Competitive

Less Competitive Schools

These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than Johnson & Wales University-Providence. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.

SchoolLocationSATACT
Auburn University at Montgomery Montgomery, AL 1090 21
Spring Hill College Mobile, AL 1090 22
Troy University Troy, AL 1086 22
Grand Canyon University Phoenix, AZ 1095 22
University of the Ozarks Clarksville, AR 1088 21
Pacific Union College Angwin, CA 1093 22
Fort Lewis College Durango, CO 1084 20
Colorado Mesa University Grand Junction, CO 1070 23
University of Northern Colorado Greeley, CO 1077 22
Central Connecticut State University New Britain, CT 1091 24
Same Competitive

Equally Competitive Schools

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

SchoolLocationSATACT
University of Central Arkansas Conway, AR 1117 22
University of La Verne La Verne, CA 1116 22
University of Saint Joseph West Hartford, CT 1100 NA
Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University Tallahassee, FL 1100 22
Flagler College Saint Augustine, FL 1099 22
More Competitive

More Competitive Schools

These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Johnson & Wales University-Providence. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.

SchoolLocationSATACT
Huntingdon College Montgomery, AL 1148 23
University of Arkansas Fayetteville, AR 1174 25
Harding University Searcy, AR 1187 25
Azusa Pacific University Azusa, CA 1155 22
University of Colorado Colorado Springs Colorado Springs, CO 1140 25

Degree Programs at Johnson & Wales University-Providence

Bachelor Degree Programs

Full list of all degree programs offered by Johnson & Wales University-Providence →

Frequently Asked Questions About Johnson & Wales University-Providence Admissions

Graduates of this university typically earn a lower salary, $43,418 annually, especially in non-technical fields.

The tuition fee at this university is quite high, approximately $58,330 or more per year, so it is important to consider additional funding options.

30.2% 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 Johnson & Wales University-Providence is 83.7% which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.

Admission to Johnson & Wales University-Providence is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 1107 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 970–1230.

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

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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