Non-Profit Private
Accredited · Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Austin, Texas
83.7% Acceptance Rate
Saint Edward's University — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
83.7%Acceptance Rate
3.53Avg GPA
1135Avg SAT
23Avg ACT
$64,975Annual Cost
$58,826Grad Salary
39.5%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
83.7%
Avg GPA
3.53
Avg SAT
1135
Avg ACT
23
Selectivity
Inclusive
Institution Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
SAT Middle 50%
1030–1235
ACT Middle 50%
20–25
Need-Based Aid
39.5% receive Pell
Saint Edward's University is a private, Catholic, Holy Cross university in Texas known for its commitment to academic excellence, social justice, and global perspective. Fostering a supportive and diverse environment, the university encourages students to think critically, act ethically, and contribute to the betterment of their communities.
Saint Edward's University Acceptance Rate
Saint Edward's University (St. Edwards University) 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
Selectivity scale: Inclusive — 83.7% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
Recommended Academic Profile
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.53 – 4.00
Target Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.33 – 3.52
Competitive Reach
Focus on Score Compensation
Below 3.08
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.
Saint Edward's University Application Deadlines & Admission Dates 2026
Saint Edward's University follows a Rolling Admissions policy, meaning applications are reviewed as they arrive and there is no single fixed deadline, though the priority deadline of December 1 is recommended for the best chances of admission and financial aid.
Key Admission Dates
⏳ 133 days left — Priority
Rolling Admissions — Apply Anytime
St. Edwards University 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.
Priority
December 1
💡 The scholarship deadline (2025/12/01 (Merit scholarship priority)) 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.
St. Edwards University GPA Requirement
The average GPA of the admitted students at St. Edwards University is 3.53. St. Edwards University is highly selective.
Mostly A's with a few B's will keep you competitive. Taking AP/IB courses related to your field will improve your chances.
Note: This is an unweighted GPA on a 4.0 scale. Students with AP or IB courses will typically have a weighted GPA of 3.73-3.93 for this same academic profile.If your GPA is between 3.23 and 3.53, a strong SAT or ACT score is recommended.
St. Edwards University GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Selective; solid academic performance is expected.
Recommended Strategy: Focus on a Strong 'Spike' in extracurriculars or research.
Admissions at St. Edwards University utilize a Holistic Review process. With an average admitted GPA of 3.53, the following table illustrates how your specific academic profile aligns with institutional expectations.
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.53 – 4.00
Target/Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.33 – 3.52
Competitive Match
Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation
3.13 – 3.32
Secondary Reach
Personal Statement & Impact
Below 3.12
Institutional Reach
Requires Significant Contextual Factors
Expert Insight: 2026 Evaluation Metrics
- St. Edward's is a private Holy Cross Catholic university in Austin with holistic, test-optional review; application rounds are First Review (Nov 1), Early App-I (Dec 1), Early App-II (Jan 1) - all fee-waived - then Priority (Feb 1) and Final (May 1).
- The university launched its first-ever Nursing program in Fall 2024 (CCNE-accredited by 2025), with three BSN pathways including a 13-month Accelerated BSN for second-degree students.
- In September 2025, the U.S. Department of Education eliminated discretionary Hispanic-Serving Institution grant funding nationwide, ending federal support for St. Edward's CAMP (continuous since 1972) and McNair Scholars programs; the university is replacing this funding through private donations.
- Only one academic letter of recommendation is required (more may be submitted), and holistic review weighs curriculum rigor and essay quality more heavily in the absence of required test scores.
- The Rigor Metric: At St. Edwards 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 St. Edwards University
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on Saint Edward's University'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.
Saint Edward's University (St. Edwards 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 St. Edwards University Without SAT or ACT?
Saint Edward's University 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.
Saint Edward's University Average SAT Score: 1135
The average SAT score of the admitted students at Saint Edward's University is 1135 on the 1600 SAT scale.
SAT Competitiveness
SAT 1135 — Less Competitive
This score makes it less competitive for SAT test scores. You need to put average efforts to score 1135 on the SAT.
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (1235 SAT or 25 ACT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. Saint Edward's 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 1030, retaking the SAT is strongly recommended to improve your chances at St. Edwards 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
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 548 | 500 | 595 |
| SAT Reading | 585 | 530 | 640 |
| SAT Composite | 1135 | 1030 | 1235 |
It means that if you have scored less than 1030 then you are below most of the admitted students at St. Edwards University and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1235 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 1150
Can I get into Saint Edward's University (St. Edwards University) with a 1250 SAT?
With a 1250 SAT Score, your chances of admission at Saint Edward's University (St. Edwards University) are good but the admission staff at St. Edwards 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.
Saint Edward's University (St. Edwards University) ACT Requirements
The average ACT Score at St. Edwards University is 23.
ACT Competitiveness
ACT 23 — Slightly Competitive
This score makes Saint Edward's University slightly Competitive for ACT scores. You need to do well to score 23 on the ACT.
ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 20 | 17 | 23 |
| ACT English | 23 | 20 | 26 |
| ACT Composite | 23 | 20 | 25 |
Can I get into Saint Edward's University with a 25 ACT?
A 25 ACT places you at the 75th percentile of admitted students at Saint Edward's University — 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 Saint Edward's University 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 Saint Edward's University — 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 Saint Edward's University 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 25 ACT gets your application through the first filter — but your essays and activities are what move it forward from there.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for St. Edwards University
Accessible Strategy: Academic Foundation
St. Edwards University is accessible to students who show core competency. The focus should be on proving readiness for college-level work and securing financial aid.
Hit One of the Three Free Early Rounds
St. Edward's runs a multi-round system: First Review (November 1), Early Application-I (December 1), and Early Application-II (January 1) all waive the $50 fee, followed by Priority (February 1) and Final (May 1). Apply in one of the three free rounds rather than treating this as a single "apply whenever" rolling deadline - earlier rounds get faster decisions and put your file in front of more uncommitted scholarship dollars before the Priority deadline.
Name the Brand-New BSN Pathway Directly If You're Health-Science Bound
St. Edward's launched its first-ever Nursing program with a Fall 2024 inaugural cohort of just 10 students, achieving full CCNE accreditation in 2025. Three BSN pathways exist, including a 13-month Accelerated BSN for applicants who already hold a bachelor's degree. Because this program is brand new and still small, contact the Department of Nursing directly to confirm current cohort size and cycle timing rather than assuming it follows the same rolling pattern as the general university application.
Pick Your One Recommender to Show Improvement, Not Just Strength
St. Edward's explicitly says it looks for "demonstrated academic success and improvement... throughout high school," not simply a flat high GPA, and requires only one academic letter of recommendation (though more can be submitted). Choose the recommender who can speak specifically to a challenge you worked through or a trajectory of improvement - that maps directly onto the stated holistic-review criteria rather than just confirming you're a strong student.
Ask Directly What Replaced Federally-Funded HSI Support Programs
In September 2025, the U.S. Department of Education eliminated discretionary Hispanic-Serving Institution grant funding nationwide, cutting federal support for St. Edward's College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP - the longest continuously-running CAMP program in the U.S., serving migrant-background students since 1972) and its McNair Scholars program. The university is now funding replacements through private donations. If you were counting on either program, ask admissions directly what the current privately-funded equivalent looks like rather than assuming the old federal structure is still in place.
Expert Insight:
The most common mistake is treating the rolling multi-round system as a single flexible deadline. Missing all three free early rounds (Nov 1 / Dec 1 / Jan 1) means paying the $50 fee and getting meaningfully less runway before scholarship-relevant Priority (Feb 1) and Final (May 1) deadlines. Separately, don't assume every support program named in older marketing materials - specifically CAMP and McNair - still carries the federal funding it historically did; those specific line items were eliminated in fall 2025 pending private-donor replacement.
St. Edwards University Profile
Full Name
Saint Edward's University (St. Edwards University)
City
Austin
State
Texas
ZIP Code
78704-6489
Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
Is a St. Edwards University Degree Worth It?
Getting into St. Edwards 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. St. Edwards 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 St. Edwards University is $71,200 and the graduate unemployment rate is 3.06%.
How much does a degree from St. Edwards University Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at Saint Edward's University is $64,975. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at Saint Edward's University is much less than this.
39.5% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 48.1 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to St. Edwards University and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At Saint Edward's University, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist St. Edwards University as your choice in the form.
How much does a St. Edwards University Graduate earn?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4–6 years of graduation is $58,826. An average St. Edwards 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.
Compare Similar Colleges
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than Saint Edward's University. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Auburn University at Montgomery | Montgomery, AL | 1090 | 21 |
| University of South Alabama | Mobile, AL | 1119 | 23 |
| Spring Hill College | Mobile, AL | 1090 | 22 |
| Troy University | Troy, AL | 1086 | 22 |
| Tuskegee University | Tuskegee, AL | 1121 | 22 |
| Grand Canyon University | Phoenix, AZ | 1095 | 22 |
| Arkansas State University | Jonesboro, AR | 1119 | 22 |
| University of Central Arkansas | Conway, AR | 1117 | 22 |
| University of the Ozarks | Clarksville, AR | 1088 | 21 |
| University of La Verne | La Verne, CA | 1116 | 22 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as Saint Edward's University. If your SAT or ACT score is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Colorado Colorado Springs | Colorado Springs, CO | 1140 | 25 |
| Western Colorado University | Gunnison, CO | 1130 | 25 |
| Lynn University | Boca Raton, FL | 1136 | 25 |
| University of West Florida | Pensacola, FL | 1137 | 24 |
| Augustana College | Rock Island, IL | 1133 | 25 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Saint Edward's University. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Birmingham-Southern College | Birmingham, AL | 1197 | 24 |
| Samford University | Birmingham, AL | 1203 | 26 |
| University of Arkansas | Fayetteville, AR | 1174 | 25 |
| Harding University | Searcy, AR | 1187 | 25 |
| Ouachita Baptist University | Arkadelphia, AR | 1212 | 25 |
Degree Programs at St. Edwards University
Bachelor Degree Programs
Frequently Asked Questions About St. Edwards University Admissions
Graduates of this university typically earn a moderate salary, $58,826 annually, with some fluctuation based on the field.
The tuition fee at this university is quite high, approximately $64,975 or more per year, so it is important to consider additional funding options.
39.5% 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 Saint Edward's University is 83.7% 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 3.53. 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 3.23, you are in the standard pool. If you are below a 3.23, we need to focus on your personal essay and letters of recommendation to explain the context behind your grades.
If your GPA is 3.13 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 3.53, 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 Saint Edward's University is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 1135 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 1030–1235.
The application deadline for Saint Edward's University is December 1. The institution also offers Rolling Admissions, so applying early improves your chances.
The scholarship priority deadline is 2025/12/01 (Merit scholarship priority). Submit your FAFSA before this date for maximum aid consideration.
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.