Ave Maria University Ave Maria University, founded in 2003 in Ave Maria, Florida, is a private Catholic university committed to providing education in the Catholic liberal arts tradition. The university's striking 900-acre campus features Spanish-Mediterranean architecture centered around the magnificent Oratory, designed by renowned architect Miguel Quismondo. Ave Maria offers undergraduate and graduate programs with particular strengths in theology, philosophy, and classical education. The university maintains a 12:1 student-faculty ratio, ensuring close mentorship and a tight-knit academic community. All students complete a rigorous core curriculum grounded in the Great Books and Catholic intellectual tradition.
Ave Maria University emphasizes the integration of faith and reason across all disciplines. Campus life revolves around daily Mass, Eucharistic adoration, and vibrant Catholic traditions. The university's athletic teams, the Gyrenes, compete in NAIA sports. Recent campus additions include the Canizaro Library and the Bob Thomas Athletic Center. Ave Maria's location in Southwest Florida provides opportunities for ecological research and outdoor activities. The university's commitment to orthodox Catholic education and its beautiful, purpose-built campus make it a distinctive choice for students seeking faith-based higher education in a warm climate.
Ave Maria University Acceptance Rate
Ave Maria University is a well-known institution. It has a selective admission process. The acceptance rate of Ave Maria University is 44.81%. This means that 45 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.
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.
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem .
Ave Maria University Admission Requirements
AMU GPA Requirement
The average GPA of the admitted students at AMU is 3.6. AMU 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.
If your GPA is between 3.3 and 3.6, a strong SAT or ACT score is recommended.
AMU GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Selective; solid academic performance is expected.
Recommended Strategy: Focus on a Strong 'Spike' in extracurriculars or research.
Admissions at AMU utilize a Holistic Review process. With an average admitted GPA of 3.6, the following table illustrates how your specific academic profile aligns with institutional expectations.
| Candidate GPA Range | Admission Category | Strategic Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| 3.60 – 4.00 | Target/Match | Maintain Rigor & High Testing |
| 3.40 – 3.59 | Competitive Match | Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation |
| 3.20 – 3.39 | Secondary Reach | Personal Statement & Impact |
| Below 3.19 | Institutional Reach | Requires Significant Contextual Factors |
Expert Insight: 2026 Evaluation Metrics
- The Rigor Metric: At AMU, 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.
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Calculated via College Portal’s Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards.
Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
Ave Maria University (AMU) 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 2025 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.
Ave Maria University Average SAT Score: 1129
The average SAT score of the admitted students at Ave Maria University is 1129 on the 1600 SAT scale.
SAT Competitiveness
This score makes it less competitive for SAT test scores. You need to put average efforts to score 1129 on the SAT.
Key Insight:Aim for the 75th percentile (1159 SAT or ACT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. Ave Maria 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 1089, you must retake the SAT to improve your chances of admission to AMU. It is not strange to appear multiple times for the SAT to improve scores. Colleges don’t mind if you have appeared multiple times, but not more than 5 times.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 0 | ||
| SAT Reading | 0 | ||
| SAT Composite | 1129 | 1089 | 1159 |
It means that if you have scored less than 1089 then you are below most of the admitted students at AMU and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1159 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 Ave Maria University (AMU) with a 1150 SAT?
With a 1150 SAT Score, your chances of admission at Ave Maria University (AMU) are good but the admission staff at AMU 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.
AMU Profile
Name: Ave Maria University (AMU)
City: Ave Maria
URL: www.avemaria.edu/
State: Florida
Type: Non-Profit Private
Zip: 34142-9505
Campus: Branch Campus
Accredited by: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
Can I Get Into AMU Without SAT Or ACT?: Ave Maria University does not require admission test scores (SAT/ACT) during the application process and does not recommend that students provide these scores. But it is better to submit the test score if you have performed well in the test. It gives an extra opportunity to showcase your skills and competencies and hence will improve your chances of admission. Check the schedule of the test and plan accordingly. It is advisable to appear multiple times in the test unless you score well above the average SAT / ACT score of the admitted students, as given below. Normally, students may appear in the test 2 to 3 times to improve their scores. But if your score is not up to the mark and is less than the national or state average, then it is better not to submit the score as it will impact negatively.
Does a degree from AMU Worth It?
Getting into AMU 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. AMU 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 AMU is USD: 72612.62 and unemployment rate is 2.83%.
How much does a degree from AMU Cost?The average annual cost of the degree at Ave Maria University is USD: 43220. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at Ave Maria University is much less than this.
How can I get a scholarship?
23.18% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 49.96 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to AMU and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At Ave Maria University, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist AMU as your choice in the form.
How much a AMU Graduate make?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4-6 years of graduation is USD 49520. An average AMU 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 USD: 40595
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than Ave Maria 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 | Auburn University at Montgomery, AL | 1090 | 21 |
| University of South Alabama | University of South Alabama, AL | 1119 | 23 |
| Spring Hill College | Spring Hill College, AL | 1090 | 22 |
| Troy University | Troy University, AL | 1086 | 22 |
| Grand Canyon University | Grand Canyon University, AZ | 1095 | 22 |
| Arkansas State University | Arkansas State University, AR | 1119 | 22 |
| University of Central Arkansas | University of Central Arkansas, AR | 1117 | 22 |
| University of the Ozarks | University of the Ozarks, AR | 1088 | 21 |
| University of La Verne | University of La Verne, CA | 1116 | 22 |
| Pacific Union College | Pacific Union College, CA | 1093 | 22 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as Ave Maria University. If your SAT or ACT score are competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of South Alabama | University of South Alabama, AL | 1119 | 23 |
| Tuskegee University | Tuskegee University, AL | 1121 | 22 |
| Arkansas State University | Arkansas State University, AR | 1119 | 22 |
| University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus | University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus, CO | 1119 | 24 |
| Western Colorado University | Western Colorado University, CO | 1130 | 25 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Ave Maria University. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Birmingham-Southern College | Birmingham-Southern College, AL | 1197 | 24 |
| Samford University | Samford University, AL | 1203 | 26 |
| University of Arkansas | University of Arkansas, AR | 1174 | 25 |
| Harding University | Harding University, AR | 1187 | 25 |
| Dominican University of California | Dominican University of California, CA | 1194 | 26 |
Degree Programs
Bachelor Degree Programs
- Accounting and Related Services
- Area Studies
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Biology, General
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Business/Managerial Economics
- Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Communication and Media Studies
- Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
- Economics
Frequently Asked Questions About Ave Maria University Admissions
Answer: Graduates of this university typically earn a lower salary, $49520 annually, especially in non-technical fields.
Question: What is the tuition fee?
Answer: The tuition fee at this university is moderate, around $43220 per year. Many students seek financial aid and scholarships to manage the cost.
Question: What are my chances of getting a scholarship ?
Answer: Your chances of getting a scholarship are good, with about a 50-80% chance. Scholarships are competitive but achievable if you meet the criteria.
Question: What is the acceptance rate?
Answer: The acceptance rate of Ave Maria University is 44.81 which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.
Question: What is the average GPA of admitted students?
Answer: The average GPA of admitted students is 3.6. This reflects the competitive academic profile expected from applicants.
Question: What is the minimum GPA required for admission?
Answer: 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 3.3, you're in the standard pool. If you are below a 3.3, we need to focus on your personal essay and letters of recommendation to explain the context behind your grades.
Question: What are my chances with a 3.3 GPA?
Answer: If your GPA is 3.2 or less, it may makes 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.
Question: Can I apply to Ave Maria University if my GPA is below 3.2
Answer: While the average GPA of admitted students is 3.6, applicants with lower GPAs can still be considered if they have strong test scores, extracurriculars, and compelling personal essays that demonstrate resilience and potential.
Question: How competitive is the SAT score requirement
Answer: Admission to Ave Maria University is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 1129 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 1089-1159
Question: Is it possible to transfer from another university?
Answer: 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.
Question: How can I improve my chances of getting Admissions?
Answer: 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.
Full list of All degree programs offered by Ave Maria University.
Data on this page is sourced from IPEDS, College Scorecard's latest data as provided in 2025, US Department of Education's latest 2025 statistics, Institute's official websites and printed material as well as additional publicly available sources.