Chances of Getting Into University of Cincinnati
Cincinnati, Ohio • Public University • #136 National • Founded 1819
Cincinnati Admissions Statistics 2025–2026
Cincinnati SAT & ACT Scores
SAT Scores (Middle 50%)
ACT Scores (Middle 50%)
About University of Cincinnati
The University of Cincinnati is a top public research university known for inventing cooperative education (co-op) and housing world-class design and music programs. DAAP (Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning) and CCM (College-Conservatory of Music) are both top 5 nationally.
Top Programs
What Makes Cincinnati Unique
- Invented cooperative education (co-op) in 1906
- DAAP — top-5 design school in the nation
- CCM (College-Conservatory of Music) — top-5 performing arts conservatory
- Campus transformation — $1.5B+ in modern architecture
- Cincinnati — Fortune 500 city with strong job market
Cincinnati Cost & Financial Aid
Cost of Attendance
Financial Aid
Cincinnati Application Deadlines
How to Get Into Cincinnati: Admission Tips
UC has high acceptance overall, but DAAP and CCM are very selective
DAAP requires a portfolio — prepare it carefully
CCM requires an audition — one of the most competitive in the country
Co-op is mandatory in engineering and many programs
Apply early for best scholarship and program placement
The Brutal Truth About Cincinnati Admissions
The numbers are brutal. With a 77% acceptance rate, Cincinnati rejected over 7,360 applicants in the most recent cycle. Many of those rejected students had perfect GPAs and 1550+ SATs.
Stats are table stakes, not differentiators. At Cincinnati, having a 3.48 GPA and 1230 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. Cincinnati 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 Cincinnati genuinely excites you — but build a balanced college list. Don't put all your eggs in one 77%-acceptance-rate basket.
Cincinnati Admissions FAQ
What is the acceptance rate at University of Cincinnati?
University of Cincinnati has an acceptance rate of 77% as of the most recent admissions cycle. Out of 32,000+ applicants, approximately 6,000 students were admitted to the incoming class.
What GPA do I need to get into Cincinnati?
The average GPA of admitted students at University of Cincinnati is 3.48. Most successful applicants have GPAs above 3.33, with many in the top 5-10% of their high school class.
What SAT score do I need for Cincinnati?
The middle 50% SAT range for admitted Cincinnati students is 1130-1330. The average SAT score is 1230. For ACT, the range is 23-29 with an average of 26.
Is Cincinnati hard to get into?
Yes, University of Cincinnati is selective with an acceptance rate of just 77%. 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 Cincinnati cost?
Tuition at University of Cincinnati is $12,094 per year, with total cost of attendance at $27,400. However, 60% of students receive financial aid, with the average aid package exceeding $12,000+.
What are my chances of getting into Cincinnati?
Your chances of getting into University of Cincinnati depend on your GPA, test scores, extracurricular activities, essays, and more. With a 77% overall acceptance rate, admissions are highly competitive. Use AdmitOdds to get a personalized assessment of your chances based on your actual profile.
What Are Your Chances at Cincinnati?
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 Cincinnati
Explore Your Chances by GPA
See which schools match your academic profile based on GPA alone.