University of Richmond — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
The University of Richmond, founded in 1830, is a prestigious private liberal arts university in Virginia known for its beautiful campus and strong undergraduate focus. Richmond's distinctive coordinate college system maintains separate deans for men (Richmond College) and women (Westhampton College) while offering coeducational academics. The university excels in business, leadership studies, and the arts, with state-of-the-art facilities like the Queally Center for Admissions and Career Services.
Richmond's 350-acre campus features a lake, historic architecture, and modern academic buildings. The university's Jepson School of Leadership Studies was the first of its kind in the nation. Richmond's NCAA Division I athletics and 200+ student organizations create a vibrant campus life. Alumni include governors, CEOs, and leaders in diverse fields who credit Richmond with developing their critical thinking and communication skills.
University of Richmond Acceptance Rate
University of Richmond is one of the renowned universities in the USA. It is very competitive to get admission to. The acceptance rate of University of Richmond is 23.3%. This means that only 23 out of every 100 applicants are admitted.
Admissions Guidelines
- Strong Academics: A consistent record of A-level performance is expected.
- Score Validation: High SAT/ACT scores can help compensate for minor GPA fluctuations.
- Engagement: Admissions staff look for sustained commitment to 2–3 key extracurricular activities.
Selectivity at a Glance
Highly Competitive
While academics are a primary focus, UR considers your entire profile. A well-crafted personal statement and strong interpersonal communication skills can significantly enhance your chances of moving forward in the selection process.
Recommended Academic Profile
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
UR GPA Requirement
The average GPA of the admitted students at UR is 3.71. UR 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 3.91-4.11 for this same academic profile.If your GPA is between 3.41 and 3.71, a strong SAT or ACT score is recommended.
UR GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Highly selective; GPA is within the typical admitted range.
Recommended Strategy: Standardized Test Scores (SAT/ACT) in the top 5th percentile.
Admissions at UR utilize a Holistic Review process. With an average admitted GPA of 3.71, the following table illustrates how your specific academic profile aligns with institutional expectations.
Expert Insight: 2026 Evaluation Metrics
- The Rigor Metric: At UR, 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 UR
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on University of Richmond's verified institutional data
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
✅ Verified Data: Institutional records for 2026.
Calculated via College Portal's Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards. Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
University of Richmond (UR) 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 UR Without SAT or ACT?
University of Richmond Average SAT Score: 1474
The average SAT score of the admitted students at University of Richmond is 1474 on the 1600 SAT scale.
SAT Competitiveness
This score makes it very Competitive for SAT test scores. You need to do very well to score 1474 on the SAT.
If your score is below 1410, retaking the SAT is strongly recommended to improve your chances at UR. 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 | 750 | 720 | 780 |
| SAT Reading | 720 | 690 | 750 |
| SAT Composite | 1474 | 1410 | 1530 |
It means that if you have scored less than 1410 then you are below most of the admitted students at UR and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1530 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 1450
Can I get into University of Richmond (UR) with a 1550 SAT?
With a 1550 SAT Score, your chances of admission at University of Richmond (UR) are good but the admission staff at UR 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.
University of Richmond (UR) ACT Requirements
The average ACT Score at UR is 33.
ACT Competitiveness
This score makes University of Richmond very Competitive for ACT scores. You need to do very well to score 33 on the ACT.
ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 33 | 32 | 34 |
| ACT Composite | 33 | 32 | 34 |
Can I get into University of Richmond with a 34 ACT?
A 34 ACT places you at the 75th percentile of admitted students at University of Richmond — 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 University of Richmond 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 University of Richmond — 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 University of Richmond 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 34 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 UR
Selective Strategy: Competitive Positioning
At UR, 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.
Being 'average' is fine for admission, but being in the top 25% of the applicant pool is the primary key to securing automatic merit-based scholarships.
Unlike the Ivies, mid-tier schools track engagement. Open their emails, attend virtual tours, and mention specific campus programs to improve your 'Yield' profile.
Mid-tier institutions value students who contribute to campus life through a balance of sports, music, volunteering, and core academic strength.
Use your personal statement to prove you will be a 'good roommate' and active community member. Focus on resilience, empathy, and career goals.
UR Profile
Is a UR Degree Worth It?
Getting into UR 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. UR 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 UR is $83,700 and the graduate unemployment rate is 2.54%.
How much does a degree from UR Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at University of Richmond is $77,290. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at University of Richmond is much less than this.
17.6% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 33.4 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to UR and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At University of Richmond, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist UR as your choice in the form.
How much does a UR Graduate earn?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4–6 years of graduation is $76,178. An average UR 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 University of Richmond. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Occidental College | Los Angeles, CA | 1461 | 33 |
| Colorado College | Colorado Springs, CO | 1445 | 33 |
| George Washington University | Washington, DC | 1433 | 33 |
| Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus | Atlanta, GA | 1447 | 31 |
| Tulane University of Louisiana | New Orleans, LA | 1443 | 32 |
| Bates College | Lewiston, ME | 1446 | 32 |
| University of Maryland-College Park | College Park, MD | 1463 | 34 |
| Babson College | Wellesley, MA | 1435 | 32 |
| Hillsdale College | Hillsdale, MI | 1433 | 32 |
| Macalester College | Saint Paul, MN | 1424 | 32 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as University of Richmond. If your SAT or ACT score is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northeastern University Oakland | Oakland, CA | 1472 | 32 |
| Scripps College | Claremont, CA | 1480 | 33 |
| Boston University | Boston, MA | 1473 | 33 |
| Brandeis University | Waltham, MA | 1473 | 33 |
| Smith College | Northampton, MA | 1480 | 33 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than University of Richmond. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Claremont McKenna College | Claremont, CA | 1514 | 34 |
| Harvey Mudd College | Claremont, CA | 1537 | 35 |
| Pomona College | Claremont, CA | 1520 | 34 |
| Wesleyan University | Middletown, CT | 1513 | 34 |
| Yale University | New Haven, CT | 1534 | 34 |
Degree Programs at UR
Bachelor Degree Programs
Full list of all degree programs offered by University of Richmond →
Frequently Asked Questions About UR Admissions
Graduates of this university typically earn a moderate salary, $76,178 annually, with some fluctuation based on the field.
The tuition fee at this university is quite high, approximately $77,290 or more per year, so it is important to consider additional funding options.
17.6% of students receive a Pell Grant here, which is below the national average of around 35%. This institution serves a higher proportion of higher-income students. Merit-based scholarships may still be available regardless of financial need — check the official financial aid page of the institute for details.
The acceptance rate of University of Richmond is 23.3% 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 3.71. 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 3.41, you are in the standard pool. If you are below a 3.41, we need to focus on your personal essay and letters of recommendation to explain the context behind your grades.
If your GPA is 3.31 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 3.71, 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 University of Richmond is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 1474 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 1410–1530.
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.
