DeSales University Admission Requirements

  • 7/10 Overall Rating
  • 4 Year
  • Center Valley, PA
  • 3.0 2 reviews
#25 Best Private Colleges in Pennsylvania

DeSales University Admission Overview

DeSales University admission requirements are summarized from last year's class. Last year DeSales University admitted 77.1% of applicants. Enrolled freshmen typically had about a 3.39 GPA (B+) and SAT 1090-1260 / ACT 27-28. DeSales University is test-optional, so you choose whether to send SAT or ACT. Those figures describe last year's class, not a score you must hit.

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

DeSales University Acceptance Rate

Admission Rate & Difficulty

Acceptance rate

77.1%

Admission Standards

Average

Applicant Competition

Very Low

Very Low
Low
Average
High
Very High
Extreme

Admission difficulty for DeSales University

Acceptance Rate

The DeSales University acceptance rate is 77.1%. Last year, 3,066 of 3,977 applicants were admitted. That is the 47th lowest acceptance rate in Pennsylvania.

Admission Selectivity

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

DeSales University is an easy school to get into, admitting most applicants. You have a very good chance of acceptance if you meet last year's profile.

DeSales University typically attracts "B+" average high school students with an average GPA around 3.39. Most incoming freshmen graduate in the top quarter of their high school class. 17% of those admitted chose to enroll.

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

DeSales University GPA

GPA of enrolled freshmen

Avg. High School GPA

3.39

Typical High School Grades

B+

Average GPA (4.0 Scale) 3.39

0.0 1.0 2.0 3.0 4.0

Average GPA

Enrolled freshmen at DeSales University typically have around a 3.39 GPA (B+) on a 4.0 scale. That is last year's class average, not a cutoff. Enrolled students typically have above average high school grades. DeSales University is test-optional. If you withhold SAT or ACT, GPA carries more weight.

The school ranks #65 in Pennsylvania for highest average GPA.

See additional colleges accepting applicants in the 3.4 GPA range.

Competitiveness by GPA Ranges

Share of last year's freshmen in each GPA range, compared with the rest of the class.

High school GPA ranges for enrolled DeSales University freshmen
High School GPA Freshmen Within Range Competitiveness
4.0 4.7% Good
3.75 to 3.99 29.5% Avg +
3.50 to 3.74 17.7% Avg -
3.25 to 3.49 14.7% Avg -
3.00 to 3.24 12.0% Avg -
2.50 to 2.99 14.3% Reach
2.00 to 2.49 5.5% Reach
1.00 to 1.99 1.6% Low
less than 1.00 0% Low

What do these figures mean?

GPA Data Source, Peterson's Data 2024

DeSales University SAT Scores

SAT scores of enrolled freshmen

SAT Range

1090-1260

Freshmen who sent SAT

25%

25th Percentile Scores

  • Reading 550
  • Math 540
  • Composite 1090
SAT 25th percentile scores for DeSales University

75th Percentile Scores

  • Reading 640
  • Math 620
  • Composite 1260
SAT 75th percentile scores for DeSales University

Average SAT

Enrolled testers at DeSales University typically score around a 1180 SAT (middle 50% 1090–1260) out of 1600. That is last year's class, not a cutoff. The average SAT of enrolled testers is about the 73rd percentile nationally. DeSales University ranks #53 in the state of Pennsylvania for highest average SAT composite score.

SAT Range (25th-75th Percentile) 1090 to 1260

800 1000 1200 1400 1600

SAT policy

DeSales University is test-optional. You choose whether to send SAT. If you send a score, it is considered.

View other colleges which accept students in the 1180 SAT score range.

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

How SAT scores compare with last year's enrolled testers

This table compares SAT ranges with last year's enrolled testers and the school's acceptance rate. It is not a personal chance of admission. If you withhold SAT, skip this table.

SAT ranges vs last year's enrolled testers at DeSales University
SAT Score (1600 scale) Competitiveness Admission Chances
1260+ Above 75th >86%
1180 to 1260 Avg + 78%-86%
1090 to 1180 Avg - 64%-78%
Below 1090 Below mid-50 <64%

What do these figures mean?

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

DeSales University ACT Scores

ACT scores among enrolled freshmen

ACT Range

27-28

Freshmen reporting ACT

1%

25th Percentile Scores

  • English 26
  • Math 25
  • Composite 27
ACT 25th percentile scores for DeSales University

75th Percentile Scores

  • English 29
  • Math 28
  • Composite 28
ACT 75th percentile scores for DeSales University

Average ACT

Incoming testers at DeSales University typically have around a 27 ACT (mid-50 27–28) on the 36 scale. That reflects last year's enrolled testers, not a cutoff. That average sits near the 85th percentile of ACT takers nationwide. DeSales University places #25 among colleges in Pennsylvania for highest average ACT composite.

ACT Range (25th-75th Percentile) 27 to 28

1 9 18 27 36

ACT policy

You may apply to DeSales University without ACT. A score you do send is still reviewed.

See colleges with similar ACT profiles in the 27.0 ACT score range.

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

How ACT scores compare with last year's enrolled testers

This table compares ACT ranges with last year's enrolled testers and the school's acceptance rate. They are not your individual odds. If you leave ACT off your application, you can skip this table.

ACT bands compared with last year's enrolled testers at DeSales University
ACT Score (36 scale) Competitiveness Admission Chances
28+ Above 75th >92%
27 to 28 Avg + 77%-92%
27 to 27 Avg - 77%-77%
Below 27 Below mid-50 <77%

How to read these figures

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

High School Class Rank

Class Rank of Admitted Students

59% of DeSales University freshman are in the top twenty five percent of their high school graduating class and 25% are in the top ten percent.

High School Class Rank for admitted DeSales University students
High School Class Rank Freshmen Within Range
Top 10% of class 24.8%
Top 25% of class 59.4%
Top 50% of class 82%

Data Source, Peterson's Data

Estimate How You Compare

See how your GPA and scores compare with last year's enrolled testers. You can mark that you will withhold scores.

Open the DeSales University chances calculator

Applying

Admission Statistics

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

DeSales University admission statistics
Women Men Total
Applied 2,540 1,429 3,977
Accepted 2,001 1,063 3,066
Acceptance Rate 79% 74% 77%
Enrolled 307 203 511
Percent of Admitted Who Enrolled (Admission Yield) 15% 19% 17%

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

Application Requirements

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

DeSales University application requirements
Requirement Used for Admission
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 Required to be considered for admission
Recommendations Required to be considered for admission
Demonstration of Competencies Not considered for admission, even if submitted

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

Fall 2027 Application Deadline

Applications Due

Aug 1, 2027

Days left to Apply

314

Applicants have 314 days left until the Fall 2027 term applications are due on Aug 1, 2027.

Application Fee

The cost for prospective students to apply to DeSales University is $0. The school is free to apply to.

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

Credits Accepted

High school credits accepted at DeSales University
Credit Type Accepted
AP Credit Yes
Dual Credit Yes
Credit for Life Experiences Yes

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

Admission summary

DeSales University is test-optional for 2024-25. Last year it admitted 77.1% of applicants. Enrolled freshmen typically had about a 3.39 GPA (about an B+ average). Send SAT/ACT if you are at or above this campus mid-50 (1090-1260); otherwise withhold. Mid-50 scores, where shown, are enrolled testers, not cutoffs.

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

Other Colleges to Apply To

Students applying to DeSales University often consider these colleges

Data source: NCES / IPEDS https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=210739.

GPA calculator: DeSales University GPA calculator.

Last updated: August 2026