Carlow University SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements
With an 87% acceptance rate, Carlow is a realistic option for many solid students, so your strategy should be to make your academics as clear as possible. Since it is test-optional and SAT submission is much more common than ACT, submit scores if your SAT is near the upper range, around 1185 or higher.
Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.
Carlow University facts and stats
Carlow University is an urban institution with an undergraduate enrollment of 1,355 students. Carlow has a freshman retention rate of 84%, which is above the national average of roughly 70%, and a 6-year graduation rate of 60%. The student-to-faculty ratio is 10.6:1.
Pittsburgh, PA
How do your scores compare at Carlow?
Unlock your future with Acely
Adaptive SAT and ACT practice that meets you where you are and gets you to your target score.
Key Carlow University application dates
Key dates
Regular Decision
Not offered
Early Action
December 1
Early Decision
Not offered
Priority Deadline
May 1
Financial Aid Priority
May 1
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
September 19, 2026
Registration deadline: August 14, 2026
October 17, 2026
Registration deadline: September 11, 2026
December 12, 2026
Registration deadline: November 6, 2026
If you choose to submit scores to test-optional Carlow, plan to take your first SAT or ACT by the spring of junior year. Use the summer before senior year and an October retake to improve your score, since October is typically the last fall sitting that can arrive before Carlow’s December 1 Early Action deadline.
Want to improve your scores and unlock scholarships at Carlow University?
Higher test scores can mean bigger merit awards. Acely helps you get there faster.
What you'll actually pay
Carlow is a private not-for-profit, so the same rate applies to all students. Tuition and fees are $35,874, with 86% of students receiving aid and an average merit award of $18,101. Submit the FAFSA by the May 1 priority deadline.
Carlow University’s listed tuition, fees, room, and board total about $49,682 before aid. Financial aid is common, with 86% of students receiving aid and an average aid package of $31,725. Merit awards average $18,101, and the Joseph F. Mulach, Jr. and Louisa A. Mulach Scholarship Fund lists eligibility starting at a 2.00 GPA. For context, graduates leave with an average debt of $44,626.
Student life at Carlow University
15% of undergrads live on campus
Freshman housing: Priority
Fraternities and sororities are active on campus. 5% of women join sororities.
Similar schools
Bryn Athyn College of the New Church
Bryn Athyn, PAAcceptance rate: 82.9%
Albright College
Reading, PAAcceptance rate: 76.3%
Allegheny College
Meadville, PAAcceptance rate: 54.5%
SAT: 1165–1355
ACT: 24–30
DeSales University
Center Valley, PAAcceptance rate: 77.1%
SAT: 1100–1240
Ready to fit Carlow University's core benchmarks?
Start practicing today and track your progress toward a competitive score.