The University of Saint Katherine, founded in 2010, is a private liberal arts university in San Marcos, California. Known for its small class sizes and interdisciplinary approach, it offers programs in arts, sciences, and humanities. Though young, it emphasizes personalized education and has modern facilities in a vibrant Southern California setting. The university is unranked by major publications but focuses on affordability and student engagement.
University of Saint Katherine Acceptance Rate
University of Saint Katherine is a well-known institution with a selective admissions process. With an acceptance rate of 46.25%, successful applicants typically show strong performance across both academic and personal categories.
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 .
University of Saint Katherine Admission Requirements
University of Saint Katherine GPA Requirement
The average GPA of admitted students at University of Saint Katherine is 3.43. Admission is competitive, but not extremely selective.
A mix of A’s and B’s is acceptable, and taking AP/IB courses helps.
If your GPA is between 3.13 and 3.43, you should aim for a high SAT or ACT score.
University of Saint Katherine GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Selective; solid academic performance is expected.
Recommended Strategy: Focus on a Strong 'Spike' in extracurriculars or research.
Admissions at University of Saint Katherine utilize a Holistic Review process. With an average admitted GPA of 3.43, the following table illustrates how your specific academic profile aligns with institutional expectations.
| Candidate GPA Range | Admission Category | Strategic Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| 3.43 – 4.00 | Target/Match | Maintain Rigor & High Testing |
| 3.23 – 3.42 | Competitive Match | Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation |
| 3.03 – 3.22 | Secondary Reach | Personal Statement & Impact |
| Below 3.02 | Institutional Reach | Requires Significant Contextual Factors |
Expert Insight: 2026 Evaluation Metrics
- The Rigor Metric: At University of Saint Katherine, 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.
University of Saint Katherine SAT Requirements
Each school has different requirements for SAT and ACT testing. For the 2026 academic cycle, the landscape of standardized testing has shifted back toward Test-Required policies at the majority of highly selective and Ivy+ institutions. Following a multi-year "Test-Optional" pilot, data-driven results have led universities like Harvard, Yale, Brown, and the University of Texas at Austin to reinstate the SAT and ACT as mandatory components of the application.
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.
University of Saint Katherine Profile
Name: University of Saint Katherine
City: San Marcos
URL: www.usk.edu/
State: California
Type: Non-Profit Private
Zip: 92069
Campus: Branch Campus
Accredited by: ()
How much does a degree from University of Saint Katherine Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at University of Saint Katherine is USD: 48604. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at University of Saint Katherine is much less than this.
How can I get a scholarship?
34.91% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 49.06 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to University of Saint Katherine and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At University of Saint Katherine, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist University of Saint Katherine as your choice in the form.
Degree Programs
Bachelor Degree Programs
- Biology, General
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Chemistry
- English Language and Literature, General
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General
- History
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General
Frequently Asked Questions About University of Saint Katherine Admissions
Answer: The tuition fee at this university is moderate, around $48604 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 excellent, with more than a 80% chance, depending on your academic performance and extracurricular involvement.
Question: What is the acceptance rate?
Answer: The acceptance rate of University of Saint Katherine is 46.25 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 3.43. 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 3.13, you're in the standard pool. If you are below a 3.13, 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 3.13 GPA?
Answer: If your GPA is 3.03 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 University of Saint Katherine if my GPA is below 3.03
Answer: While the average GPA of admitted students is 3.43, 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: 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 University of Saint Katherine.
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.