University of Louisville admits 80.5% of applicants, meaning roughly 4 in 5 applicants receive an offer of admission. This places the university in the Open Access category for admission selectivity, making it significantly more accessible than many four-year institutions. The peer median admission rate of 78.1% shows University of Louisville's acceptance rate aligns closely with similar public research universities. This level of accessibility means that most academically prepared students can expect admission, though meeting basic requirements remains important. The university's open access approach reflects its public mission to serve Kentucky residents and the broader region. Students should view University of Louisville as a realistic option while still taking application requirements seriously. The university maintains academic standards through its curriculum and degree requirements rather than restricting admission. For students seeking a research university experience with reasonable admission expectations, University of Louisville provides a viable pathway to higher education. The combination of accessibility and program diversity makes it an attractive option for students with varied academic backgrounds and career interests.
A directional estimate — not a prediction
Admitted students at University of Louisville typically score 1020-1250 on the SAT, with the middle 50% falling in this range and a median of 1147. SAT Math scores range from 510 to 620, while SAT Verbal scores span 510 to 630, showing balanced performance across both sections. ACT scores range from 19 to 27 with a median of 24, reflecting solid academic preparation among enrolled students. These test score ranges place University of Louisville at the 92nd percentile nationally, indicating top-tier performance despite the university's open admission approach. The peer median SAT score of 1198 shows University of Louisville students score 51 points below typical peer institutions, though this gap is relatively modest. Students scoring below 1020 on the SAT or 19 on the ACT may face academic challenges but are not automatically excluded from consideration. If your scores fall within the 1020-1250 SAT range or 19-27 ACT range, you are academically competitive for admission and should expect to succeed academically. Students should consider whether their academic profile aligns with these ranges when building their college application list. The university's strong test score performance despite open admission suggests effective student support and academic rigor once enrolled.
Understanding institutional priorities and student support
University of Louisville enrolls 28.8% Pell-eligible students and 30.4% first-generation students, indicating the university serves a substantial population of students from lower-income families and those whose parents did not attend college. The 29.0% transfer student share reflects significant pathways for students beginning their college careers at community colleges or other institutions. This student composition suggests the university prioritizes access and opportunity for students from diverse economic and educational backgrounds. Geographic diversity includes students from Kentucky and surrounding states, though specific regional breakdowns vary by year. The combination of economic diversity and open admission creates a campus environment where students from varied backgrounds learn together. First-generation students should know that nearly one-third of enrolled students share their background, creating a supportive peer community. Students from lower-income families should consider the 28.8% Pell share when assessing fit and available support systems. Transfer applicants should note the substantial 29.0% transfer enrollment, indicating established pathways and support for students beginning their college careers elsewhere. This student profile reflects University of Louisville's commitment to serving Kentucky's diverse population while maintaining academic quality.
Given University of Louisville's 80.5% acceptance rate, most academically prepared students can expect admission. However, students seeking different options should consider these alternatives with comparable outcomes.
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80.6% of University of Louisville freshmen return for sophomore year, and 60.7% graduate within six years, indicating moderate retention and completion compared to peer institutions. The peer median retention rate of 83.7% and completion rate of 65.9% show University of Louisville performs somewhat below typical peer institutions on these measures. Pell-eligible students graduate at a rate of 49.8%, creating a 10.9 percentage point gap between overall and Pell completion rates. This gap suggests some additional challenges for lower-income students in degree completion, though nearly half still achieve graduation. The university's completion rates reflect the challenges many public institutions face in supporting diverse student populations through degree completion. Students who gain admission should expect moderate institutional support systems, though personal motivation and engagement remain crucial for success. Lower-income students should weigh the 10.9 point Pell gap when considering this institution and explore available academic support resources. Prospective students should view these retention and completion rates as indicators of the academic environment and support systems they'll experience. The university's open access mission creates opportunities for many students while requiring strong personal commitment to academic success.
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