Rowan University admits 77.8% of applicants, meaning roughly 4 in 5 applicants receive offers of admission. This admission rate places Rowan in the Open Access category, making it significantly more accessible than highly selective institutions. The peer median admission rate of 78.1% shows Rowan operates at typical selectivity for similar public universities. This level of accessibility means that academically prepared students have strong prospects for admission, though meeting basic academic requirements remains important. For prospective students, Rowan represents a realistic option for those seeking quality education without the uncertainty associated with highly competitive admission processes. Students should view Rowan as a solid foundation school in their college lists, while also considering institutions with varying selectivity levels to create a balanced application strategy. The university's accessibility supports its mission of serving diverse student populations, including first-generation college students and transfer students seeking educational opportunities.
A directional estimate — not a prediction
Admitted students at Rowan typically score between 1100 and 1310 on the SAT, with a median score of 1216. SAT Math scores range from 540 to 650, while Verbal scores span 560 to 660, showing balanced academic preparation across subjects. ACT scores range from 26 to 30 with a median of 27. These test score ranges rank at the 95th percentile nationally, indicating Rowan attracts academically strong students despite its accessible admission rate. Compared to peer institutions with a median SAT of 1198, Rowan students score 18 points higher on average, demonstrating the university's ability to combine accessibility with academic quality. The middle 50% SAT range means that 25% of enrolled students score below 1100 and 25% score above 1310, with the majority falling within this band. Students scoring below 1100 should expect to be at a competitive disadvantage but are not automatically excluded from consideration. If your scores fall within the 1100-1310 range, you are academically competitive for admission and should feel confident about your prospects. Students should consider whether their academic profile aligns with this range when building their college list and developing application strategies.
Understanding institutional priorities and student support
Rowan enrolls a diverse student body that reflects its commitment to educational access. The university serves 31.3% Pell-eligible students, indicating enrollment of students from lower-income families who receive federal financial aid. First-generation college students comprise 35.1% of the student body, demonstrating Rowan's role in expanding higher education access to families without prior college experience. Transfer students represent 41.7% of enrollment, reflecting the university's strong partnerships with community colleges and commitment to serving students transitioning between institutions. This composition indicates that Rowan prioritizes accessible education while maintaining academic standards, as evidenced by the high test score performance of admitted students. The substantial transfer population suggests the university provides effective pathways for students beginning their college careers at community colleges. Prospective students from first-generation backgrounds should know that more than one-third of enrolled students share their background, creating a supportive community for navigating college life. Students from lower-income families should consider the 31.3% Pell share when assessing institutional fit and support systems.
Given Rowan's 77.8% acceptance rate, most academically prepared students should view admission as likely rather than uncertain. However, students seeking additional options or different institutional characteristics should consider these alternatives.
Schools with comparable admission profiles — useful for building a balanced list.
Rowan demonstrates solid student success metrics with 81.6% of freshmen returning for sophomore year, compared to a peer median retention rate of 83.7%. The university graduates 68.3% of students within six years, compared to a peer median completion rate of 65.8%. Pell-eligible students graduate at 67.3%, creating a 1.0 percentage point gap between overall and Pell completion rates. This minimal gap indicates strong institutional support for lower-income students, suggesting effective programs and services that help students from all economic backgrounds persist to graduation. The small difference between Pell and overall completion rates positions Rowan favorably among institutions serving diverse student populations. Students who gain admission can expect institutional support systems designed to promote degree completion across different student backgrounds. Lower-income students should view the minimal Pell gap as an indicator of effective support services and inclusive campus environment. The completion rates suggest that students who enroll at Rowan have reasonable expectations for successful degree completion, particularly when they engage with available academic and student support resources throughout their college experience.
Similar quality tier (#7528 ranked)
Higher acceptance rates with similar career outcomes.
Similar quality tier (#5471 ranked)
Similar quality tier (#5468 ranked)
Similar quality tier (#5466 ranked)
Build a balanced list with schools at different selectivity and price points.
Explore More Schools