University of Connecticut admits 53.9% of applicants, meaning approximately 1 in 2 applicants receives an offer of admission. This places UConn in the Moderately Selective category, with acceptance rates between 50-75%. The peer median admission rate of 78.1% indicates that UConn is more selective than typical public research universities by about 24 percentage points. This moderate selectivity means qualified applicants have reasonable admission chances while still facing meaningful competition. For context, UConn's selectivity level typically requires above-average academic credentials but does not reach the highly competitive threshold where even exceptional students face significant uncertainty. Students should expect to demonstrate solid academic preparation, including strong standardized test scores and grades, to be competitive for admission. The moderate selectivity also means that building a balanced college list with both reach and safety options remains important for applicant success. Students considering UConn should view it as a match school if their credentials align with admitted student profiles, rather than a reach or safety school. This selectivity level allows UConn to maintain academic standards while providing access to a broader range of qualified Connecticut residents and out-of-state students seeking a comprehensive public research university experience.
A directional estimate — not a prediction
Admitted students at University of Connecticut demonstrate strong academic credentials that place them well above national averages. SAT scores for enrolled students range from 1210 at the 25th percentile to 1420 at the 75th percentile, with a median of 1338. Most admitted students score between 1210 and 1420, though students outside this range are admitted in smaller numbers. SAT Math scores span 600-720 while SAT Verbal scores range from 610-700, indicating balanced strength across both sections. ACT scores range from 29 at the 25th percentile to 33 at the 75th percentile, with a median of 30. These test scores rank at the 98th percentile nationally, placing UConn among institutions with the highest academic standards we track. Compared to peer institutions with a median SAT of 1198, UConn enrolled students score 140 points higher, demonstrating the university's ability to attract academically talented students despite its moderate admission rate. Students scoring below 1210 SAT or 29 ACT should expect to face competitive disadvantages but are not automatically excluded from consideration. Applicants whose scores fall within the middle 50% ranges are academically competitive for admission, though test scores represent only one component of the holistic review process. Students should consider whether their academic profile aligns with these ranges when building their college list and developing application strategy. The combination of moderate acceptance rates with high test score requirements suggests UConn attracts a self-selecting applicant pool of academically prepared students.
Understanding institutional priorities and student support
University of Connecticut enrolls a student body that reflects both academic selectivity and meaningful socioeconomic diversity within a moderately selective framework. The university enrolls 24.2% Pell-eligible students, indicating that nearly 1 in 4 students comes from families with demonstrated financial need. Additionally, 26.6% of students are first-generation college students, showing UConn's role in providing educational mobility opportunities. Transfer students comprise 13.1% of enrolled students, indicating some pathway for students beginning their higher education elsewhere. This student composition suggests that while UConn maintains selective academic standards, the university actively enrolls students from diverse economic and educational backgrounds. The Pell share of 24.2% exceeds many institutions with similar selectivity levels, indicating institutional commitment to economic access alongside academic quality. First-generation students should recognize that more than 1 in 4 enrolled students shares their background, suggesting institutional familiarity with supporting students navigating college as the first in their families. Transfer applicants should note the 13.1% transfer enrollment as an indicator of transfer-friendly policies, though transfer admission may be more competitive than first-year admission. The combination of moderate selectivity with meaningful socioeconomic diversity positions UConn as accessible to qualified students from various backgrounds rather than serving primarily affluent populations typical of some selective institutions.
Given UConn's 53.9% acceptance rate and high academic standards, students should build comprehensive college lists including alternatives with different selectivity levels and comparable outcomes.
Strong options in your region with comparable outcomes.
Students who enroll at University of Connecticut demonstrate strong success rates across key retention and completion metrics. The university retains 91.4% of freshmen for their sophomore year, significantly above the peer median of 83.7%, indicating effective first-year support and student satisfaction. Six-year graduation rates reach 83.8%, compared to a peer median of 65.9%, demonstrating UConn's effectiveness in supporting students through degree completion. Pell-eligible students graduate at a rate of 73.8%, representing a 10 percentage point gap compared to the overall graduation rate. While this gap indicates some completion challenges for lower-income students, the 73.8% Pell completion rate substantially exceeds national averages for this population. The completion gap of 10 percentage points, while noticeable, remains within ranges typical of selective public institutions serving diverse populations. Students who gain admission can expect strong institutional support for degree completion based on these retention and graduation outcomes. The high retention rate suggests that UConn provides effective academic and social support systems that help students persist through their first year challenges. Lower-income students should weigh the Pell completion gap when considering the institution, recognizing that while outcomes remain strong, additional support may be beneficial. Prospective students should view these completion rates as indicators of an academic environment that effectively supports student success while maintaining meaningful academic standards throughout the degree program.
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