University of Cincinnati

Not especially. UC admits about 88% of applicants, roughly 29,700 from a pool of 33,800, so it is accessible for solid students. Enrolled first-years average a 3.67 high school GPA, and academic GPA is the factor UC weighs most heavily. Selective programs such as DAAP design, nursing, and the co-op engineering tracks are more competitive than the overall rate.

Enrolled first-years average a 3.67 high school GPA, and UC rates academic GPA as a very important factor. For the minority who submit scores, the middle 50% scored 1160–1340 on the SAT and 24–30 on the ACT. UC is test-optional, so a strong transcript can carry an application on its own.

Ohio residents are admitted at a somewhat higher rate than non-residents. For Fall 2025, UC admitted about 90% of in-state applicants and 85% of out-of-state applicants, with international applicants at roughly 83%. Out-of-state students still make up a meaningful share of the class, so the gap is modest for domestic applicants.

Yes. UC is test-optional, and students choose whether to have SAT or ACT scores considered with their application. About 25% of enrolled first-years submitted an ACT and 9% an SAT. Among those who did, the middle 50% scored 24–30 on the ACT and 1160–1340 on the SAT.

Yes. A 1300 sits above the median SAT of 1250 for enrolled first-years and within the middle-50% range of 1160–1340. Paired with a strong GPA it makes for a competitive application, and because UC is test-optional, a 1300 can only help your file.

Annual tuition and mandatory fees run about $14,394 for Ohio residents and $29,728 for out-of-state students at the Uptown campus. Around 48% of first-years receive need-based aid, with an average package near $10,076. UC's signature co-op program also lets many students earn money during paid work rotations to offset costs.

UC is the founder of cooperative education, and paid co-op placements are built into engineering, business, design, and many other majors. Business and marketing is the largest field at about 20% of bachelor's degrees, followed by the health professions at 14% and engineering at 12%, and its DAAP college is among the most respected design and architecture programs in the country.

Yes, though it sits below the transcript. UC rates the application essay as a considered factor, alongside recommendations, extracurriculars, and test scores, while academic GPA and talent or ability carry the most weight. While admissions are not highly selective overall, a clear, specific essay helps for competitive majors and scholarships, and it is one of the few places to show fit beyond your GPA.

Esslo gives free line-by-line feedback on your draft. Try it now