Villanova University: Acceptance Rate and Your Chances
Updated June 2026 · CollegeCalcAI
| Acceptance rate | 23% |
| SAT (75th percentile) | 1460 |
| ACT (75th percentile) | 33 |
| Location | PA |
| School type | Private |
Villanova University is a private Catholic university located just outside Philadelphia in Villanova, Pennsylvania. It admits around 23% of applicants, putting it in selective company among mid-sized private universities on the East Coast. Students who apply tend to be academically strong, which keeps the bar high even at that acceptance rate.
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At 23%, Villanova is rejecting about three out of every four applicants. The school has grown more selective over the past decade as its national reputation has risen and more students have added it to their lists.
That said, 23% is not as tight as the most elite schools. A student with strong grades, real test scores, and a well-crafted application has a genuine shot. It just needs to be a good application, not an average one.
Test scores that make you competitive
The SAT 75th percentile for admitted Villanova students is 1460, and the ACT 75th percentile is 33. If your scores are in that range or above, you are well-positioned on the testing piece. Villanova has offered test-optional admission in recent cycles, so if your scores are below those benchmarks, it may be worth checking the current policy before deciding whether to submit.
What Villanova looks for
Villanova takes academics seriously, and its admissions process reflects that. Strong performance in a challenging course load matters a lot. AP, IB, or dual-enrollment courses signal that you are ready for Villanova's academic pace.
The school also values community involvement and character, which fits with its Catholic Augustinian tradition. Admissions readers look for students who are engaged in their communities in some meaningful way, not just club members in name only. Essays give you space to show who you are beyond the numbers.
Estimate your chances at Villanova University
Get a free personal estimate of your Villanova chances at CollegeCalcAI, collegecalcai.com. Enter your GPA, test scores, and activities, and the calculator gives you an instant picture of how your profile compares to admitted students.
Frequently asked questions
What is Villanova University's acceptance rate?
Villanova accepts approximately 23% of applicants.
What SAT or ACT score do I need for Villanova University?
The SAT 75th percentile for admitted students is 1460, and the ACT 75th percentile is 33. Those are good benchmarks for a competitive score.
Is Villanova hard to get into?
Yes. A 23% acceptance rate means most applicants do not get in, and the pool is academically strong. You need a solid, complete application.
See your real odds at Villanova University
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Sources: U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS), NCES, and publicly reported Common Data Sets. Acceptance rate and score figures are rounded and reflect recent admissions cycles. How we calculate chances.