University of Louisville

Not very. UofL admits about 79% of applicants, roughly 12,400 from a pool of 15,700, so it is accessible for solid students. Enrolled first-years average a 3.60 high school GPA, and the university weighs course rigor and GPA as its most important factors. Selective tracks like the Speed School of Engineering and health sciences programs hold higher internal bars.

Enrolled first-years average a 3.60 high school GPA, and UofL rates rigor of coursework and academic GPA as very important. For the students who submit scores, the middle 50% scored 1010–1230 on the SAT and 19–27 on the ACT. The university is test-optional, so a strong transcript can carry an application on its own.

Out-of-state applicants are admitted at essentially the same rate as Kentucky residents. For Fall 2024, UofL admitted about 80% of in-state applicants and 82% of out-of-state applicants, while international applicants were admitted at roughly 40%. About 29% of first-years come from outside Kentucky, so out-of-state students are a meaningful part of the class.

Yes. UofL is test-optional, and applicants choose whether their SAT or ACT scores are used in the review. Most students who test take the ACT: about 85% of enrolled first-years submitted an ACT versus 18% an SAT. Among those who tested, the middle 50% scored 19–27 on the ACT and 1010–1230 on the SAT.

Annual tuition and required fees run about $13,942 for Kentucky residents and $30,288 for out-of-state students. Around 66% of first-years receive need-based aid, with an average package near $19,098, and UofL meets roughly 65% of demonstrated need. The Cardinal Commitment Grant covers remaining tuition and fees for eligible Kentucky students after other aid.

UofL is strongest in the health professions, the single largest field at about 16% of bachelor's degrees, anchored by its medical, dental, and nursing schools. Engineering at the J.B. Speed School is the next largest area, followed by social sciences, business, and psychology, and the university is classified as a top-tier research institution.

Somewhat. UofL lists the application essay as a factor it considers, below course rigor, GPA, and test scores in its review. The essay is not the deciding piece for most applicants, but a clear, specific statement can help borderline cases and matters more for competitive programs and scholarships.

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