C
#3 Best Public Universities in Ohio

UC Admission Requirements

Cincinnati, Ohio

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Your chances of getting into University of Cincinnati Main Campus

Admission Rate & Difficulty

Percent Admitted 

86.2%
Admission Difficulty for University of Cincinnati Main Campus
Measure Difficulty
Admission Standards Difficult 
Applicant Competition Very Low 

Acceptance Rate

The acceptance rate at UC is 86.2%.  Its admission rate is the 54th lowest in Ohio.

Admission Selectivity

How hard is it to get into UC and can you get accepted?

University of Cincinnati Main Campus is an easy school to get into and you have a very good chance of acceptance if you meet the admission criteria. Last year, 25,024 out of the 29,025 who applied were admitted.

University of Cincinnati Main Campus typically accepts and attracts "B+" average high school students with an average GPA around 3.69. Most incoming freshmen graduate in the top half of their high school class. 25% of those admitted chose to enroll in the school.

Can you get into UC?

86% are accepted, can you get in? Use the admission calculator to see if you have the grades and test scores needed to get in. See your admission chances based on your extracurriculars, intended major, background, and more.

Calculate your admission chances
Calculate your admission chances

Admission Requirements in Brief

To have the best chance of getting into to University of Cincinnati Main Campus you should:

  • Have a high school GPA of 3.69 or better
  • Earn B+ grades in high school
  • Score 1260 on the SAT
  • Score 26 on the ACT
  • Graduate in the top half of your high school class

UC GPA

GPA Requirements & Average GPA

Avg. High School GPA 

3.69

Typical High School Grades 

B+

What GPA do you need to get into University of Cincinnati Main Campus?

GPA Requirements

The GPA requirements for getting into UC are to have around a 3.69 high school GPA. You are required to have very good grades in high school.

If your high school grades are above the average 3.69 GPA, you have a very good chance of being admitted as UC accepts 86% of applicants.

Average GPA

The average unweighted GPA at UC is 3.69 on the 4.0 scale. 25% of students who get in have perfect 4.0 GPA's in high school. To achieve the average GPA for admission, you need to earn B+ letter grades and regularly score around 87-89 percent on tests and assignments in high school.  The school ranks #13 in Ohio for highest average GPA.

Importance of GPA

Since UC is a test optional college, extra focus will be placed on your GPA when the school considers your application. As a result, it is very important that you meet the GPA requirements.

See additional colleges accepting applicants in the 3.7 GPA range.

Competitiveness by GPA Ranges

The table below outlines the number of admitted freshmen by GPA range as well as how competitive your GPA will be as compared with other applicants.

High School GPA's for admitted University of Cincinnati Main Campus students
High School GPA Freshmen Within Range Competitiveness 
4.0 24.66% Good
3.75 to 3.99 21.15% Avg +
3.50 to 3.74 21.26% Avg -
3.25 to 3.49 15.73% Reach
3.00 to 3.24 10.5% Reach
2.50 to 2.99 6.15% Reach
2.00 to 2.49 0.53% Reach
1.00 to 1.99 0.02% Low
less than 1.00 0% Low

 What do these chances mean?

GPA Data Source, Peterson's Data 2022

Calculate My Chances 

UC SAT Scores

Testing Requirements

Submission of SAT or ACT scores is not required for admission to University of Cincinnati Main Campus. If you optionally submit test scores, they will be considered with your application, but they are not mandatory. 10% of students submitted SAT scores and 41% submitted ACT scores for admission for the most recent academic year..

SAT Requirements & Average SAT Score

SAT Range 

1160-1360

Applicants Submitting SAT 

10%
SAT Scores for University of Cincinnati Main Campus
SAT Test 25th Percentile Score
Reading 25th Percentile 580
Math 25th Percentile 580
Composite 25th Percentile 1160
SAT Scores for University of Cincinnati Main Campus
SAT Test 75th Percentile Score
Reading 75th Percentile 670
Math 75th Percentile 690
Composite 75th Percentile 1360
Average SAT Score 1260

SAT Scores you need to get in

What are the SAT requirements for you to be admitted to University of Cincinnati Main Campus?

Average Score & Range

The average SAT score at UC is 1260 out of 1600 and the range for the middle 50% of accepted students is 1160-1360. Students who get into University of Cincinnati Main Campus score in the top 31 percent of all SAT test takers..  UC ranks #8 in the state of Ohio and #246 in the nation for highest average SAT composite score.

Score for Acceptance

You should target scoring 1260 or above to be most competitive with other applicants. UC regularly admits students with SAT scores down to 1160 on a 1600 scale. However, three quarter of admitted students score higher. If you score below a 1160, admission should be considered a reach. Some students may be accepted with minimum SAT's as low as 1060, but scores this low are outside the normal range.

Score Submission Requirements

University of Cincinnati Main Campus is a test optional school meaning do not have to submit SAT scores with your application. The position on SAT scores from the college is "not required for admission, but considered if submitted (test optional)".

View other colleges which accept students in the 1260 SAT score range.

Data Sources, IPEDS for Fall 2022 starting class

Chance of Acceptance by SAT Score

The table below outlines your predicted admission chances based on SAT score alone. If you are an average applicant with a score of 1260, you have around a 86% chance of being admitted. A 1360 places you well ahead of most other applicants and gives you about a 92% chance of getting in.

University of Cincinnati Main Campus admission chances by SAT score
SAT Score (1600 scale) Competitiveness  Admission Chances 
1360 and Above Good >92%
1260 to 1360 Avg + 86%-92%
1160 to 1260 Avg - 76%-86%
1060 to 1160 Reach 63%-76%
Less than 1060 Low <63%
Calculate My Chances 

UC ACT Scores

ACT Requirements & Average ACT Score

ACT Range 

24-29 

Applicants Submitting ACT 

41%
ACT Scores for University of Cincinnati Main Campus
ACT Test 25th Percentile Score
Reading 25th Percentile 23
Math 25th Percentile 23
Composite 25th Percentile 24
ACT Scores for University of Cincinnati Main Campus
ACT Test 75th Percentile Score
Reading 75th Percentile 30
Math 75th Percentile 29
Composite 75th Percentile 29
Average ACT Score 26

ACT Scores needed to get accepted

What are the ACT requirements for students to get into UC?

Score Range

The average ACT score for admitted students to UC is 26, while the middle 50% of students (25th to 75th percentile) score between a 24 and 29.  The school ranks #12 in Ohio for highest average ACT composite score.

Score for Acceptance

For the best chance of admission, you should have an ACT of 26. This will place you in solid competition against other applicants. At a minimum, you should aim for a 24 and score in the score in the top 27 percent nationally. The lowest ACT score likely to be admitted is a 22.

41 percent of applicants submit ACT scores to University of Cincinnati Main Campus.

Score Submission Requirements

You do not have to to submit ACT scores with your application as University of Cincinnati Main Campus is test optional. The policy from the school on ACT scores is "not required for admission, but considered if submitted (test optional)".

Find other colleges with similar ACT score requirements

Data Sources, IPEDS for Fall 2022 starting class

Chance of Acceptance by ACT Score

Here are your predicted chances of getting into UC for different ACT score ranges. A typical applicant with a 26 score has around 86% chance of getting in. Your odds increase to about 93% with a 29 ACT score.

University of Cincinnati Main Campus admission chances by ACT score
ACT Score Competitiveness  Admission Chances 
29 and Above Good >93%
26 to 29 Avg + 86%-93%
24 to 26 Avg - 79%-86%
22 to 24 Reach 69%-79%
Less than 22 Low <69%
Calculate My Chances 

High School Class Rank

82% of University of Cincinnati Main Campus freshman are in the top half of their high school graduating class and 47% are in the top quarter.

High School Class Rank for admitted University of Cincinnati Main Campus students
High School Class Rank Freshmen Within Range
Top 10% of class 21%
Top 25% of class 47%
Top 50% of class 82%
Data Source, Peterson's Data

Applying

Admission Statistics

Admission and enrollment rates by gender are detailed the the table below.

University of Cincinnati Main Campus admission statistics
Women Men Total
Applied 15,785 13,240 29,025
Accepted 13,501 11,523 25,024
Acceptance Rate 86% 87% 86%
Enrolled 3,192 3,177 6,369
Percent of Admitted Who Enrolled (Admission Yield) 24% 28% 25%
Data Sources, IPEDS for Fall 2022 starting class

Fall 2024 Application Deadline

Applications Due

Mar 1, 2025

Days left to Apply

139

Applicants have 139 days left until the Fall 2024 term applications are due on Mar 1, 2025.

Application Fee

The cost for prospective students to apply to University of Cincinnati Main Campus is $65.

Application Requirements

What are the requirements for admission to University of Cincinnati Main Campus and what student information is used for admission decisions?

University of Cincinnati Main Campus Application Requirements
Test Scores Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional)
High School GPA Required to be considered for admission
High School Class Rank Not required for admission, but considered if submitted
Completion of College Preparatory Program Required to be considered for admission
Recommendations Not required for admission, but considered if submitted
Demonstration of Competencies Not considered for admission, even if submitted

Credits Accepted

High School Credits Accepted at University of Cincinnati Main Campus
AP Credit Yes
Dual Credit Yes
Credit for Life Experiences No

Admission Requirements Summary

Because University of Cincinnati Main Campus is lightly competitive to get into, you have a very good chance of acceptance with the right GPA and test scores. If you have a 3.69 GPA, you are almost certain to getting in. Combining this with an SAT score of 1260 and ACT of 26 will almost guarantee your admission.

Other Colleges to Apply To 

Students applying to University of Cincinnati Main Campus often consider these colleges

Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=201885 IPEDS survey data for University of Cincinnati Main Campus.

Last updated February 24, 2024

FAQs

Does University of Cincinnati Main Campus prefer SAT or ACT?

10% of students submit their SAT scores to UC. 41% of applicants send their ACT scores when applying.

What is my chance of getting into University of Cincinnati Main Campus?

86% of those who apply are granted admission to UC. Admission competition is and the college has difficult admission standards. See if your grades and scores are good enough for admission.

What SAT score is required for University of Cincinnati Main Campus?

The middle 50% of addmitted applicants have SAT scores between 1160 and 1360. The average SAT score is 1260. See if your SAT score is good enough for admission.

What ACT score is required for University of Cincinnati Main Campus?

The middle 50% of addmitted applicants have ACT scores between 24 and 29. The average ACT score is 26. See if your ACT score is good enough for admission.