Augusta University maintains open access admission with an 89.3% acceptance rate, meaning approximately 9 in 10 applicants receive admission offers. This places Augusta University well within the Open Access category, serving students with diverse academic backgrounds and preparation levels. The peer median admission rate of 84.6% indicates Augusta University is slightly more accessible than typical institutions in its comparison group. Open access policies reflect the institution's mission to serve regional students and provide educational opportunity for diverse populations, including working adults and transfer students. Students should expect admission decisions based primarily on basic academic preparation rather than competitive selection. For prospective applicants, Augusta University's high acceptance rate creates favorable odds for admission, though students should still demonstrate college readiness through academic preparation. The institution's approach prioritizes educational access and regional workforce development over selective admission practices.
A directional estimate — not a prediction
Admitted students at Augusta University typically demonstrate solid academic preparation despite the institution's open access mission. SAT scores range from 1020 at the 25th percentile to 1230 at the 75th percentile, with a median of 1113. Most enrolled students score between 1020 and 1230, though scores outside this range are not uncommon given the open access policy. Math scores range from 500 to 600, while verbal scores span 520 to 630, indicating balanced preparation across subject areas. ACT scores range from 19 to 26 with a median of 25. Compared to peer institutions with a median SAT of 1090, Augusta University attracts students with slightly stronger test preparation, ranking at the 90th percentile for SAT performance and 93rd percentile for ACT scores. Students scoring below 1020 SAT or 19 ACT should expect to be in the lower quartile of enrolled students but are not automatically excluded from admission. Those scoring within the middle ranges can expect to be academically competitive with current students. The combination of open access with solid test score performance suggests the institution attracts students seeking accessible education with demonstrated academic capability.
Understanding institutional priorities and student support
Augusta University enrolls a diverse student population that reflects its regional public mission and open access approach. The institution serves 38.4% Pell-eligible students, indicating significant enrollment from lower-income families. First-generation college students comprise 28.3% of enrollment, demonstrating the university's role in expanding educational access. Transfer students represent 28.5% of the student body, reflecting the institution's commitment to serving working adults and students with non-traditional pathways. This composition indicates Augusta University prioritizes educational opportunity and serves as a pathway for students from diverse economic and educational backgrounds. The combination of strong Pell enrollment with solid academic preparation suggests the institution attracts motivated students seeking accessible higher education. Students from lower-income families should note that more than one-third of enrolled students share their economic background, creating a supportive environment for first-generation college attendance. Transfer applicants should recognize the substantial transfer population as evidence of institutional support for students with diverse educational experiences.
Given Augusta University's 89.3% acceptance rate, admission represents a realistic option for most academically prepared students rather than a reach scenario.
Strong options in your region with comparable outcomes.
Students who enroll at Augusta University experience moderate retention and completion outcomes typical of regional public institutions serving diverse populations. The freshman retention rate of 73.5% compares closely to the peer median of 73.2%, indicating consistent institutional support during the critical first year. Six-year graduation rates reach 48.6%, slightly below the peer median of 49.3% but reflecting the challenges common to open access institutions. Importantly, Pell-eligible students graduate at 49.0%, creating a positive 0.4 percentage point gap compared to the overall completion rate. This small positive differential indicates strong institutional support for lower-income students and suggests effective financial aid and academic support systems. Students who gain admission should expect moderate retention support during the first year, with completion rates reflecting the diverse preparation levels common to open access institutions. Lower-income students should view the positive Pell completion gap as evidence of institutional commitment to supporting students from all economic backgrounds through degree completion.
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