Stockton University admits 88.2% of applicants, meaning roughly 9 out of 10 applicants receive an offer of admission. This places Stockton in the Open Access category, reflecting the university's commitment to broad educational accessibility. The peer median admission rate of 84.6% shows that Stockton is slightly more accessible than typical public comprehensive universities, admitting 3.6 percentage points more applicants than peer institutions. This level of accessibility means that most academically prepared students can expect admission, though the university maintains meaningful academic standards through its test score expectations and course requirements. Students should approach Stockton as a realistic admission target while still demonstrating genuine academic preparation and fit. The university's open access philosophy aligns with its mission as a Mobility Engine institution, prioritizing educational opportunity while maintaining academic quality. For students building college lists, Stockton represents an accessible option that delivers strong post-graduation outcomes without the uncertainty associated with highly selective admissions. This combination of accessibility and outcomes makes Stockton particularly valuable for students seeking economic mobility through higher education.
A directional estimate — not a prediction
Admitted students at Stockton University typically score 1080-1260 on the SAT, with a median of 1171, and 20-27 on the ACT with a median of 25. The SAT breakdown shows Math scores ranging from 540-620 and Verbal scores from 540-640, indicating balanced academic preparation across disciplines. These test score ranges rank at the 93rd percentile nationally, demonstrating that despite open access admission, Stockton attracts academically strong students. The peer median SAT of 1090 shows Stockton students score 81 points higher than typical public comprehensive universities, while the peer median ACT of 22 is 3 points below Stockton's median. Most admitted students score within the 1080-1260 SAT range, representing the middle 50% of enrolled students. Students scoring below 1080 should expect to be in the lower quartile but are not automatically excluded from admission consideration. Those scoring above 1260 would be in the upper quartile of the student body. Students should consider whether their academic profile aligns with this range when building their college list, recognizing that Stockton maintains academic standards even with its accessible admission approach. The combination of open access admission with strong test scores reflects the university's ability to attract prepared students seeking value and mobility outcomes.
Understanding institutional priorities and student support
Stockton University enrolls a diverse student body that reflects both academic preparation and economic accessibility. 41.5% of students receive Pell grants, indicating enrollment from lower-income families, while 40.4% are first-generation college students, demonstrating the university's commitment to serving students who are breaking new ground in their families through higher education. Additionally, 32.4% of students are transfers, indicating substantial pathways for students beginning at community colleges or other institutions. This composition suggests that Stockton prioritizes educational opportunity alongside academic merit, creating a community where students from varied backgrounds can succeed together. The substantial Pell and first-generation shares indicate the university actively serves students who might face barriers at more exclusive institutions. Geographic diversity data shows students come from throughout the region, though New Jersey residents form the majority. First-generation students should know that 40.4% of enrolled students share their background, creating a supportive peer community. Students from lower-income families should consider the 41.5% Pell share when assessing institutional fit and support systems. Transfer applicants should note the substantial 32.4% transfer enrollment, indicating established pathways and support for students transitioning from other institutions.
Given Stockton's 88.2% acceptance rate, most academically prepared students should view this as a realistic admission target rather than a reach school. However, students seeking alternatives for program variety, location, or cost considerations have several strong options.
Strong options in your region with comparable outcomes.
77.2% of Stockton freshmen return for sophomore year, compared to a peer median of 73.2%, indicating above-average student satisfaction and support systems. 72.0% graduate within six years, substantially higher than the peer median completion rate of 49.3%, demonstrating strong institutional effectiveness in degree completion. Pell-eligible students graduate at 71.0%, creating only a 1.0 percentage point gap compared to the overall completion rate, which represents exceptional support for lower-income students. This minimal Pell gap indicates that economic background does not significantly predict graduation likelihood at Stockton, reflecting strong institutional support systems and inclusive campus culture. The retention rate advantage over peer institutions suggests that students find the academic and social environment supportive and engaging. The substantial completion rate advantage over peers indicates that once enrolled, students receive the support necessary to complete their degrees regardless of background. Students who gain admission can expect strong institutional support for degree completion, particularly notable given the university's diverse student population. Lower-income students should weigh the minimal 1.0 percentage point Pell gap when considering this institution, as it indicates exceptional equity in graduation outcomes. Prospective students should view these retention and completion rates as strong indicators of the supportive academic environment they will experience at Stockton University.
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