The University of Scranton acceptance rate is approximately 74 percent, placing it in the moderately selective range among small private universities in the Northeast. For most applicants with a B average or above, the Scranton acceptance rate means admission is realistic. The bigger questions are whether Scranton's specific academic programs match your goals and whether the cost makes sense given the aid package you receive.
This guide walks through the University of Scranton acceptance rate in detail, covering academic expectations, competitive programs, and what makes Scranton worth considering seriously.
What Is the University of Scranton Acceptance Rate?
The University of Scranton acceptance rate for recent admissions cycles sits between 72 and 76 percent. Scranton receives roughly 12,000 applications annually and admits around 8,500 to 9,000 students. Final freshman enrollment is typically around 1,100 students, giving the university a small-to-midsize undergraduate population of about 4,200 total students.
That small class size shapes the character of the school. Students at Scranton have a different experience than at a 30,000-student flagship. Class sizes are small, faculty accessibility is high, and the campus feels cohesive rather than diffuse. The Scranton acceptance rate being moderate means you are entering a selective environment without competing against the same applicant pool as highly selective Northeastern schools.
Scranton as a Jesuit University
The University of Scranton acceptance rate applies to a school with a specific academic identity. Scranton is a Jesuit Catholic university, founded in 1888. The Jesuit tradition emphasizes a liberal arts foundation alongside professional education, which means all students take core curriculum courses in philosophy, theology, and writing regardless of their major.
This is worth knowing before you apply. Students who want a focused professional curriculum without humanities requirements sometimes find the Jesuit core more demanding than expected. Students who value a broad education alongside their major tend to find the approach genuinely useful.
Scranton's Jesuit identity also means the school has strong connections to a national network of Jesuit universities, including Georgetown, Fordham, Boston College, and Marquette. Alumni networks across these institutions often overlap, which has professional value in fields like law, medicine, finance, and public service.
Typical Academic Profile of Admitted Students
Given the University of scranton acceptance rate of around 74 percent, admitted students typically have:
- High school GPA: 3.4 to 3.8 (unweighted)
- ACT composite: 25 to 30
- SAT total: 1160 to 1350
Scranton is test-optional. The school uses a holistic review that weighs course rigor, extracurricular involvement, and letters of recommendation alongside grades. First-generation college students and applicants from underrepresented backgrounds are actively recruited, and the school's financial aid office has a strong track record for packaging aid in ways that make attendance feasible across income levels.
University of Scranton Nursing Acceptance Rate
The university of scranton nursing acceptance rate is notably lower than the overall university figure. Scranton's nursing program is one of the most applied-to in Northeast Pennsylvania and consistently ranks well among regional nursing schools. The Department of Nursing within the Panuska College of Professional Studies typically admits a smaller cohort than general admissions, with GPA standards above 3.6 and strong science coursework expected.
| Program | Estimated Acceptance Rate | Competitiveness | Typical Academic Expectations |
| Overall University Admission | ~74% | Moderately Selective | GPA 3.3+ recommended |
| Nursing (BSN) | ~25–40% (estimated) | Highly Competitive | GPA 3.6+, strong Biology & Chemistry |
| Occupational Therapy | ~35–45% | Competitive | Strong science background |
| Physical Therapy | ~30–40% | Competitive | High GPA in STEM subjects |
| Business Programs | ~70–80% | Moderate | GPA 3.0+ |
| Health Administration | ~65–75% | Moderate | Consistent academics |
| Computer Science | ~60–70% | Moderate | Math & analytical skills preferred |
| Education Programs | ~70–80% | Moderate | GPA 3.0+ |
| Liberal Arts & Humanities | ~75–85% | Less Competitive | General academic profile |
| Pre-Med / Pre-Health Tracks | ~40–55% | Competitive | Strong science coursework |
Other Strong Programs at Scranton
The University of Scranton's acceptance rate being moderate should not distract from programs that are competitive in their fields:
Physical Therapy: Scranton's DPT program is well-regarded regionally. The path from undergraduate to the DPT program is competitive, and students interested in physical therapy should apply to the pre-PT track with strong science and biology preparation.
Accounting and Finance: The Kania School of Management has a solid regional reputation. The accounting program has a high CPA exam pass rate relative to similar-sized programs, which matters to students planning to enter public accounting after graduation.
Psychology and Neuroscience: Research opportunities for undergraduates in these programs are more accessible than at large research universities, where graduate students tend to dominate lab positions. The smaller class sizes that accompany the scranton acceptance rate translate into more direct faculty mentorship.
Location: Scranton, Pennsylvania
The University of Scranton acceptance rate refers to a school in a mid-size Northeastern city with its own character. Scranton is about 130 miles from New York City and roughly 100 miles from Philadelphia. The city is smaller than it once was, but it has a stable healthcare economy anchored by several hospital systems, which creates real internship and clinical placement opportunities for health sciences students.
Cost of living in Scranton is low compared to most Northeast urban areas, which matters when comparing total cost of attendance. Students find off-campus housing and everyday expenses significantly cheaper than they would in New York, Boston, or Philadelphia.
If you have watched The Office, you know the cultural reference. The university's communications team has leaned into it, but the city itself has more going on than the joke suggests. The Pocono Mountains are nearby for outdoor activities, and the proximity to New York and Philadelphia means weekend travel is straightforward.
Financial Aid and Cost
Tuition at Scranton runs around $51,000 per year before aid. Given that the University of Scranton acceptance rate is high and the school is competing against other private universities for students, Scranton typically offers substantial merit and need-based aid packages.
The average institutional grant for students who demonstrate financial need is around $26,000, which brings the net price to roughly $25,000 for qualifying students. Merit awards for students with strong academic profiles range from $12,000 to $20,000 per year. Students admitted with a 3.8+ GPA and strong extracurricular profiles are typically in the higher merit award range.
Given the moderate Scranton acceptance rate, most students can get in. The financial aid package Scranton offers relative to comparable private universities is often the deciding factor.
Application Process and Deadlines
Scranton accepts applications through the Common Application. Required materials include transcripts, one or two teacher recommendations, a school counselor recommendation, and a personal statement. Test scores are optional.
The Early Decision deadline is November 1. Early Action is November 15. Regular Decision is February 15. Scranton uses rolling admissions after regular decision, and some programs accept applications through spring. Given the University of Scranton's acceptance rate, applying Early Action is primarily about getting a decision early rather than improving admission odds, though it does demonstrate interest which Scranton tracks.
Is the University of Scranton the Right Fit?
The University of Scranton's acceptance rate makes admission accessible for most B+ applicants. Whether Scranton is the right choice depends on your intended program and your priorities for the college experience.
Students aiming for health professions, nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy, or pre-med have concrete academic reasons to choose Scranton. The smaller class sizes, accessible faculty, and strong regional clinical networks translate into measurable advantages in those fields. Students targeting business with an eye toward accounting or finance in the Northeast corridor will also find Scranton's professional placement solid relative to its size.
If you are drawn to the Jesuit educational tradition, the manageable campus size, and a Northeast location without a major city's price tag, the University of Scranton acceptance rate means you should apply. The school tends to reward students who engage with it rather than coast through it.
Read Also: Quinnipiac University Acceptance Rate
FAQs
1. What is the University of Scranton acceptance rate?
The University of Scranton acceptance rate is around 72% to 76%, making it a moderately selective private university in Pennsylvania. Most students with good academic records have a solid chance of admission.
2. Is the University of Scranton hard to get into?
No, the University of Scranton is not extremely difficult to get into. Students with a B average or higher, along with good extracurricular activities and recommendations, are generally competitive applicants.
3. What GPA do you need for the University of Scranton?
Most admitted students have an unweighted GPA between 3.4 and 3.8. Stronger programs like Nursing may require higher grades and science coursework.
4. Is the University of Scranton test-optional?
Yes, the University of Scranton is test-optional. Students can apply without SAT or ACT scores, and admissions decisions are based on GPA, coursework, essays, and extracurricular involvement.
5. What is the University of Scranton known for?
The University of Scranton is well known for Nursing, Physical Therapy, Accounting, Finance, Psychology, and Health Science programs. It is also recognized for its Jesuit education system and small class sizes.
6. Does the University of Scranton offer scholarships and financial aid?
Yes, the University of Scranton offers both merit-based scholarships and need-based financial aid. Students with strong academic performance may receive significant tuition assistance.