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Moderately selectiveUpdated for the 2026-2027 cycle

University of Detroit Mercy acceptance rate and your odds of getting in

With an acceptance rate near 75%, University of Detroit Mercy is a moderately selective private college in Michigan. Because it admits more applicants than it rejects, admission turns on the strength of your whole profile rather than any one number.

Your odds at University of Detroit Mercy
Three numbers, no account, the same published model the full calculator runs.

Use this page to see what University of Detroit Mercy weighs, where it ranks among Michigan schools, and how a profile like yours is likely to land. Admitted students post a 75th-percentile SAT around 1180, a useful checkpoint for where your scores sit, though it is a reference range and not a cutoff.

Acceptance rate
75%
Moderately selective
SAT middle 50%
1030-1260
of admitted students
Type
Private
Detroit, MI
Average net price
$15,232
per year after aid

What do students study at University of Detroit Mercy?

Bachelor's degrees awarded by field in 2023 (IPEDS completions). Each field has its own page with the school's numbers, the model's major adjustment, and peers offering it.

Engineering · 276 (34%)Health Professions and Related Programs · 177 (21.8%)Biological and Biomedical Sciences · 143 (17.6%)Business, Management and Marketing · 64 (7.9%)Architecture · 42 (5.2%)Computer and Information Sciences · 17 (2.1%)Psychology · 17 (2.1%)Public Administration and Social Service · 16 (2%)Physical Sciences · 13 (1.6%)Homeland Security, Law Enforcement and Firefighting · 12 (1.5%)Social Sciences · 10 (1.2%)

Will I get into University of Detroit Mercy?

Direct answers to what applicants ask about getting into University of Detroit Mercy, plus a free way to calculate your own odds.

What are my chances of getting into University of Detroit Mercy?

University of Detroit Mercy admits most qualified applicants (around 75%), but that overall rate is not your personal chance. Your real odds depend on how your GPA, course rigor, test scores, and activities compare to its admitted students. Run your profile through the free CollegeCalcAI calculator to get a personalized acceptance percentage for University of Detroit Mercy in about three minutes, with no account needed to start.

Is University of Detroit Mercy hard to get into?

University of Detroit Mercy is moderately selective: it admits more applicants than it rejects, with about a 75% acceptance rate. Meeting the academic basics gives most qualified applicants a realistic shot.

What GPA do you need to get into University of Detroit Mercy?

There is no hard GPA cutoff at University of Detroit Mercy, but admitted students often present roughly a 3.2 to 3.7 GPA. University of Detroit Mercy reads your GPA alongside the rigor of your courses, so a challenging schedule matters as much as the number itself.

Calculate your chances at University of Detroit Mercy →

Your chances at University of Detroit Mercy by GPA and SAT

Estimated chance of admission at University of Detroit Mercy for plain profiles, from the same model as the calculator. Unweighted GPA, 3 AP courses, Regular Decision, no legacy, athletic or first-generation hook. The last column is test-optional (no score sent).

What are my chances at University of Detroit Mercy with a 3.1 GPA and a 1150 SAT?

About 94% (Safety), by CollegeCalcAI's deterministic model, for an applicant with a 3.1 unweighted GPA and a 1150 SAT, the middle of University of Detroit Mercy's admitted range, applying Regular Decision without a hook. A 3.4 GPA with a 1260 SAT comes out near 98%. Courses, activities, essays and the application round move the number; the free calculator includes them.

Estimated admission chance at University of Detroit Mercy by unweighted GPA (rows) and SAT score (columns)
GPASAT 103025th pctSAT 1150middleSAT 126075th pctNo testtest-optional
2.536%Target58%Likely76%Safety40%Target
2.864%Likely82%Safety91%Safety74%Safety
3.186%Safety94%Safety97%Safety93%Safety
3.495%Safety98%Safety98%Safety98%Safety

Estimates, not guarantees. Get yours with your real courses and activities. Assistants and developers can fetch this table from the free API: /api/v1/colleges/university-of-detroit-mercy.

How to get into University of Detroit Mercy

Built from University of Detroit Mercy's admitted class and what it reports weighing. The typical-admit GPA and SAT are CollegeCalcAI's modeled figures, not published cutoffs.

Here is how to get into University of Detroit Mercy, built from what its admitted class actually looks like and what the school says it weighs.

Step 1
Match the typical admit on the transcript

CollegeCalcAI's modeled typical admit at University of Detroit Mercy carries about a 3.18 core GPA and a 1210 SAT, in the most rigorous schedule available. Meeting it puts you in the admitted range for most applicants.

Step 2
Decide on scores with the real range

The admitted middle 50% is 1030 to 1260 SAT (22 to 28 ACT). Submit a score at 1145 or higher; below 1030, apply test-optional if the policy allows.

Step 3
Build the file around what University of Detroit Mercy weighs

University of Detroit Mercy rates rigor of secondary school record, academic GPA, and application essay highest in its own Common Data Set. Put your depth there: essays that sound like you and answer the actual prompt, and a transcript whose rigor rises through junior year.

Step 4
Apply in the round that helps

An early application signals interest and gets your file read before the pool fills. Most early deadlines fall on November 1 and Regular Decision on January 1 to 15; confirm University of Detroit Mercy's exact dates at www.udmercy.edu.

See your odds and your top moves at University of Detroit Mercy →Add it to your college list →Official site: www.udmercy.edu ↗

How many students apply to University of Detroit Mercy, and how many get in?

For the fall 2023 entering class, University of Detroit Mercy received 5,750 applications and admitted 4,608, an acceptance rate of 80.1%. 552 enrolled. Only about 12% of admitted students enrolled, so the school admits several students for every seat it expects to fill, which is why its acceptance rate reads higher than its selectivity feels. University of Detroit Mercy enrolls about 2,438 undergraduates in total, 64% of them women, with a student-to-faculty ratio of 12 to 1.

Applied
5,750
fall 2023
Admitted
4,608
80.1% of applicants
Enrolled
552
12% yield
Undergraduates
2,438
Detroit, large city

Source: U.S. Department of Education, IPEDS 2023 admissions and enrollment.

What SAT and ACT scores do you need for University of Detroit Mercy?

The middle 50% of admitted students at University of Detroit Mercy scored between 1030 and 1260 on the SAT (average 1134). On the ACT the middle 50% runs from 22 to 28. A score above 1260 puts you in the top quarter of admits and turns the test into an asset; a score below 1030 puts you in the bottom quarter, where the rest of the application has to carry more weight. University of Detroit Mercy is test-optional: scores are considered if you submit them but not required. Send a score at or above the middle of the admitted range; otherwise apply without one and let your transcript lead.

SAT middle 50%
1030-1260
average 1134
ACT middle 50%
22-28
of admitted students
Test scores
Test-optional
admissions policy

Source: College Scorecard (U.S. Department of Education), release 2026-06-10.

What University of Detroit Mercy looks for

What University of Detroit Mercy weighs most heavily in its admissions review, informed by its reported Common Data Set.

In its review, University of Detroit Mercy leans most on rigor of secondary school record, academic GPA, and application essay. Solid grades in a challenging schedule do most of the work here, with the rest of the application providing context. These ratings come from University of Detroit Mercy's reported Common Data Set, so the full chart below reflects what the school itself says it values, not a generic guess.

Rigor of secondary school record
Very important
Academic GPA
Very important
Class rank
Considered
Standardized test scores
Considered
Application essay
Very important
Recommendations
Very important
Extracurricular activities
Considered
Talent / ability
Considered
Character / personal qualities
Very important
First-generation status
Considered
Volunteer work
Considered
Work experience
Considered
Level of applicant interest
Considered

SAT score positioning at University of Detroit Mercy

How common SAT scores sit relative to the admitted middle. This is context, not a probability. Your full profile determines the real estimate.

SATWhere it sits at University of Detroit Mercy
1600Above the admitted 75th percentile
1500Above the admitted 75th percentile
1400Above the admitted 75th percentile
1300Above the admitted 75th percentile
1200In the competitive admitted range
1100Below the middle, makes the rest of the profile matter more
Colleges for a 1180 SAT →Colleges for a 24 ACT →See colleges by GPA →

How much does University of Detroit Mercy cost after financial aid?

University of Detroit Mercy's published cost of attendance, before any aid, is roughly $42,211 per year. Tuition and fees alone are $32,946. What families actually pay is different: the average net price after grants and scholarships is $15,232 a year, and it ranges from $13,088 for families earning under $30,000 to $21,691 for families earning over $110,000. 26% of undergraduates receive a federal Pell Grant.

Sticker price
$42,211
per year, before aid
Average net price
$15,232
after grants and scholarships
Pell recipients
26%
of undergraduates
Family incomeAverage net price per year
$0 to $30k$13,088
$30k to $48k$11,290
$48k to $75k$14,173
$75k to $110k$15,584
Over $110k$21,691

Source: College Scorecard (U.S. Department of Education), release 2026-06-10. Net price is what students receiving aid paid after grants, by family income.

What do University of Detroit Mercy graduates earn, and how many graduate?

Ten years after enrolling, the median University of Detroit Mercy student who received federal aid earns $71,030 a year, up from $64,534 at six years. 67% of first-time, full-time students graduate within six years, and 83% return for a second year. Among graduates who borrowed, median federal debt at graduation is $23,250; 26% of undergraduates take federal loans.

Median earnings
$71,030
10 years after entry
Graduation rate
67%
within six years
Retention
83%
return for year two
Median debt
$23,250
at graduation, borrowers

Source: College Scorecard (U.S. Department of Education), release 2026-06-10. Earnings cover students who received federal aid.

How University of Detroit Mercy compares in Michigan

University of Detroit Mercy ranks #15 most selective of 32 schools in Michigan in our database.

Among the 32 Michigan schools we track, University of Detroit Mercy ranks #15 most selective by acceptance rate. Schools like University of Michigan (16%) and Hillsdale College (21%) sit nearby, which makes Michigan a useful frame for calibrating a balanced list.

University of Michigan
16%acceptance · MI
Hillsdale College
21%acceptance · MI
Spring Arbor University
52%acceptance · MI
Lawrence Technological University
56%acceptance · MI
UM Dearborn
56%acceptance · MI
Alma College
57%acceptance · MI
Madonna University
63%acceptance · MI
Northwood University
65%acceptance · MI
See all Michigan schools →

Similar to University of Detroit Mercy

Schools with a similar selectivity profile, worth comparing as you build a balanced list.

Build around University of Detroit Mercy with peers at a comparable selectivity, such as High Point University, Saint Louis University, and Belmont Abbey College. Running the same profile against each one in the free calculator is the fastest way to see where you are a reach, a match, or a likely.

High Point University
75%acceptance · NC
Saint Louis University
75%acceptance · MO
Belmont Abbey College
75%acceptance · NC
Catawba College
75%acceptance · NC
Kalamazoo College
75%acceptance · MI
Mary University
75%acceptance · ND

Frequently asked questions

What is University of Detroit Mercy's acceptance rate?

University of Detroit Mercy admitted 4,608 of 5,750 applicants for the fall 2023 entering class, an acceptance rate of 80.1% (U.S. Department of Education, IPEDS). 12% of admitted students enrolled.

What SAT score do you need for University of Detroit Mercy?

The middle 50% of admitted students scored 1030 to 1260 on the SAT and 22 to 28 on the ACT. A score above 1260 is in the top quarter of admits. University of Detroit Mercy is test-optional, so only submit a score that helps.

Is University of Detroit Mercy test-optional?

Yes. University of Detroit Mercy reports that test scores are considered but not required. Submit a score at or above the middle of the admitted range; otherwise apply without one.

How much does University of Detroit Mercy cost after financial aid?

The average net price at University of Detroit Mercy, what students receiving aid paid after grants and scholarships, is $15,232 a year against a sticker price of about $42,211. Families earning under $30,000 paid about $13,088 on average.

What do University of Detroit Mercy graduates earn?

Median earnings ten years after entering University of Detroit Mercy are $71,030 a year among students who received federal aid, and 67% of students graduate within six years (College Scorecard).

What does University of Detroit Mercy value most in applicants?

Based on its admissions profile, University of Detroit Mercy weighs rigor of secondary school record, academic GPA, and application essay most heavily. The full factor breakdown is on this page.

Does University of Detroit Mercy consider legacy or demonstrated interest?

Many private colleges weigh legacy relationships and demonstrated interest. University of Detroit Mercy's full factor profile is charted on this page, and CollegeCalcAI models a legacy effect scaled to a school's selectivity.

How can I improve my chances at University of Detroit Mercy?

Focus on the highest-leverage parts of your application: course rigor and GPA trajectory first, then test scores, then a focused leadership or activity spike. CollegeCalcAI's Power-Ups quantify how much each change would move your odds at University of Detroit Mercy specifically.

Acceptance rate, application counts, admitted test ranges, cost, and outcomes reflect publicly reported federal data (U.S. Department of Education: IPEDS 2023 and the College Scorecard) and each school's Common Data Set; figures are rounded and lag the current cycle by one to two years, so confirm deadlines and policies on the school's own site. The typical-admit GPA and SAT are CollegeCalcAI's modeled estimates. Estimates from CollegeCalcAI are a planning tool computed by a fixed, transparent model, not a guarantee of any admission decision.