University of Arizona: Acceptance Rate and Admissions Statistics

The University of Arizona is a public research university with an acceptance rate of 85%. Located in Tucson, the University of Arizona has well-respected programs ranging from engineering to photography. The university is a member of the Association of American Universities because of its strengths in research and education. In athletics, the Arizona Wildcats compete in the NCAA Division I ​Pac 12 Conference.

Considering applying to University of Arizona? Here are the admissions statistics you should know, including average SAT/ACT scores and GPAs of admitted students.

Acceptance Rate

During the 2018-19 admissions cycle, University of Arizona had an acceptance rate of 85%. This means that for every 100 students who applied, 85 students were admitted, making UA's admissions process somewhat competitive.

SAT Scores and Requirements

University of Arizona has a test-optional standardized testing policy. Applicants to UA may submit SAT or ACT scores to the school, but they are not required for admission to most programs. Note that applicants to the Honors College and the colleges of Engineering, Fine Arts, Nursing, and Architecture, Planning and Landscape Architecture are required to submit SAT or ACT scores. In addition, applicants who want to be considered for merit scholarships must submit SAT or ACT scores. During the 2018-19 admissions cycle, 51% of admitted students submitted SAT scores.

This admissions data tells us that of those students who submitted scores during the 2018-19 admissions cycle, most of University of Arizona's admitted students fall within the top 35% nationally on the SAT. For the evidence-based reading and writing section, 50% of students admitted to University of Arizona scored between 560 and 670, while 25% scored below 560 and 25% scored above 670. On the math section, 50% of admitted students scored between 550 and 690, while 25% scored below 550 and 25% scored above 690. While the SAT is not required, this data tells us that a composite SAT score of 1360 or higher is competitive for University of Arizona.

Requirements

Note that for most applicants, University of Arizona does not require SAT scores for admission. For students who choose to submit scores, UA does not superscore SAT results; your highest composite SAT score from a single test date will be considered. University of Arizona does not require the optional essay portion of the SAT.

ACT Scores and Requirements

University of Arizona has a test-optional standardized testing policy. Applicants to UA may submit SAT or ACT scores to the school, but they are not required for admission to most programs. Note that applicants to the Honors College and the colleges of Engineering, Fine Arts, Nursing, and Architecture, Planning and Landscape Architecture are required to submit SAT or ACT scores. In addition, applicants who want to be considered for merit scholarships must submit SAT or ACT scores. During the 2018-19 admissions cycle, 50% of admitted students submitted ACT scores.

This admissions data tells us that of those who submitted scores during the 2018-19 admissions cycle, most of University of Arizona's admitted students fall within the top 42% nationally on the ACT. The middle 50% of students admitted to UA received a composite ACT score between 21 and 29, while 25% scored above 29 and 25% scored below 21.

Requirements

Note that University of Arizona does not require ACT scores for admission for most applicants. For students who choose to submit scores, note that UA does not superscore ACT results; your highest composite ACT score will be considered. University of Arizona recommends, but does not require, the ACT writing section.

GPA

In 2019, the average high school GPA of University of Arizona's incoming freshmen class was 3.39, and nearly 50% of incoming students had average GPAs of 3.5 and above. These results suggest that most successful applicants to University of Arizona have primarily high B grades.

Self-Reported GPA/SAT/ACT Graph

The admissions data in the graph is self-reported by applicants to the University of Arizona. GPAs are unweighted. Find out how you compare to accepted students, see the real-time graph, and calculate your chances of getting in with a free Cappex account.

Admissions Chances

The University of Arizona, which accepts over three-quarters of applicants, has a somewhat selective admissions process. If your class rank and GPA fall within the school's average ranges, you have a strong chance of being accepted. UA also considers the rigor of your high school courses and your level of commitment to extracurricular activities and work experience. While UA does not require a personal statement, applicants may choose to submit one if they believe it will add to their application. Note that some programs at University of Arizona are more selective than others, and standardized testing requirements vary depending on intended program of study.

University of Arizona offers "Assured Admission" for residents and non-residents of Arizona. Eligible applicants must attend an accredited high school, rank in the top 25% of their class, and have no deficiencies in required coursework; or applicants who have an unweighted GPA of 3.0 or higher in all core course requirements.

In the graph above, the blue and green dots represent accepted students. You can see that the majority of successful applicants had "A" or "B" averages in high school, and they had combined SAT scores of about 950 or higher and ACT composite scores of 18 or higher. Having scores and grades above that lower range clearly increases your chance of acceptance. Since UA is test-optional for most applicants, grades are more important than standardized test scores for admission.

If You Like the University of Arizona, You May Also Like These Schools

• University of Texas - Austin
• University of Kansas
• Texas State University
• University of Iowa
• Arizona State University

All admissions data has been sourced from the National Center for Education Statistics and University of Arizona Undergraduate Admissions Office.