Adelphi University admits 77.5% of applicants, meaning roughly 3 in 4 applicants receive an offer of admission. This places Adelphi in the Open Access category (>75% admission rate), making it significantly more accessible than highly selective private universities. The peer median admission rate of 70.6% indicates Adelphi is slightly more accessible than typical institutions in its comparison group. This level of accessibility means that academically prepared students have strong chances of admission, though the university maintains academic standards through its test score expectations and course requirements. The combination of open access admission with strong post-graduation outcomes makes Adelphi attractive for students seeking quality education without the uncertainty of highly competitive admission processes. Students should view Adelphi as a realistic option while building balanced college lists that include both more and less selective alternatives. The university's 77.5% admission rate suggests that demonstrated academic preparation and genuine interest in the institution carry significant weight in admission decisions, creating opportunities for students who may not qualify for highly selective universities.
A directional estimate — not a prediction
Admitted students at Adelphi University typically score between 1140-1310 on the SAT, with a median of 1224. The middle 50% of students score 560-660 on SAT Math and 580-650 on SAT Verbal, indicating balanced strength across quantitative and verbal reasoning. ACT scores range from 24-30 with a median of 26, reflecting solid academic preparation among enrolled students. These test scores rank at the 95th percentile nationally, demonstrating that despite accessible admission rates, Adelphi attracts academically strong students. The SAT range places Adelphi 32 points below its peer median of 1256, though this difference represents less than a 3% gap in academic preparation. Students scoring within the 1140-1310 SAT range or 24-30 ACT range are academically competitive for admission, while those scoring below these ranges face greater challenges but are not automatically excluded. The combination of open access admission with strong test scores suggests Adelphi successfully attracts college-ready students who value the university's programs and outcomes. Prospective students should consider whether their academic profile aligns with these ranges when building their college application strategy, particularly given the strong career outcomes that justify the academic expectations.
Understanding institutional priorities and student support
Adelphi University enrolls a diverse student body that reflects both academic preparation and varied socioeconomic backgrounds. The institution serves 29.4% Pell-eligible students, indicating significant enrollment of students from lower-income families who qualify for federal need-based aid. First-generation college students comprise 35.4% of the student body, demonstrating Adelphi's role in expanding educational access for families without prior college experience. Transfer students represent 15.9% of enrollment, providing pathways for students beginning their higher education journey at community colleges or other institutions. This composition suggests that Adelphi prioritizes both academic merit and educational access in its admission decisions. The substantial first-generation student population indicates the university provides support systems and resources for students navigating college as the first in their families to attend. The relatively high Pell share among selective private universities demonstrates institutional commitment to economic diversity alongside academic excellence. Students from first-generation backgrounds should view the 35.4% share as evidence of institutional familiarity with their unique needs and challenges, while prospective transfer students can expect experience serving students with diverse educational pathways.
While Adelphi's 77.5% admission rate makes it accessible for most qualified applicants, students should still consider alternatives with different admission profiles, locations, and cost structures to build comprehensive college lists.
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Students who enroll at Adelphi University demonstrate strong persistence and completion outcomes across diverse backgrounds. The 83.0% retention rate matches the peer median exactly, indicating that most freshmen find the academic and social environment supportive enough to continue their studies. The 68.9% six-year graduation rate reflects solid completion outcomes, though slightly below the 70% peer median. Notably, Pell-eligible students graduate at a 67.7% rate, creating just a 1.2 percentage point gap compared to the overall graduation rate. This small Pell completion gap indicates strong institutional support for lower-income students throughout their academic journey. The minimal difference between overall and Pell completion rates suggests that once admitted, students from disadvantaged backgrounds receive effective academic and financial support to reach graduation. Students considering Adelphi can expect institutional commitment to their success regardless of family income background. The retention and completion data indicate that students who engage with available resources and support systems typically progress successfully toward degree completion. Prospective students should view these outcomes as evidence of institutional effectiveness in supporting diverse student populations through graduation, particularly given the substantial first-generation and Pell-eligible enrollment.
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