University of Arizona admits 85.7% of applicants, meaning roughly 5 in 6 applicants receive an offer of admission. This places the university in the Open Access category, where admission rates exceed 75%. The peer median admission rate of 78.1% shows University of Arizona is slightly more accessible than typical large public institutions, accepting about 8 percentage points more applicants than peer schools. This open admission policy reflects the university's commitment to broad educational access while maintaining academic standards through other measures. Students should understand that while admission is relatively accessible, success depends on academic preparation and fit with the university's expectations. The high acceptance rate means most academically prepared students can gain admission, making University of Arizona an excellent option for students seeking a research university experience without the uncertainty of highly competitive admission processes. This accessibility supports the university's role as an Opportunity Builders institution, providing pathways for diverse student populations. For students building balanced college lists, University of Arizona serves as a strong target or safety school depending on their academic preparation, offering solid outcomes with predictable admission prospects.
A directional estimate — not a prediction
Admitted students at University of Arizona typically present strong academic credentials. SAT scores range from 1160 at the 25th percentile to 1420 at the 75th percentile, with a median of 1261. Most enrolled students score within this middle 50% range, though students with scores above or below are regularly admitted. The Math section spans from 580 to 720, while Verbal ranges from 580 to 700, showing balanced expectations across both areas. ACT scores range from 21 to 30 with a median of 25, providing alternative pathways for students who prefer this exam format. These scores rank at the 96th and 93rd percentiles respectively, indicating the university attracts academically strong students despite its open admission policy. Compared to peer institutions, University of Arizona students score 63 points higher on the SAT and maintain similar ACT performance, suggesting the university successfully combines accessibility with academic quality. Students scoring below the 25th percentile should expect to demonstrate academic readiness through other measures but should not view admission as impossible. If your scores fall within the middle 50% range, you are academically competitive for admission and should focus on other application components. Students should consider whether their academic profile aligns with this range when assessing institutional fit and academic challenge level.
Understanding institutional priorities and student support
University of Arizona enrolls a diverse student body that reflects its commitment to broad educational access. The university serves 26.2% Pell-eligible students, indicating more than one-quarter of enrolled students come from lower-income families. First-generation students comprise 31.4% of enrollment, demonstrating the university's role in expanding higher education access to families new to college. Transfer students represent 30.7% of the student body, showing significant pathways for community college and other transfer students. This composition indicates University of Arizona actively enrolls students from varied educational and economic backgrounds, supporting its Opportunity Builders designation. The substantial first-generation and Pell populations suggest the university has developed support systems for students who may need additional academic and social resources. Students from first-generation backgrounds should find meaningful peer community, with nearly one-third of enrolled students sharing similar experiences. Lower-income students can take confidence in the substantial Pell population and the university's demonstrated success with these student populations. The significant transfer population indicates established pathways and support systems for students beginning their four-year education after completing community college or other preliminary work.
With University of Arizona's 85.7% acceptance rate, most academically prepared students can expect admission. However, students seeking different options or stronger outcomes may consider these alternatives.
Strong options in your region with comparable outcomes.
Students who enroll at University of Arizona demonstrate solid success rates with notable support for diverse populations. 87.7% of freshmen return for sophomore year, exceeding the peer median of 83.7% by 4 percentage points, indicating strong first-year experience and institutional support. The six-year graduation rate reaches 65.9%, matching closely with the peer median of 65.9%, showing typical completion performance for large public universities. Pell-eligible students graduate at 55.5%, representing a 10.4 percentage point gap compared to the overall completion rate. While this gap indicates challenges for lower-income students, it remains manageable compared to institutions with larger equity gaps. The difference suggests University of Arizona provides meaningful but not exceptional support for lower-income students to persist through degree completion. Students who gain admission can expect strong institutional support for retention, particularly in the critical first year where persistence rates exceed peer expectations. Lower-income students should weigh the Pell completion gap when considering this institution, understanding that while support exists, additional resources and planning may benefit degree completion. Prospective students should view these retention and completion rates as indicators of the academic environment and support systems they will experience upon enrollment.
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