Last Updated: Sunday May 17, 2026  ·  Source: IPEDS & College Scorecard Nov 2025
King University — Acceptance Rate and Admission Requirements
Non-Profit Private Accredited · Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges Bristol, Tennessee 54.4% Acceptance Rate

King University Acceptance Rate, GPA, and Admission Requirements

📍 Bristol, Tennessee 37620-2699 🏛️ Main Campus 🌐 https://www.king.edu/

King University — Admission Snapshot 2026

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

54.4%Acceptance Rate
3.46Avg GPA
1080Avg SAT
$47,469Annual Cost
$59,831Grad Salary
41.9%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
54.4%
Avg GPA
3.46
Avg SAT
1080
Selectivity
Somewhat Selective
Institution Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
SAT Middle 50%
1040–1110
Need-Based Aid
41.9% receive Pell

King University, founded in 1867 in Bristol, Tennessee, offers Christ-centered programs in health sciences, business, and digital media. Known for its accelerated degree options and online programs.

The 135-acre campus features the School of Nursing and Health Sciences, the Memorial Chapel, and the Student Center Complex. King's location in the Appalachian Highlands provides unique outdoor education opportunities.

King University Acceptance Rate

King University is somewhat selective in its admission process. The acceptance rate of King University is 54.4%. This means that 54 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
King University Selectivity Meter
Selectivity scale: Somewhat Selective — 54.4% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)

Recommended Academic Profile

Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.46 – 4.00
Target Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.26 – 3.45
Competitive Reach
Focus on Score Compensation
Below 3.01
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.

King University GPA Requirement

The average GPA of admitted students at King University is 3.46. 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 3.66-3.86 for this same academic profile.

If your GPA is between 3.16 and 3.46, you should aim for a high SAT or ACT score.

King University GPA & Admission Outlook

Assessment: Selective; solid academic performance is expected.

Recommended Strategy: Focus on a Strong 'Spike' in extracurriculars or research.

Admissions at King University utilize a Holistic Review process. With an average admitted GPA of 3.46, the following table illustrates how your specific academic profile aligns with institutional expectations.

Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.46 – 4.00
Target/Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.26 – 3.45
Competitive Match
Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation
3.06 – 3.25
Secondary Reach
Personal Statement & Impact
Below 3.05
Institutional Reach
Requires Significant Contextual Factors

Expert Insight: 2026 Evaluation Metrics

  • The Rigor Metric: At King University, 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 King University

Admission Chance Predictor

Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on King University's verified institutional data

--%
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.

King University 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 King University Without SAT or ACT?

King University does not require admission test scores (SAT/ACT) during the application process and does not recommend that students provide these scores. But it is better to submit the test score if you have performed well in the test. It gives an extra opportunity to showcase your skills and competencies and hence will improve your chances of admission. It is advisable to appear multiple times in the test unless you score well above the average SAT / ACT score of the admitted students. Normally, students may appear in the test 2 to 3 times to improve their scores. But if your score is not up to the mark and is less than the national or state average, then it is better not to submit the score as it will impact negatively.

King University Average SAT Score: 1080

The average SAT score of the admitted students at King University is 1080 on the 1600 SAT scale.

SAT Competitiveness

King University SAT Competitiveness
SAT 1080 — Accessible

This score makes it an easy target for SAT test scores. You need to put average efforts to score 1080 on the SAT.

Composite
1080
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (1110 SAT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. King 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 1040, retaking the SAT is strongly recommended to improve your chances at King University. 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 King University
SectionAverage25th Percentile75th Percentile
SAT Math---
SAT Reading---
SAT Composite108010401110

It means that if you have scored less than 1040 then you are below most of the admitted students at King University and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1110 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 King University with a 1100 SAT?

With a 1100 SAT Score, your chances of admission at King University are good but the admission staff at King University 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 King University

Accessible Strategy: Academic Foundation

King University 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 King University to ensure your high school electives align with your intended major.

King University Profile

Full Name
King University
City
Bristol
State
Tennessee
ZIP Code
37620-2699
Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)

Is a King University Degree Worth It?

Getting into King University 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. King University 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 King University is $48,400 and the graduate unemployment rate is 2.97%.

How much does a degree from King University Cost?

The average annual cost of the degree at King University is $47,469. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at King University is much less than this.

41.9% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 64.5 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to King University and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.

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

How much does a King University Graduate earn?

The average annual salary of the graduate after 4–6 years of graduation is $59,831. An average King University 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.

$47,469Annual Cost
41.9%Pell Grant
64.5%Federal Loan
$59,831Grad Salary (10yr)

Compare Similar Colleges

Less Competitive

Less Competitive Schools

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

SchoolLocationSATACT
Jacksonville State University Jacksonville, AL 1055 21
Marion Military Institute Marion, AL 1043 20
University of Arkansas at Little Rock Little Rock, AR 1049 21
Arkansas Tech University Russellville, AR 1050 21
Southern Arkansas University Main Campus Magnolia, AR 1050 20
University of Arkansas-Fort Smith Fort Smith, AR 1050 21
Colorado Mesa University Grand Junction, CO 1070 23
Western Connecticut State University Danbury, CT 1044 24
Baptist University of Florida Graceville, FL 1045 20
Florida College Temple Terrace, FL 1068 19
Same Competitive

Equally Competitive Schools

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

SchoolLocationSATACT
Auburn University at Montgomery Montgomery, AL 1090 21
Spring Hill College Mobile, AL 1090 22
Troy University Troy, AL 1086 22
University of the Ozarks Clarksville, AR 1088 21
Fort Lewis College Durango, CO 1084 20
More Competitive

More Competitive Schools

These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than King University. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, 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
University of Central Arkansas Conway, AR 1117 22

Degree Programs at King University

Bachelor Degree Programs

Full list of all degree programs offered by King University →

Frequently Asked Questions About King University Admissions

Graduates of this university typically earn a moderate salary, $59,831 annually, with some fluctuation based on the field.

The tuition fee at this university is moderate, around $47,469 per year. Many students seek financial aid and scholarships to manage the cost.

41.9% 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 King University is 54.4% 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 3.46. 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 3.16, you are in the standard pool. If you are below a 3.16, we need to focus on your personal essay and letters of recommendation to explain the context behind your grades.

If your GPA is 3.06 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 3.46, 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 King University is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 1080 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 1040–1110.

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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