Public
Accredited · Higher Learning Commission
Athens, West Virginia
89.7% Acceptance Rate
Concord University — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
89.7%Acceptance Rate
3.4Avg GPA
980Avg SAT
20Avg ACT
$18,969Annual Cost
$42,703Grad Salary
46.8%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
89.7%
Avg GPA
3.4
Avg SAT
980
Avg ACT
20
Selectivity
Inclusive
Institution Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Higher Learning Commission
SAT Middle 50%
840–1080
ACT Middle 50%
17–22
Avg Net Price
$9,983
Need-Based Aid
46.8% receive Pell
Concord University is a public institution in West Virginia that values academic rigor and supportive faculty relationships. Admissions are based on a review of high school academic units, GPA, and recommendation letters from counselors or principals. The university maintains clear standards for academic good standing and looks for students who show the potential to be successful in an intimate, challenging, and mission-driven campus environment.
Prospective students should aim for a strong GPA in academic subjects and ensure they have completed the required college-prep units by their senior year. Those who demonstrate leadership or a strong history of school involvement are preferred. Clearly expressing an interest in the university's specific programs during the application process can assist in demonstrating a sincere interest in the campus community.
Concord University Acceptance Rate
Concord University maintains an inclusive admission policy. With an acceptance rate of 89.7%, 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 — 89.7% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
Recommended Academic Profile
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.40 – 4.00
Target Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.20 – 3.39
Competitive Reach
Focus on Score Compensation
Below 2.95
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.
Concord University Application Deadlines & Admission Dates 2026
Concord 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 February 1 is recommended for the best chances of admission and financial aid.
Key Admission Dates
⏳ 196 days left — Priority
Rolling Admissions — Apply Anytime
Concord 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
February 1
💡 The scholarship deadline (2026/02/01 (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.
Concord University GPA Requirement
The average GPA of admitted students at Concord University is 3.4. 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 3.60-3.80 for this same academic profile.If your GPA is between 3.10 and 3.4, you should aim for a high SAT or ACT score.
Concord University GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Selective; solid academic performance is expected.
Recommended Strategy: Focus on a Strong 'Spike' in extracurriculars or research.
Admissions at Concord University utilize a Holistic Review process. With an average admitted GPA of 3.4, the following table illustrates how your specific academic profile aligns with institutional expectations.
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.40 – 4.00
Target/Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.20 – 3.39
Competitive Match
Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation
3.00 – 3.19
Secondary Reach
Personal Statement & Impact
Below 2.99
Institutional Reach
Requires Significant Contextual Factors
Expert Insight: 2026 Evaluation Metrics
- Concord's Bachelor of Science in Nursing program was designed in 2022 and nationally accredited in 2024, reporting a 100% NCLEX pass rate and 100% employment rate for its most recent graduates.
- Admission to Concord and declaration of Nursing as a major does not guarantee entry into the Nursing Program; three distinct pathways exist, each with separate requirements.
- The Lawrence J. Pace, Sr. MD & Nettie Elswick Pace Endowed College of Nursing Scholarship gives preference to nursing majors from Mercer, Monroe, McDowell, or Summers counties.
- First-year admission requires no application fee, no essay, and no letter of recommendation; standardized tests are optional but can help with scholarship eligibility.
- The Rigor Metric: At Concord 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 Concord University
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on Concord 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.
Concord 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 Concord University Without SAT or ACT?
Concord 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.
Concord University Average SAT Score: 980
The average SAT score of the admitted students at Concord University is 980 on the 1600 SAT scale.
SAT Competitiveness
SAT 980 — Accessible
This score makes it an easy target for SAT test scores. You need to put average efforts to score 980 on the SAT.
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (1080 SAT or 22 ACT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. Concord 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 840, retaking the SAT is strongly recommended to improve your chances at Concord 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 | 465 | 400 | 530 |
| SAT Reading | 495 | 440 | 550 |
| SAT Composite | 980 | 840 | 1080 |
It means that if you have scored less than 840 then you are below most of the admitted students at Concord University and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1080 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 1000
Can I get into Concord University with a 1100 SAT?
With a 1100 SAT Score, your chances of admission at Concord University are good but the admission staff at Concord 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.
Concord University ACT Requirements
The average ACT Score at Concord University is 20.
ACT Competitiveness
ACT 20 — Less Competitive
This score makes Concord University less competitive for ACT scores. You need to put average efforts to score 20 on the ACT.
ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 19 | 16 | 21 |
| ACT English | 19 | 15 | 23 |
| ACT Composite | 20 | 17 | 22 |
Can I get into Concord University with a 22 ACT?
A 22 ACT places you at the 75th percentile of admitted students at Concord 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 Concord 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 Concord 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 Concord 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 22 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 Concord University
Accessible Strategy: Academic Foundation
Concord University is accessible to students who show core competency. The focus should be on proving readiness for college-level work and securing financial aid.
Know that Concord's BSN program is brand new - check current accreditation status directly
Concord's Bachelor of Science in Nursing program was only designed in 2022 and received national accreditation in 2024, meaning its track record is genuinely short despite reporting a 100% NCLEX pass rate and 100% employment for its most recent graduates. Verify the program's current accreditation status directly with Concord's Department of Nursing before applying, since a very young program's accreditation status and reported outcomes can shift faster than an established program's.
Target the county-specific nursing scholarship if you're from the local Appalachian counties
The Lawrence J. Pace, Sr. MD & Nettie Elswick Pace Endowed College of Nursing Scholarship gives explicit preference to nursing majors from Mercer, Monroe, McDowell, or Summers counties - a genuinely local, county-specific award most applicants outside the immediate region won't know to look for. If you're from one of these four counties, name this scholarship specifically in your financial aid conversations rather than relying on general merit aid alone.
Understand that declaring Nursing as your major does not secure your seat
Concord explicitly states that admission to the university and declaration of Nursing as a major does not guarantee a spot in the Nursing Program - candidates must separately satisfy requirements for one of three specific BSN pathways. Identify which of the three pathways (traditional, RN-to-BSN, or another route) fits your background early, and treat the nursing program application as a distinct second step from general admission.
Use Concord's zero-essay, zero-fee application to apply broadly and let test scores work only in your favor
Concord requires no application fee, no essay, and no letter of recommendation for first-year admission, and while standardized tests aren't required, submitting strong scores can only help with scholarship eligibility since there's no requirement that could hurt you. If you have a competitive test score, submit it specifically for scholarship consideration even though it's optional for admission, since it functions as pure upside in this test-optional system.
Expert Insight:
A specific and current risk is treating Concord's newly accredited (2024) BSN program with the same confidence as a decades-old nursing program with a long outcomes history - a very new program's reported 100% NCLEX pass rate and 100% employment reflect only its first graduating cohorts, and a student should ask directly about cohort size and how many graduating classes those figures actually represent before treating them as a stable, long-term track record.
Concord University Profile
Full Name
Concord University
City
Athens
State
West Virginia
ZIP Code
24712
Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Higher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
Is a Concord University Degree Worth It?
Getting into Concord 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. Concord 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 Concord University is $41,400 and the graduate unemployment rate is 4.38%.
How much does a degree from Concord University Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at Concord University is $18,969. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at Concord University is $9,983.
46.8% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 45.6 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to Concord University and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At Concord University, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist Concord University as your choice in the form.
How much does a Concord University Graduate earn?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4–6 years of graduation is $42,703. An average Concord 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 Concord University. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama A & M University | Normal, AL | 947 | 17 |
| Johnson University Florida | Kissimmee, FL | 940 | NA |
| Warner University | Lake Wales, FL | 937 | 17 |
| Gordon State College | Barnesville, GA | 950 | 18 |
| Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College | Saint Mary of the Woods, IN | 966 | 17 |
| Baker University | Baldwin City, KS | 950 | 17 |
| Union Commonwealth University | Barbourville, KY | 965 | 18 |
| Grambling State University | Grambling, LA | 955 | 17 |
| Southern University and A & M College | Baton Rouge, LA | 938 | 17 |
| Bowie State University | Bowie, MD | 935 | NA |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as Concord University. If your SAT or ACT score is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama State University | Montgomery, AL | 977 | 18 |
| Baptist Health College Little Rock | Little Rock, AR | 980 | 20 |
| University of Bridgeport | Bridgeport, CT | 985 | NA |
| Delaware State University | Dover, DE | 984 | 24 |
| Clayton State University | Morrow, GA | 973 | 18 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Concord University. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Faulkner University | Montgomery, AL | 1016 | 20 |
| Jacksonville State University | Jacksonville, AL | 1055 | 21 |
| University of West Alabama | Livingston, AL | 1015 | 20 |
| Marion Military Institute | Marion, AL | 1043 | 20 |
| University of Arkansas at Little Rock | Little Rock, AR | 1049 | 21 |
Degree Programs at Concord University
Bachelor Degree Programs
Masters Degree Programs
UG Certificate or Diploma Programs
Frequently Asked Questions About Concord University Admissions
Graduates of this university typically earn a lower salary, $42,703 annually, especially in non-technical fields.
The tuition fee at this university is relatively low, around $18,969 per year, making it more affordable for many students.
46.8% 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 Concord University is 89.7% 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 3.4. 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 3.1, you are in the standard pool. If you are below a 3.1, we need to focus on your personal essay and letters of recommendation to explain the context behind your grades.
If your GPA is 3 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 3.4, 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 Concord University is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 980 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 840–1080.
The application deadline for Concord University is February 1. The institution also offers Rolling Admissions, so applying early improves your chances.
The scholarship priority deadline is 2026/02/01 (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.
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