MCPHS University admits approximately 85.2% of applicants, meaning roughly 5 in 6 applicants receive an offer of admission. This places MCPHS University in the Open Access tier, making it significantly more accessible than most private institutions. The peer median admission rate of 70.6% shows that MCPHS University is more accessible than typical institutions in its comparison group. This level of accessibility means that most academically prepared students who apply will gain admission, though the university maintains quality standards appropriate for health professions preparation. Students considering MCPHS University can generally expect favorable admission odds if they meet basic academic requirements for health-focused programs. The university's specialized mission in health professions education means admission standards focus on preparation for rigorous science coursework rather than highly competitive selection. For this reason, students should approach MCPHS University as a realistic option while building college lists that include other health-focused institutions. The sections below provide alternative schools that deliver similar career outcomes with different selectivity levels and geographic options.
A directional estimate — not a prediction
Admitted students at MCPHS University typically score 1080-1340 on the SAT, with a median of 1216. The middle 50% of enrolled students fall within this range, though students scoring below 1080 are admitted in smaller numbers. SAT Math scores range from 540-700, while SAT Verbal scores span 540-640, indicating solid preparation in both quantitative and verbal reasoning. ACT scores range from 23-33, with a median of 27. The peer median SAT of 1256 shows that MCPHS University enrolls students with slightly lower test scores than typical comparison institutions, though performance remains well above national averages. Students scoring within the 1080-1340 SAT range are academically competitive for admission and well-prepared for the university's health professions curriculum. The university's test score profile reflects its mission of preparing diverse students for healthcare careers rather than pursuing maximum selectivity. Students should consider whether their academic profile aligns with these ranges when evaluating fit, particularly given the rigorous science requirements in health professions programs. Applicants scoring below the 25th percentile should expect to demonstrate strong preparation in science and mathematics coursework through other measures.
Understanding institutional priorities and student support
MCPHS University enrolls 28.2% Pell-eligible students and 30.5% first-generation students, indicating the university serves students from diverse economic and educational backgrounds. These shares position around the national average for four-year institutions, though somewhat below levels at public universities. The university also enrolls 36.2% transfer students, reflecting significant pathways for students beginning their college careers elsewhere. This composition suggests the university prioritizes preparing students for health careers regardless of their starting point in higher education. Geographic diversity reflects the university's location in Boston, attracting students from across New England and beyond who seek specialized health professions education. First-generation students should know that 30.5% of enrolled students share their background, indicating institutional familiarity with supporting students whose families lack college experience. Students from lower-income families should consider the 28.2% Pell share when assessing cultural and economic fit. Transfer applicants should note the substantial 36.2% transfer enrollment, suggesting the university welcomes students from other institutions seeking to complete health professions degrees.
Given MCPHS University's 85% acceptance rate, most academically prepared students will gain admission. However, students seeking alternatives or comparison options can consider these schools with different admission profiles and geographic locations.
Strong options in your region with comparable outcomes.
78.6% of MCPHS University freshmen return for sophomore year, compared to a peer median of 83.1%, indicating retention slightly below comparison institutions. 63.3% of students graduate within six years, compared to a peer median of 70%, reflecting completion rates that trail similar institutions. Pell-eligible students graduate at 70.4%, creating a 7.1 percentage point gap with overall completion rates. This gap suggests some additional challenges for lower-income students in completing their degrees, though the majority still succeed. The retention and completion rates reflect the rigorous nature of health professions preparation, which requires sustained academic performance across science-heavy curricula. Students who gain admission can expect academic support systems, though success requires consistent effort given the demanding coursework. Lower-income students should weigh the 7.1 point Pell gap when considering this institution, while recognizing that the majority of Pell students still complete their degrees. Prospective students should view these retention and completion rates as indicators of the academic rigor they'll encounter, particularly in prerequisite science courses for health professions programs.
Similar quality tier in Northeast (#11997 ranked)
Schools with comparable admission profiles — useful for building a balanced list.
Similar quality tier (#11988 ranked)
Similar quality tier (#10929 ranked)
Similar quality tier (#14576 ranked)
Build a balanced list with schools at different selectivity and price points.
Explore More Schools