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Public
Large
Big 12 Conference

University of Cincinnati SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements

SAT Range1160 to 1350
ACT Range24 to 29
Average GPA3.69
Acceptance Rate85.3%

Cincinnati’s 85% admit rate means access is realistic for many students, so your next target is positioning for options and aid. Aim for the admitted-student ACT range of 24-29, while noting that ACT-linked awards like the Anthony Munoz Scholarship list ACT 18+ and GPA 3.0+ as eligibility cutoffs.

Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.

University of Cincinnati facts and stats

Quick Facts

University of Cincinnati enrolls 33,572 undergraduates in an urban campus setting. Cincinnati has an 85% freshman retention rate, which is above the national average of roughly 70%, and a 75% 6-year graduation rate. The student-to-faculty ratio is 18.9:1.

Location

Cincinnati, OH

Undergrad Enrollment33,572
Freshman Retention85%
SettingUrban
Student to Faculty Ratio18.9:1
Graduation Rate75%
Test PolicyTest-optional

How do your scores compare at Cincinnati?

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Key University of Cincinnati application dates

Key dates

Application deadlines

Regular Decision

March 1

Early Action

November 1

Early Decision

Not offered

Priority Deadline

November

Financial aid deadlines

Financial Aid Priority

December 1

Test dates

SAT test dates

August 22, 2026

Registration deadline: August 7, 2026

September 12, 2026

Registration deadline: August 28, 2026

October 3, 2026

Registration deadline: September 18, 2026

ACT test dates

September 19, 2026

Registration deadline: August 14, 2026

October 17, 2026

Registration deadline: September 11, 2026

December 12, 2026

Registration deadline: November 6, 2026

Take tests early for the best outcomes

If you choose to submit scores to test-optional Cincinnati, take your first SAT or ACT by spring of junior year, then use summer and fall of senior year for superscore-focused retakes. For Cincinnati’s November 1 Early Action deadline, plan on the October SAT or September ACT as the last fall retake likely to arrive in time. If you are pursuing the Anthony Munoz Scholarship Fund award, remember it requires at least an ACT 18 plus a 3.00 GPA.

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What you'll actually pay

Cincinnati is a public university in the Big 12 Conference, with in-state tuition of $12,298 and out-of-state tuition of $27,632. About 48% of students receive aid, with an average merit award of $6,387. Submit the FAFSA by the December 1 priority deadline.

House illustration
In-State Tuition$12,298
Out-of-State Tuition$27,632
Room and Board$13,564
Average Merit Award$6,387
Application Fee$50
Students on Aid48%
Average Aid Package$10,076
Average Debt at Grad$27,571

At University of Cincinnati, out-of-state tuition is $27,632, while in-state tuition is $12,298; room and board adds $13,564. About 48% of students receive aid, with an average aid package of $10,076, and the average merit award is $6,387. Graduates leave with an average debt of $27,571.

Student life at University of Cincinnati

Activities and Organizations
Student newspaper
Drama and theater
Radio station
Marching band
Choral groups
Concert band
Jazz band
Pep band
Symphony orchestra
Dance
Musical theater
Opera
Music ensembles
Literary magazine
Film society
Student government
Model UN
International student organization
Campus ministries
Housing

21% of undergrads live on campus

Coed
Living-learning
Wellness
Greek life

Fraternities and sororities are active on campus. 9% of men join fraternities, and 7% of women join sororities.

Greek housing available

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