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#6 Best Public Universities in Missouri

Central Admission Requirements

Warrensburg, Missouri

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Your chances of getting into University of Central Missouri

Admission Rate & Difficulty

Percent Admitted 

71.3%
Admission Difficulty for University of Central Missouri
Measure Difficulty
Admission Standards Moderate 
Applicant Competition Low 

Acceptance Rate

The acceptance rate at Central is 71.3%.  Its admission rate is the 21st lowest in Missouri.

Admission Selectivity

How hard is it to get into Central and can you get accepted?

Central is a moderately competitive school to get into. You have a strong chance of acceptance if you meet the criteria. Last year, 3,562 out of the 4,993 who applied were admitted.

University of Central Missouri typically accepts and attracts "B+" average high school students with an average GPA around 3.68. Most incoming freshmen graduate in the top half of their high school class. 29% of those admitted chose to enroll in the school.

Can you get into Central?

71% are accepted, can you get in? Use the admission calculator to see if you have the grades and test scores needed to get in. See your admission chances based on your extracurriculars, intended major, background, and more.

Calculate your admission chances
Calculate your admission chances

Admission Requirements in Brief

To have the best chance of getting into to University of Central Missouri you should:

  • Have a high school GPA of 3.68 or better
  • Earn B+ grades in high school
  • Score 22 on the ACT
  • Graduate in the top half of your high school class

Central GPA

GPA Requirements & Average GPA

Avg. High School GPA 

3.68

Typical High School Grades 

B+

What GPA do you need to get into University of Central Missouri?

GPA Requirements

The GPA requirements for getting into Central are to have around a 3.68 high school GPA. You are required to have very good grades in high school.

If your high school GPA meets these requirements, there is a good chance you will be accepted as Central accepts 71% of students who apply.

Average GPA

The average unweighted GPA at Central is 3.68 on the 4.0 scale. To achieve the average GPA for admission, you need to earn B+ letter grades and regularly score around 87-89 percent on tests and assignments in high school.  The school ranks #8 in Missouri for highest average GPA.

Importance of GPA

Since Central is a test optional college, extra focus will be placed on your GPA when the school considers your application. As a result, it is very important that you meet the GPA requirements.

See additional colleges accepting applicants in the 3.7 GPA range.

Competitiveness by GPA Ranges

The table below outlines the number of admitted freshmen by GPA range as well as how competitive your GPA will be as compared with other applicants.

High School GPA's for admitted University of Central Missouri students
High School GPA Freshmen Within Range Competitiveness 
4.0 18.76% Good
3.75 to 3.99 19.21% Avg +
3.50 to 3.74 17.94% Avg -
3.25 to 3.49 15.6% Avg -
3.00 to 3.24 13.53% Reach
2.50 to 2.99 11.99% Reach
2.00 to 2.49 2.61% Reach
1.00 to 1.99 0.36% Reach
less than 1.00 0% Reach

 What do these chances mean?

GPA Data Source, Peterson's Data 2022

Calculate My Chances 

Central SAT Scores

Testing Requirements

Submission of SAT or ACT scores is not required for admission to University of Central Missouri. If you optionally submit test scores, they will be considered with your application, but they are not mandatory. 98% submitted ACT scores for admission for the most recent academic year..

SAT Requirements & Average SAT Score

SAT Range 

Not Reported

Applicants Submitting SAT 

-
SAT Scores for University of Central Missouri
SAT Test 25th Percentile Score
Reading 25th Percentile N/A
Math 25th Percentile N/A
Composite 25th Percentile N/A
SAT Scores for University of Central Missouri
SAT Test 75th Percentile Score
Reading 75th Percentile N/A
Math 75th Percentile N/A
Composite 75th Percentile N/A
Average SAT Score N/A
Data Sources, IPEDS for Fall 2022 starting class

Central ACT Scores

ACT Requirements & Average ACT Score

ACT Range 

19-25 

Applicants Submitting ACT 

98%
ACT Scores for University of Central Missouri
ACT Test 25th Percentile Score
Reading 25th Percentile 18
Math 25th Percentile 18
Composite 25th Percentile 19
ACT Scores for University of Central Missouri
ACT Test 75th Percentile Score
Reading 75th Percentile 24
Math 75th Percentile 25
Composite 75th Percentile 25
Average ACT Score 22

ACT Scores needed to get accepted

What are the ACT requirements for students to get into Central?

Score Range

The average ACT score for admitted students to Central is 22, while the middle 50% of students (25th to 75th percentile) score between a 19 and 25.  The school ranks #16 in Missouri for highest average ACT composite score.

Score for Acceptance

For the best chance of admission, you should have an ACT of 22. This will place you in solid competition against other applicants. At a minimum, you should aim for a 19 and score in the score in the top 56 percent nationally. The lowest ACT score likely to be admitted is a 16.

Scoring well on the ACT is very important as 98 percent of applicants submit ACT scores to University of Central Missouri.

Score Submission Requirements

You do not have to to submit ACT scores with your application as University of Central Missouri is test optional. The policy from the school on ACT scores is "not required for admission, but considered if submitted (test optional)".

Find other colleges with similar ACT score requirements

Data Sources, IPEDS for Fall 2022 starting class

Chance of Acceptance by ACT Score

Here are your predicted chances of getting into Central for different ACT score ranges. A typical applicant with a 22 score has around 71% chance of getting in. Your odds increase to about 82% with a 25 ACT score.

University of Central Missouri admission chances by ACT score
ACT Score Competitiveness  Admission Chances 
25 and Above Good >82%
22 to 25 Avg + 71%-82%
19 to 22 Avg - 56%-71%
16 to 19 Reach 40%-56%
Less than 16 Low <40%
Calculate My Chances 

High School Class Rank

72% of University of Central Missouri freshman are in the top half of their high school graduating class and 40% are in the top quarter.

High School Class Rank for admitted University of Central Missouri students
High School Class Rank Freshmen Within Range
Top 10% of class 16%
Top 25% of class 40%
Top 50% of class 72%
Data Source, Peterson's Data

Applying

Admission Statistics

Admission and enrollment rates by gender are detailed the the table below.

University of Central Missouri admission statistics
Women Men Total
Applied 2,953 2,040 4,993
Accepted 2,097 1,465 3,562
Acceptance Rate 71% 72% 71%
Enrolled 554 474 1,028
Percent of Admitted Who Enrolled (Admission Yield) 26% 32% 29%
Data Sources, IPEDS for Fall 2022 starting class

Application Fee

The cost for prospective students to apply to University of Central Missouri is $30.

Application Requirements

What are the requirements for admission to University of Central Missouri and what student information is used for admission decisions?

University of Central Missouri Application Requirements
Test Scores Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional)
High School GPA Required to be considered for admission
High School Class Rank Not required for admission, but considered if submitted
Completion of College Preparatory Program Not required for admission, but considered if submitted
Recommendations Not required for admission, but considered if submitted
Demonstration of Competencies Not considered for admission, even if submitted

Credits Accepted

High School Credits Accepted at University of Central Missouri
AP Credit Yes
Dual Credit Yes
Credit for Life Experiences Yes

Other Colleges to Apply To 

Students applying to University of Central Missouri often consider these colleges

Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=176965 IPEDS survey data for University of Central Missouri.

Last updated February 24, 2024