Private not-for-profit

Small

Nelson University SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements

SAT Range926 to 1110

ACT RangeN/A

Average GPAN/A

Acceptance Rate89%

With an 89% acceptance rate, Nelson is within reach for many applicants, so your strategy should be to show you are comfortably in range rather than just hoping for admission. Because scores are required and nearly everyone submits the SAT, aim for the upper half of Nelson’s SAT range, roughly 1020 to 1110 or higher.

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

Nelson University facts and stats

Quick Facts

Nelson University is a suburban institution with an undergraduate enrollment of 1,526 students. Nelson has a freshman retention rate of 75%, which is above the national average of roughly 70%, and its 6-year graduation rate is 36%. The student-to-faculty ratio is 15:1. Nelson is test-required for admissions.

Location

Waxahachie, TX

Undergrad Enrollment1,526

Freshman Retention75%

SettingSuburban

Student to Faculty Ratio15:1

Graduation Rate36%

Test PolicyTest-required

How do your scores compare at Nelson?

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Key Nelson University application dates

Key dates

Application deadlines

Regular Decision

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Early Action

Not offered

Early Decision

Not offered

Priority Deadline

—

Financial aid deadlines

Financial Aid Priority

March 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

Because Nelson requires SAT or ACT scores, plan to take your first test by the spring of junior year. Use the summer before senior year and the fall for retakes to improve your superscore, with December as the last practical retake for scores to arrive before the March 1 priority deadline.

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What you'll actually pay

Nelson is a private not-for-profit, so the same tuition and fees rate applies to all students. Tuition and fees are $25,064, and 39% of students receive aid. Submit the FAFSA by the March 1 priority deadline to be considered for financial aid.

Tuition and Fees$25,064

Room and Board$7,370

Average Merit AwardN/A

Application Fee$35

Students on Aid39%

Average Aid Package$6,135

Average Debt at Grad$13,938

Nelson’s estimated total cost of attendance is $32,434, including $25,064 in tuition and fees and $7,370 for room and board. About 39% of students receive financial aid, with an average aid package of $6,135. After aid, actual costs can vary by financial need and other eligibility factors. Students graduate with an average debt of $13,938.