Grambling State University admits approximately 23.7% of applicants, meaning roughly 1 in 4 applicants receives an offer of admission. This places Grambling State in the highly selective category, with significantly more competitive admission than typical four-year institutions. The peer median admission rate of 84.6% highlights the stark difference between Grambling State's selectivity and most public universities serving similar student populations. This level of selectivity means that even qualified students may face uncertainty in the admission process, despite the institution's strong commitment to access and diversity. Students should approach Grambling State as a selective institution and build comprehensive college lists that include schools with higher acceptance rates. The combination of selective admission with exceptional access to underrepresented students makes Grambling State distinctive among public universities. For students seeking both academic rigor and institutional commitment to diversity, this selectivity profile represents a balanced approach to admission. The sections below provide context on admitted student characteristics and alternative schools with more accessible admission processes while maintaining similar educational outcomes and commitment to student success.
A directional estimate — not a prediction
Admitted students at Grambling State typically score 860-1,150 on the SAT, with a median of 955. The middle 50% of enrolled students fall within this range, though students outside these bounds are admitted in smaller numbers. SAT Math scores typically range from 410-560, while SAT Verbal scores range from 450-590. ACT scores span 15-19 with a median of 17. Compared to peer institutions, Grambling State's SAT median of 955 is 135 points below the peer median of 1,090, while ACT scores are 5 points below the peer median. These score ranges reflect the institution's commitment to holistic admission that considers factors beyond standardized test performance. The academic profile demonstrates that Grambling State evaluates applicants within the context of their educational backgrounds and opportunities. Students scoring below the 25th percentile should expect to be at a competitive disadvantage but are not automatically excluded, particularly given the institution's mission to serve diverse student populations. If your scores fall within the middle 50% range, you are academically competitive for admission. Students should consider whether their academic profile aligns with this range when building their college lists, while recognizing that Grambling State's holistic approach considers multiple factors in admission decisions.
Understanding institutional priorities and student support
Grambling State enrolls 72.2% Pell-eligible students and 39.5% first-generation students, indicating exceptional commitment to serving students from diverse economic and educational backgrounds. These shares are significantly higher than at most selective institutions, reflecting the university's mission to provide educational access to underrepresented populations. The institution also enrolls 17.8% transfer students, demonstrating pathways for students beginning their education at community colleges or other institutions. This student composition suggests that Grambling State prioritizes educational opportunity and economic diversity in its admission process. The high Pell share indicates that nearly three-quarters of enrolled students come from lower-income families, while the substantial first-generation enrollment shows strong support for students whose families have limited college experience. First-generation students should know that 39.5% of enrolled students share their background, providing a supportive community of peers facing similar challenges. Students from lower-income families should consider the 72.2% Pell share when assessing fit, as this indicates strong institutional support and understanding of their financial circumstances. The combination of selective admission with high enrollment of underrepresented students makes Grambling State distinctive among highly selective institutions.
Given Grambling State's 23.7% acceptance rate, most applicants face significant uncertainty in admission. Students need backup options with higher acceptance rates but similar educational quality and outcomes.
Strong options in your region with comparable outcomes.
76.2% of Grambling State freshmen return for sophomore year, which is 4.1 percentage points above the peer median, and 32.3% graduate within six years. Pell-eligible students graduate at 35.3%, indicating stronger completion rates for lower-income students than the overall population. The 3 percentage point advantage for Pell graduates over the general population is noteworthy, as it suggests particularly effective support systems for students from lower-income backgrounds. While graduation rates are below national averages, the retention rate above peer median indicates strong first-year support and student engagement. The positive Pell completion gap demonstrates that the institution's commitment to access translates into meaningful support for degree completion among its target population. Students who gain admission can expect strong institutional support for first-year success, as evidenced by above-average retention rates. Lower-income students should view the positive 3-point Pell completion advantage as an indicator of targeted support systems that help students overcome financial and academic challenges. Prospective students should consider both the retention strength and graduation rate challenges when evaluating fit, recognizing that institutional support is strong but completing a degree requires sustained commitment and engagement with available resources.
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