Non-Profit Private
Accredited · Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Seguin, Texas
94.8% Acceptance Rate
Texas Lutheran University — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
94.8%Acceptance Rate
3.9Avg GPA
1124Avg SAT
25Avg ACT
$47,548Annual Cost
$53,863Grad Salary
37.6%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
94.8%
Avg GPA
3.9
Avg SAT
1124
Avg ACT
25
Selectivity
Inclusive
Institution Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
SAT Middle 50%
1030–1230
ACT Middle 50%
22–28
Need-Based Aid
37.6% receive Pell
Texas Lutheran University is a private, liberal arts university that emphasizes the integration of faith, rigorous academics, and professional preparation. Admissions are holistic, evaluating students on their academic potential, personal character, and their readiness to thrive in an environment that prioritizes mentorship. The university seeks individuals who are ready to engage in a supportive, mission-focused environment that values both personal development and ethical leadership.
Successful applicants often demonstrate significant involvement in service-oriented activities, reflecting the university's values. A personal statement that discusses how the student's personal and professional goals align with the university's mission?and how they intend to contribute to its diverse, community-focused campus culture?is strongly encouraged. The admissions team looks for students who are not only academically prepared for university-level study but who are also committed to becoming principled, service-minded leaders in their future careers.
Texas Lutheran University Acceptance Rate
Admission at Texas Lutheran University is inclusive by design. 94.8% 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
Selectivity scale: Inclusive — 94.8% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
Recommended Academic Profile
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.90 – 4.00
Target Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.70 – 3.89
Competitive Reach
Focus on Score Compensation
Below 3.45
Secondary Reach
Requires Contextual Support
Source: IPEDS & College Scorecard (Nov 2025).
Texas Lutheran University Application Deadlines & Admission Dates 2026
Texas Lutheran 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
⏳ 120 days left — Priority
Rolling Admissions — Apply Anytime
TLU 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 (December 1, 2026) 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.
TLU GPA Requirement
The average GPA of admitted students at TLU is 3.9. That makes admissions here extremely selective. Most admitted students carry straight A's, with very little room for a B.
If your GPA sits between 3.60 and 3.9, a high SAT or ACT score is the most reliable way to compensate.
Note the scale: this figure reflects an unweighted 4.0 GPA. Add AP or IB coursework and the equivalent weighted GPA usually lands around 4.10–4.30.TLU GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: This tier demands elite, top-of-class academic standing.
Recommended Strategy: Pair the GPA with heavy Course Rigor, including AP, IB, or Honors, to back it up.
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
3.90 – 4.00
Academic Target
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.70 – 3.89
Competitive Match
Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation
3.50 – 3.69
Secondary Reach
Personal Statement & Impact
Below 3.49
Institutional Reach
Requires Significant Contextual Factors
Evaluation Metrics That Matter Here
- TLU's Direct-Entry MSN, Accelerated BSN, and Accelerated Transfer BSN programs are located in Houston and New Braunfels, Texas - not the main Seguin campus - and are managed via the Risepoint online program partner.
- General nursing admission requires specific science prerequisites (A&P I & II, Microbiology, General Chemistry, Nutrition, Pathophysiology) with a 3.0 GPA cumulative, completed within the last 7 years.
- ATI TEAS composite score requirements differ by program: 70+ overall AND in Science for the Direct-Entry MSN; 70+ overall only for the Accelerated BSN and Accelerated Transfer BSN.
- TLU's general undergraduate application requires an essay and offers automatic academic scholarships ($20,000-$25,000/year) based on GPA and test scores, with additional SAT/ACT bonuses of $1,000-$3,000.
- 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 TLU
Admission Chance Predictor
Built from Texas Lutheran University's own verified admissions data — adjust the sliders below
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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.
Texas Lutheran University (TLU) Test Requirements
Scores aren't just a formality at TLU. Landing within or above the 2026 admitted class's middle 50% keeps you fully competitive, even where submission is optional.
Can I Get Into TLU Without SAT or ACT?
TLU considers scores when submitted, without requiring them. Prepare well and submit your best attempt. Most applicants test 2–3 times.
Texas Lutheran University Average SAT Score: 1124
Admitted students at Texas Lutheran University average a 1124 SAT (out of 1600).
SAT Competitiveness
SAT 1124 — Less Competitive
A 1124 average leaves meaningful room above it for a competitive application.
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (1230 SAT or 28 ACT) to stand out. Below average? Texas Lutheran University 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 TLU. 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
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 560 | 510 | 610 |
| SAT Reading | 570 | 520 | 620 |
| SAT Composite | 1124 | 1030 | 1230 |
A score under 1030 puts you in the lower quarter of admits; 1230+ 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 1100
Can I get into Texas Lutheran University (TLU) with a 1250 SAT?
At 1250, your SAT is squarely in TLU'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.
Texas Lutheran University (TLU) ACT Requirements
TLU's admitted students average an ACT of 25.
ACT Competitiveness
ACT 25 — Slightly Competitive
An average of 25 tracks near the middle of the national distribution.
ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 22 | 19 | 25 |
| ACT English | 23 | 20 | 26 |
| ACT Composite | 25 | 22 | 28 |
Can I get into Texas Lutheran University with a 28 ACT?
At 28, you're in the top quarter of TLU'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, TLU 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.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for TLU
Inclusive Strategy: Success & Transfer
TLU provides an open gateway to higher education. Success here is about using available resources well and planning your longer-term academic or career path.
Know that TLU's accelerated nursing programs are in Houston and New Braunfels - not on the Seguin campus
TLU's Direct-Entry MSN, Accelerated BSN, and Accelerated Transfer BSN programs are physically located in Houston and New Braunfels, Texas, not at the main Seguin campus, and are managed through Risepoint, an online program management partner, though TLU retains responsibility for admissions and academics. If accelerated nursing is your goal, plan around one of these two specific cities rather than assuming you'll be studying on TLU's traditional Seguin campus.
Complete your science prerequisites within the 7-year window, with a 3.0 GPA
TLU's general nursing admission requirements include Human Anatomy and Physiology I & II, Microbiology, General Chemistry (all with labs), Nutrition, and Pathophysiology, all completed with a cumulative 3.0 GPA within the last seven years - a hard cutoff that can disqualify older coursework even with strong grades. If any of your science prerequisites are approaching the 7-year mark, retake the oldest one before applying rather than risk having your application deemed incomplete.
Ask about the current Accelerated BSN scholarship before you commit
TLU has offered a $6,000 scholarship specifically for Accelerated BSN students as a time-sensitive incentive - the kind of promotional award that can change or expire between admissions cycles. Ask your enrollment representative directly whether this scholarship is still active for your specific application cycle before finalizing your financial plan, since named program incentives like this are rarely permanent.
Take the ATI TEAS with the specific overall and Science-section thresholds in mind
TLU's Direct-Entry MSN requires a TEAS composite of 70+ overall AND in Science specifically, while the Accelerated BSN and Accelerated Transfer BSN require only a 70+ overall composite without a separate Science-section threshold. If you're deciding between the MSN and BSN accelerated tracks, know that the MSN's dual-threshold requirement is a real, additional hurdle the BSN options don't have - prepare your Science-section study time accordingly if you're aiming for the MSN.
Expert Insight:
A specific and easy-to-miss detail is that TLU's traditional undergraduate nursing program (Seguin campus) and its accelerated post-baccalaureate nursing programs (Houston/New Braunfels, second-degree only) are structurally distinct offerings with different admission requirements, locations, and target students - a prospective first-year applicant researching "TLU nursing" online may land on the accelerated program's admissions page and mistakenly apply requirements meant for career-changers with existing bachelor's degrees.
TLU Profile
Full Name
Texas Lutheran University (TLU)
City
Seguin
State
Texas
ZIP Code
78155-5999
Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
Is a TLU Degree Worth It?
Whether TLU 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 $65,500, and graduates see a 3.22% unemployment rate.
How much does a degree from TLU Cost?
Listed tuition runs $47,548/year at TLU. Factor in Pell and federal grant aid, and most students land typically much lower.
At TLU, 37.6% receive a Pell Grant and 65.9% carry federal loans. Filing FAFSA early and naming TLU on it improves your shot at both.
How much does a TLU Graduate earn?
Ten years out from enrollment, TLU graduates report a median income of $53,863, about 33% above the U.S. median graduate income.
Compare Similar Colleges
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than Texas Lutheran 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 |
| 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 |
| University of Northern Colorado | Greeley, CO | 1077 | 22 |
| Central Connecticut State University | New Britain, CT | 1091 | 24 |
| University of Saint Joseph | West Hartford, CT | 1100 | NA |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as Texas Lutheran University. If your SAT or ACT score is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| University of La Verne | La Verne, CA | 1116 | 22 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Texas Lutheran 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 |
| Azusa Pacific University | Azusa, CA | 1155 | 22 |
Degree Programs at TLU
Bachelor Degree Programs
Frequently Asked Questions About TLU Admissions
Texas Lutheran University graduates earn a moderate median salary of $53,863/year, with some variation by field.
Tuition at Texas Lutheran University is moderate, around $47,548/year; many students supplement with aid.
37.6% of Texas Lutheran University students get a Pell Grant. Your odds depend mostly on household income, and filing FAFSA early still helps maximize what you're offered.
Texas Lutheran University's acceptance rate is 94.8%, comparatively higher than most selective universities. Admission is more attainable here.
The average GPA of admitted Texas Lutheran University students is 3.9, reflecting a competitive applicant pool.
There's no strict cutoff, but a GPA at or above 3.6 puts you in the standard applicant pool at Texas Lutheran University. Below that, your essays and recommendations need to work harder to provide context.
A GPA of 3.5 or below makes admission tougher at Texas Lutheran University, but strong test scores, activities, and essays, plus AP/IB coursework, can still keep you in contention.
Texas Lutheran University weighs the SAT heavily. Scoring above 1124, and within the 1030–1230 range, keeps you competitive.
Texas Lutheran University's deadline is December 1. Rolling Admissions applies too, so earlier is always better.
For priority financial aid consideration, get your FAFSA in before December 1, 2026. That's Texas Lutheran University'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.