Selective87% Acceptance Rate

Chances of Getting Into University of Arizona

Tucson, Arizona Public University • #97 National • Founded 1885

Arizona Admissions Statistics 2025–2026

87%
Acceptance Rate
3.4
Average GPA
1200
Average SAT
25
Average ACT
48,000+
Total Applicants
8,200
Class Size
17:1
Student-Faculty Ratio

Arizona SAT & ACT Scores

SAT Scores (Middle 50%)

Score Range1100–1310
Average1200
10001600

ACT Scores (Middle 50%)

Score Range21–28
Average25
2036

About University of Arizona

The University of Arizona is a flagship public research university in Tucson, Arizona, known for its world-leading space and planetary science programs, strong engineering school, and the nation's best optical sciences program. With an 87% acceptance rate, Arizona offers accessible admissions with several elite research programs.

Top Programs

AstronomyEngineeringOptical SciencesBusinessAgriculture

What Makes Arizona Unique

  • #1 optical sciences program in the world — home to the James C. Wyant College
  • Lunar and Planetary Laboratory leads NASA's OSIRIS-REx asteroid sample return mission
  • Steward Observatory is one of the premier astronomical facilities globally
  • Richard A. Harvill Building houses one of the world's largest mirrors for telescopes
  • Strong study-abroad program — over 300 programs in 60+ countries

Arizona Cost & Financial Aid

Cost of Attendance

Tuition$12,847 (in-state) / $38,217 (out-of-state)/yr
Total Cost$28,601 (in-state) / $53,971 (out-of-state)/yr
Median Earnings (10yr)$51,000/yr

Financial Aid

Students Receiving Aid55%
Avg Aid Package$13,000+
School TypePublic

Arizona Application Deadlines

Regular Decision
Rolling (priority: January 15)

How to Get Into Arizona: Admission Tips

1

Arizona has generous auto-admission standards — 3.0 GPA gets in-state students admitted

2

Honors College is more competitive and provides enriched academic experience

3

Apply early for best merit scholarship consideration

4

Engineering and optical sciences are more competitive than the overall rate

5

Out-of-state students can qualify for Wildcat Excellence Awards for merit aid

The Brutal Truth About Arizona Admissions

The numbers are brutal. With a 87% acceptance rate, Arizona rejected over 6,240 applicants in the most recent cycle. Many of those rejected students had perfect GPAs and 1550+ SATs.

Stats are table stakes, not differentiators. At Arizona, having a 3.4 GPA and 1200 SAT puts you at average — not above average. What separates admitted students from rejected ones is everything else: essays, activities, recommendations, and authentic passion.

The biggest mistake applicants make: Treating their application like a résumé. Arizona doesn't want a list of accomplishments — they want to understand who you are as a person and what you'll contribute to their community.

Bottom line: Apply if Arizona genuinely excites you — but build a balanced college list. Don't put all your eggs in one 87%-acceptance-rate basket.

Arizona Admissions FAQ

What is the acceptance rate at University of Arizona?

University of Arizona has an acceptance rate of 87% as of the most recent admissions cycle. Out of 48,000+ applicants, approximately 8,200 students were admitted to the incoming class.

What GPA do I need to get into Arizona?

The average GPA of admitted students at University of Arizona is 3.4. Most successful applicants have GPAs above 3.25, with many in the top 5-10% of their high school class.

What SAT score do I need for Arizona?

The middle 50% SAT range for admitted Arizona students is 1100–1310. The average SAT score is 1200. For ACT, the range is 21–28 with an average of 25.

Is Arizona hard to get into?

Yes, University of Arizona is selective with an acceptance rate of just 87%. Even students with perfect GPAs and test scores are not guaranteed admission. Holistic review means essays, extracurriculars, and recommendations all play critical roles.

How much does Arizona cost?

Tuition at University of Arizona is $12,847 (in-state) / $38,217 (out-of-state) per year, with total cost of attendance at $28,601 (in-state) / $53,971 (out-of-state). However, 55% of students receive financial aid, with the average aid package exceeding $13,000+.

What are my chances of getting into Arizona?

Your chances of getting into University of Arizona depend on your GPA, test scores, extracurricular activities, essays, and more. With a 87% overall acceptance rate, admissions are highly competitive. Use AdmitOdds to get a personalized assessment of your chances based on your actual profile.

Free — No credit card required

What Are Your Chances at Arizona?

Enter your GPA, test scores, and extracurriculars. Get a personalized, brutally honest assessment of your odds — plus scholarship estimates.

Trusted by 65+ students. AI-powered. Takes 2 minutes.

Popular Majors at Arizona

Astronomy
Engineering at Arizona
Optical Sciences
Business at Arizona
Agriculture

Explore Your Chances by GPA

Related Schools