About

About Villanova University

augustinian catholic missionselective admissionsbusiness and engineering focushigh research activitysmall class sizes

Villanova University is a private research university in Villanova, PA, known for its augustinian catholic mission, selective admissions, and business and engineering focus. With an acceptance rate of 23%, Nova is highly selective, typically enrolling around 1,779 students each year. Nova is test optional; students who submit scores are typically admitted with SATs between 1410–1490, though many competitive applicants choose not to submit. Nova offers merit scholarships regardless of financial need, with awards averaging $34,560 per year; the sticker price of $77,806 may look very different from what your family actually pays.

Admissions

Villanova University acceptance rate and admitted student profile

highly selective

23%
Overall Accept Rate
3.75
Typical Admitted GPA
1450
Median Admitted SAT
GPATypical admitted range: 3.75 – 4.00 unweighted

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SATSubmitted score range: 1410 – 1490 (test optional)

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ACTScore range: 32 – 34

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ED advantage at Villanova University: ED acceptance rate is 49% vs 23% regular decision, more than double. If Villanova Universityis your first choice and you've confirmed the financial fit, Early Decision is one of the highest-leverage decisions you can make.

Application Strategy

Strategy tips for applying to Villanova University

The first 2 tips apply to all applicants. Your personalized strategy requires your profile — build your free list to unlock it.

Essay Strategy
Villanova's Augustinian Catholic identity is central to its community, so use your essays to show how your values around service, truth seeking, or community align with that mission. Reference specific programs like the Villanova Experience or the Center for Peace and Justice Education to make your connection concrete.
Essay Strategy
Villanova asks you to apply to a specific college such as the College of Engineering, Villanova School of Business, or the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, so tailor your supplement to demonstrate genuine knowledge of that college's specific curriculum and opportunities rather than describing the university in general.

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Financial Aid & Cost

What Villanova University actually costs your family

Average net prices by income bracket from College Scorecard data.

Family IncomeSticker PriceEst. Net Cost / yr
0-30k~$78k/yr$17.8k
30k-48k~$78k/yr$16.5k
48k-75k~$78k/yr$20.9k
75k-110k~$78k/yr$33.4k
110k+~$78k/yr$58.7k

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Outcomes & Campus

Student outcomes and campus profile

92%
6-Year Graduation Rate
$85k
Median Earnings (6 yrs)
11:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
7,599
Undergrad Enrollment
Villanova University Acceptance Rate & Admissions | SpearMatch