Villanova University is a private university in Villanova, PA with 11,571 students. The 25.1% acceptance rate means admission is competitive but achievable for strong students. The most popular majors are Business/Marketing, Social Sciences, and Engineering. Graduates earn a median of $100,423 ten years after enrollment.
Is Villanova University a Reach, Match, or Safety?
Villanova University accepts 25.1% of applicants, making it highly selective. Students with above-average GPAs and solid test scores (where applicable) are in Match territory. Below the median, consider it a Reach.
Your Profile
Villanova University Is...
What to Do
Above-average GPA + strong application
Match
Apply — worth the effort
Average GPA, some strengths
Reach
Apply, but have 2-3 backup schools
Below-average GPA
Hard Reach
Consider similar schools with higher acceptance rates
Villanova University True Cost by Family Income
Sticker price doesn't tell the full story at Villanova. Families earning $30-48k pay around $16,496 per year after aid, while those in the $110k+ bracket pay about $58,741. 12% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating Villanova enrolls a meaningful share of lower-income students. Median debt at graduation is $25,874, which is reasonable against the $84,905 typical early-career salary.
Family Income
Annual Net Price
4-Year Total
$0-30k
$17,823
$71,292
$30-48k
$16,496
$65,984
$48-75k
$20,923
$83,692
$75-110k
$33,389
$133,556
$110k+
$58,741
$234,964
Cost Breakdown
Room & Board
$16,896
Total Cost of Attendance
$84,793
Popular Majors at Villanova University
Percentage of degrees awarded by field.
Business/Marketing
30.7%
Social Sciences
12.5%
Engineering
11.1%
Health Professions
9.1%
Communication
7.8%
Biological Sciences
5.6%
Psychology
5.1%
Computer Science
3.5%
Physical Sciences
2.8%
Mathematics/Statistics
2.6%
Student Demographics
White
68.4%
Black/African American
5.9%
Hispanic/Latino
10.6%
Asian
7.3%
International
2.1%
How to Get Into Villanova University
Villanova is selective, but your odds are real if you meet the academic profile. Target a 1425+ SAT to be competitive. Strong essays and demonstrated interest can tip the scale at schools in this selectivity range.
1455
Target SAT Score
33
Target ACT Score
25.1%
Acceptance Rate
23,127
Total Applicants
What Villanova University Values Most in Applicants
Admission factor importance from the Common Data Set — what the school officially says matters.
Factor
Importance
Academic Gpa
Very Important
Rigor Of Secondary School Record
Very Important
Class Rank
Considered
Standardized Test Scores
Considered
Application Essay
Important
Recommendation
Important
Extracurricular Activities
Important
Talent Ability
Important
Character Personal Qualities
Important
First Generation
Considered
Alumni Relation
Considered
Interview
Not Considered
Work Experience
Considered
Volunteer Work
Considered
Villanova University Application Deadlines & Requirements
Key dates for the Villanova University EA/ED admission cycle. Mark these on your calendar — missing a deadline means waiting another year.
Deadline
Date
Early Action
Nov 1
Early Decision
Nov 1
Regular Decision
Jan 15
Financial Aid (FAFSA/CSS)
Feb 15
Early Decision: Villanova University offers binding Early Decision. If accepted, you must enroll and withdraw all other applications. Only apply ED if Villanova University is your clear first choice.
Financial Aid & Student Debt
12.0%
Pell Grant Recipients
Students from low-income families
$25,874
Median Debt at Graduation
Federal loans only
$84,905
Median Earnings (6yr)
6 years after enrollment
Frequently Asked Questions About Villanova University
What is Villanova's acceptance rate?
Villanova has an acceptance rate of 25.1%, making it highly selective. This rate reflects freshman applicants for the most recent admissions cycle.
What SAT score do I need for Villanova?
The middle 50% SAT range at Villanova is 1400-1510. For the ACT, the middle 50% range is 32-34. Scoring above the 75th percentile puts you in a strong position, but scores alone don't determine admission.
What are the most popular majors at Villanova?
The most popular majors at Villanova by degrees awarded are: Business/Marketing (30.7%), Social Sciences (12.5%), Engineering (11.1%), Health Professions (9.1%), Communication (7.8%). These percentages reflect undergraduate degrees conferred in the most recent reporting year.
How much do Villanova graduates earn?
Villanova graduates earn a median salary of $100,423 ten years after enrollment, based on federal data. Actual earnings vary significantly by major — STEM and business graduates typically earn more, while arts and education graduates earn less.
Is Villanova worth the cost?
With median earnings of $100,423 (10yr post-enrollment) and median debt of $25,874, The earning potential strongly outweighs the typical debt, making Villanova a solid investment for most students. Always compare the net price (after aid) to expected earnings in your intended field.
Can I transfer to Villanova?
Villanova accepts transfer students, though the process is highly selective. Transfer applicants typically need a strong college GPA (3.5+), relevant coursework, and compelling reasons for transferring. The transfer acceptance rate is generally lower than freshman admission at selective schools.
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