Brigham Young University admits approximately 69.2% of applicants, meaning roughly 7 in 10 applicants receive an offer of admission. This places BYU in the Moderately Selective category, with admission rates between 50-75%. The peer median admission rate of 69.4% shows BYU aligns closely with similar institutions in selectivity. This level of selectivity means academically capable students have reasonable admission prospects while maintaining quality standards. The university's moderate selectivity creates opportunities for students who demonstrate strong academic preparation without requiring the exceptional credentials needed at highly selective institutions. Students should view BYU as a realistic target school if their academic profile aligns with admitted student characteristics. The combination of moderate selectivity with exceptional outcomes makes BYU an attractive option for students building balanced college lists. Prospective applicants should consider BYU's unique institutional culture and honor code requirements as factors that may influence both application and enrollment decisions beyond academic credentials alone.
A directional estimate — not a prediction
Admitted students at BYU typically demonstrate strong academic preparation across standardized testing measures. SAT scores for enrolled students range from 1290 at the 25th percentile to 1450 at the 75th percentile, with a midpoint of 1376. Math scores span 640-730, while verbal scores range 650-720, indicating balanced strength across both testing domains. ACT scores range from 28 at the 25th percentile to 32 at the 75th percentile, with a midpoint of 29. These test score ranges place BYU among institutions with exceptional academic standards, ranking in the top tier nationally for admitted student academic preparation. The peer median SAT of 1378 shows BYU attracts students with academic credentials typical for highly selective institutions despite its moderate admission rate. Students scoring within the middle 50% ranges should feel academically competitive for admission, while those scoring below the 25th percentile should expect to be at a competitive disadvantage but are not automatically excluded. The university's holistic review process considers factors beyond test scores, making strong academic performance across multiple dimensions important for prospective applicants.
Understanding institutional priorities and student support
BYU enrolls a diverse student body with particular strength in serving students from varied economic backgrounds. The university enrolls 32.3% Pell-eligible students, indicating substantial representation of students from lower-income families. First-generation college students comprise 13.8% of enrollment, while transfer students make up 19.1% of the incoming class. This composition demonstrates BYU's commitment to educational access while maintaining academic selectivity. The relatively high Pell share compared to many private institutions indicates the university successfully enrolls students who benefit from federal financial aid programs. Transfer students should note the solid 19.1% transfer enrollment, suggesting pathways exist for students beginning their college careers elsewhere. The combination of moderate selectivity with meaningful access for lower-income students reflects BYU's institutional mission and unique position in higher education. Prospective students from diverse economic backgrounds should consider these enrollment patterns when assessing institutional fit and community composition.
Given BYU's 69% acceptance rate and exceptional test score requirements, even academically strong students should consider backup options. The alternatives below offer similar career outcomes with different admission profiles.
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Students who gain admission to BYU demonstrate strong persistence and degree completion outcomes. 89.0% of freshmen return for sophomore year, while 82.2% graduate within six years. These retention and completion rates exceed the peer median of 81.3% for retention and 63.5% for completion, indicating robust institutional support systems. Pell-eligible students graduate at 66.8%, creating a 15.4 percentage point gap compared to the overall completion rate. This gap, while present, occurs alongside strong absolute outcomes for lower-income students, with low-income graduates achieving exceptional earnings outcomes ranking in the top 5% nationally. The combination of solid overall completion rates with meaningful support for students from diverse economic backgrounds suggests institutional effectiveness in helping admitted students reach graduation. Students who gain admission can expect strong institutional support for degree completion, though lower-income students should be aware of the completion gap while recognizing the exceptional post-graduation outcomes BYU delivers for this population.
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