University of Cincinnati admits 87.7% of applicants, meaning roughly 9 in 10 applicants receive an offer of admission. This places the university in the Open Access category for admission selectivity, making it significantly more accessible than typical selective institutions. The peer median admission rate of 78.1% indicates Cincinnati admits students at a higher rate than similar large public research universities, though the difference is relatively modest at 9.6 percentage points. This level of accessibility means that students with solid academic preparation should expect favorable admission prospects, though the university maintains meaningful academic standards as evidenced by SAT scores among the highest we track nationally. Cincinnati's open access approach reflects its mission as a comprehensive public research university serving diverse student populations throughout Ohio and beyond. For prospective students, this admission rate suggests that academic preparation and program fit matter more than competitive positioning against other applicants. Students should focus on demonstrating readiness for college-level work and alignment with their intended major rather than viewing admission as a highly competitive selection process. The university's accessible admission combined with strong academic programs creates opportunities for students seeking quality education without the uncertainty of highly selective admission.
A directional estimate — not a prediction
Admitted students at University of Cincinnati demonstrate exceptionally strong academic credentials despite the institution's accessible admission standards. SAT scores among enrolled students range from 1150 to 1360, with a median of 1281, ranking among the highest we track nationally. SAT Math scores span 570 to 690, while SAT Verbal scores range from 580 to 670, indicating balanced academic preparation across quantitative and verbal domains. ACT scores range from 24 to 29 with a median of 27, also performing at exceptional levels nationally. These test score ranges significantly exceed the peer median SAT of 1198 and peer median ACT of 25, with Cincinnati students scoring 83 points higher on the SAT than typical students at similar institutions. The middle 50% of enrolled students score between 1150 and 1360 on the SAT, meaning most admitted students fall within this range though students scoring outside these boundaries are also admitted. Students scoring below 1150 should expect to be at a competitive disadvantage but are not automatically excluded given the university's accessible admission rate. If your scores fall within the 1150-1360 range, you are academically competitive for admission and should focus on other application components like essays and extracurricular involvement. The combination of high test scores and accessible admission suggests Cincinnati attracts academically capable students who value the university's comprehensive programs and reasonable costs rather than pursuing admission to more prestigious but expensive alternatives. This academic profile indicates strong classroom preparation and suggests entering students are well-positioned for success in rigorous college coursework.
Understanding institutional priorities and student support
University of Cincinnati enrolls a moderately diverse student body that reflects both the institution's accessible admission standards and its appeal to academically prepared students. The university enrolls 17.6% Pell-eligible students, indicating students from lower-income families represent a meaningful but not dominant share of the student population. First-generation students comprise 31.0% of enrollment, demonstrating significant participation by students whose parents did not complete college degrees. Transfer students represent 14.8% of enrollment, reflecting the university's role in providing pathways for students beginning their college careers elsewhere. This composition suggests Cincinnati serves students from varied economic and educational backgrounds while maintaining academic standards that attract well-prepared applicants. The relatively modest Pell share compared to typical public institutions reflects the university's position as a research university that draws students with diverse financial resources rather than serving primarily as an access institution for lower-income populations. First-generation students should know that 31.0% of enrolled students share their background, indicating substantial peer support and institutional familiarity with the unique challenges facing students whose families lack college experience. Students from lower-income families should consider the 17.6% Pell share when assessing whether they will find peers from similar economic circumstances, while recognizing that financial aid may help bridge cost gaps for qualified applicants.
Given University of Cincinnati's 87.7% acceptance rate, most academically prepared students should expect favorable admission prospects. However, students seeking alternatives may want options with different locations, costs, or outcomes.
Strong options in your region with comparable outcomes.
Students who enroll at University of Cincinnati demonstrate solid persistence and completion outcomes that exceed peer institutions in several key measures. 85.7% of freshmen return for sophomore year, compared to a peer median of 83.7%, indicating above-average student satisfaction and institutional support systems. The university achieves a 71.5% six-year graduation rate, substantially higher than the peer median of 65.9%, suggesting effective degree completion support across the institution's diverse student body. Pell-eligible students graduate at 41.7%, creating a significant 29.8 percentage point gap compared to the overall completion rate, which indicates potential challenges for lower-income students in completing their degrees successfully. This Pell completion gap is substantial and suggests that while the university enrolls first-generation and lower-income students, additional support systems may be needed to ensure equitable degree completion outcomes. Students who gain admission can expect strong institutional support for degree completion, as evidenced by retention and graduation rates that exceed peer benchmarks. Lower-income students should carefully weigh the 29.8 percentage point Pell gap when considering this institution, though the university's overall commitment to access and mobility suggests ongoing efforts to address completion challenges. Prospective students should view these retention and completion rates as indicators of an academic environment that supports student success, particularly for students who arrive with solid academic preparation and engage actively with available support resources.
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