Non-Profit Private
Accredited · Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Virginia Beach, Virginia
41.2% Acceptance Rate
Regent University — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
41.2%Acceptance Rate
3.34Avg GPA
1169Avg SAT
24Avg ACT
$30,550Annual Cost
$44,498Grad Salary
48%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
41.2%
Avg GPA
3.34
Avg SAT
1169
Avg ACT
24
Selectivity
Selective
Institution Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
SAT Middle 50%
1050–1250
ACT Middle 50%
21–26
Need-Based Aid
48% receive Pell
Regent University, established in 1977 in Virginia Beach, is a leading Christian research university with 11,000+ students across 150+ programs. Founded by Pat Robertson, Regent is renowned for its School of Law (3rd in VA bar passage rates), School of Communication (CBN film studios), and Divinity School (offering Hebrew/Greek language tracks). The 70-acre campus features the 150,000-square-foot Library & Academic Support Center and the $30 million Communication Building with Hollywood-grade production facilities.
Regent's 'Christian Leadership to Change the World' mission manifests in programs like the Center for Global Justice and the Institute for Cybersecurity. The university hosts the National Leadership Forum with speakers like Mike Pompeo. Recent milestones include:
Regent University Acceptance Rate
Regent University is a well-known institution. It has a selective admission process. The acceptance rate of Regent University is 41.2%. This means that 41 out of every 100 applicants get admitted.
Admissions Guidelines
- Selective Enrollment: Applicants need a solid GPA and proof of academic growth.
- Holistic Balance: Strong recommendations and community involvement are highly valued.
Selectivity at a Glance
Selective
Selectivity scale: Selective — 41.2% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
If your GPA is slightly below the institutional average, you can remain competitive by scoring well on standardized tests and showcasing leadership in co-curricular activities.
Recommended Academic Profile
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.34 – 4.00
Target Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.14 – 3.33
Competitive Reach
Focus on Score Compensation
Below 2.89
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.
Regent University GPA Requirement
The average GPA of admitted students at Regent University is 3.34. 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 3.54-3.74 for this same academic profile.If your GPA is between 3.04 and 3.34, you should aim for a high SAT or ACT score.
Regent University GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Holistic review is critical for admission.
Recommended Strategy: Requires Contextual Factors (Leadership, hardship, or talent).
Admissions at Regent University utilize a Holistic Review process. With an average admitted GPA of 3.34, the following table illustrates how your specific academic profile aligns with institutional expectations.
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.34 – 4.00
Strategic Reach
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.14 – 3.33
Competitive Match
Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation
2.94 – 3.13
Secondary Reach
Personal Statement & Impact
Below 2.93
Institutional Reach
Requires Significant Contextual Factors
Expert Insight: 2026 Evaluation Metrics
- Regent University's School of Law announced record employment outcomes for its Class of 2025, with 96% of graduates securing positions - a professional placement rate that reflects both the quality of Regent Law's practical training curriculum and the strength of its alumni network in government, public interest law, and Christian advocacy organizations; students with law school aspirations who are seeking a Christian professional formation environment alongside rigorous legal education should research Regent Law's pipeline specifically, as it produces graduates who are competitive for positions in federal and state government, religious liberty litigation, and public policy that few other law schools are specifically designed to prepare.
- Regent offers study abroad and mission programs in places such as Russia, Paris, Uganda, and Ukraine - international experiences designed not merely as academic enrichment but as intentional cross-cultural Christian ministry formation, giving students the opportunity to integrate global perspective, service, and professional competency in ways that are uniquely consistent with Regent's mission of equipping leaders for global impact; prospective students with international ministry interests should ask the admissions office specifically about current program availability and academic credit pathways for these programs before enrolling.
- Regent's Virginia Beach location - within the Hampton Roads metropolitan area, close to military installations including Naval Station Norfolk and Langley Air Force Base - makes it one of the most military-friendly private universities in the country, with robust support services for active duty military, veterans, and military spouses including generous transfer credit policies, on-campus military community resources, and a transfer policy allowing eligible students from the Virginia Community College System to receive a tuition grant of up to $2,000; military-connected students should ask the admissions office specifically about the full suite of military benefits available at the time of enrollment.
- The Rigor Metric: At Regent 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 Regent University
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on Regent 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.
Regent 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 Regent University Without SAT or ACT?
Regent 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.
Regent University Average SAT Score: 1169
The average SAT score of the admitted students at Regent University is 1169 on the 1600 SAT scale.
SAT Competitiveness
SAT 1169 — Less Competitive
This score makes it less competitive for SAT test scores. You need to put average efforts to score 1169 on the SAT.
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (1250 SAT or 26 ACT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. Regent 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 1050, retaking the SAT is strongly recommended to improve your chances at Regent 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 | 560 | 510 | 610 |
| SAT Reading | 590 | 540 | 640 |
| SAT Composite | 1169 | 1050 | 1250 |
It means that if you have scored less than 1050 then you are below most of the admitted students at Regent University and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1250 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 Regent University with a 1250 SAT?
With a 1250 SAT Score, your chances of admission at Regent University are good but the admission staff at Regent 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.
Regent University ACT Requirements
The average ACT Score at Regent University is 24.
ACT Competitiveness
ACT 24 — Slightly Competitive
This score makes Regent University slightly Competitive for ACT scores. You need to do well to score 24 on the ACT.
ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 22 | 18 | 25 |
| ACT English | 25 | 20 | 29 |
| ACT Composite | 24 | 21 | 26 |
Can I get into Regent University with a 26 ACT?
A 26 ACT places you at the 75th percentile of admitted students at Regent 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 Regent 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 Regent 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 Regent 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 26 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 Regent University
Selective Strategy: Competitive Positioning
At Regent University, admissions officers seek reliable, high-achieving students. The goal is to be a top-tier applicant to trigger both admission and high-value merit aid.
Articulate How Christian Faith Integrates With Your Academic and Professional Calling - Not Just Your Personal Life
Regent University expects you to articulate how your Christian faith connects to your academic and career goals, so prepare to write thoughtfully about this relationship rather than treating faith as an afterthought. Founded in 1977 by Pat Robertson with the mission of "Christian leadership to change the world," Regent is a private non-denominational evangelical institution with a selective admissions process rooted in the conviction that professional excellence and Christian character are inseparable. This means your application must go beyond church attendance or mission trip participation to articulate a coherent vision of how your faith will animate your work as a lawyer, counselor, educator, filmmaker, business leader, or government official. Your application should show genuine engagement with Christian principles and how they shape your worldview - students who struggle here typically underestimate how central faith is to daily life at Regent, where campus culture centers on Christian community with required chapel attendance and residence hall Bible studies. The admissions committee is building a class of students who will enter competitive secular professions as explicitly Christian leaders - articulate that vision with specificity and conviction.
Apply Through Rolling Admissions Early and Submit by December for Maximum Scholarship Consideration
Regent University operates on rolling admissions - submit your application by December for the best financial aid opportunities, though you can apply through July for fall admission. The university operates on a rolling admissions basis with Fall and Spring start dates for on-campus freshman applicants, providing flexibility that benefits students who are still finalizing their college list. The school accepts 32.3% of applicants and enrolls 4,282 students, making Regent genuinely accessible to academically prepared applicants who demonstrate clear mission alignment. Regent's admissions department has a streamlined process with knowledgeable counselors ready to assist you at each step, with the goal of making Christian higher education accessible and affordable. File your FAFSA on October 1 and contact the admissions office directly to discuss your specific financial situation - early applicants consistently receive stronger and more complete institutional scholarship awards than those who submit in spring or summer, as merit aid pools are distributed on a rolling basis throughout the enrollment cycle.
Submit Faith-Based Recommendation Letters Alongside Academic References
Submit strong letters of recommendation from pastors, Christian school teachers, or ministry supervisors alongside academic references - these faith-based recommendations help admissions officers understand your spiritual maturity and leadership potential within the Christian community. Unlike secular universities where all recommendation weight falls on academic teachers, Regent's holistic review explicitly incorporates evidence of your faith community standing, Christian character, and spiritual readiness for an environment where academic and faith formation are unified rather than separated. A letter from your senior pastor who has observed your active service over multiple years - in worship ministry, small group leadership, community outreach, or youth discipleship - provides the committee with evidence of your character that no academic teacher recommendation can supply. Choose academic recommenders who can specifically speak to your intellectual engagement, initiative, and leadership in the classroom, creating a complete picture of a student who is both academically serious and spiritually mature.
Research Regent's Professional Schools and Reference Specific Programs in Your Application
Regent University offers more than 150 areas of study across ten schools including the School of Law (ranked among the top 30 for practical training by The National Jurist), the School of Business and Leadership, the School of Education, the Robertson School of Government, the School of Communication and the Arts, the School of Divinity, and the School of Psychology and Counseling. The computer science program has grown rapidly and offers strong job placement, education majors benefit from extensive student teaching partnerships with local schools, and criminal justice students gain hands-on experience through partnerships with Virginia Beach law enforcement. Reference the specific school and program you are entering in your application essay and connect its curriculum explicitly to your professional calling - an application that names the Robertson School of Government and its focus on law and policy informed by a Christian worldview is substantially more compelling than one that simply says "I want to study government at a Christian university."
Expert Insight: Students who struggle at Regent typically underestimate how central faith is to daily life - you cannot compartmentalize religious and academic experiences at Regent; applicants who view Regent primarily as a convenient or affordable private university with an optional Christian atmosphere will encounter significant cultural friction with required chapel, residence hall Bible studies, and a campus community where the integration of faith and vocation is not a department or a program but the defining assumption of every classroom, every faculty member, and every professional development initiative, making honest pre-application reflection about your readiness for this environment the most important step in the Regent admissions process.
Regent University Profile
Full Name
Regent University
City
Virginia Beach
State
Virginia
ZIP Code
23464
Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
Is a Regent University Degree Worth It?
Getting into Regent 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. Regent 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 Regent University is $64,000 and the graduate unemployment rate is 3.33%.
How much does a degree from Regent University Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at Regent University is $30,550. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at Regent University is much less than this.
48% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 57.4 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to Regent University and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At Regent University, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist Regent University as your choice in the form.
How much does a Regent University Graduate earn?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4–6 years of graduation is $44,498. An average Regent 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 Regent University. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as Regent University. If your SAT or ACT score is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Regent University. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 Regent University
Bachelor Degree Programs
Full list of all degree programs offered by Regent University →
Frequently Asked Questions About Regent University Admissions
Graduates of this university typically earn a lower salary, $44,498 annually, especially in non-technical fields.
The tuition fee at this university is moderate, around $30,550 per year. Many students seek financial aid and scholarships to manage the cost.
48.0% 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 Regent University is 41.2% 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 3.34. 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 3.04, you are in the standard pool. If you are below a 3.04, we need to focus on your personal essay and letters of recommendation to explain the context behind your grades.
If your GPA is 2.94 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 3.34, 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 Regent University is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 1169 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 1050–1250.
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.