Villanova Acceptance Rate: Class of 2029

Villanova University, a private Catholic university located about 12 miles outside of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, received a record 26,306 total applicants to its Class of 2029. Villanova was in the news recently as the alma mater of the newly selected Pope Leo XIV, leading some to note a perceived “Pope bump” in the university’s visibility and prestige. The university has also gained popularity in recent years as a “Hidden Ivy.”

VILLANOVA ACCEPTANCE RATE: CLASS OF 2029

Villanova’s acceptance rate this year was 27.4% overall, a number that has risen of late mainly due to the university’s goal of increasing its class size and expanding enrollment beyond the current 7,000 undergraduate students. While the college did not report its early acceptance rate yet, it is historically around 55%.

Among accepted students, the middle 50% had unweighted GPAs ranging from 3.87 to 4.10. Meanwhile, 87% of admitted students were in the top 10% of their high school class (for schools that reported rank), according to Villanova’s Class of 2029 profile.

The Class of 2029 cycle also saw 54% of students admitted without submitting SAT or ACT scores. Villanova remains test-optional through at least the Class of 2030, according to The Villanovan. Of the accepted students who submitted test scores, the middle 50% had SAT scores ranging from 1450 to 1520 and ACT scores ranging from 33 to 35.

TTA TOP TIP: Villanova looks for unique students who think deeply and lead with intention — inside and outside the classroom. Your teen doesn’t need to be president of every club. What matters more? A focused narrative built around authentic interests. At TTA, we help students uncover and elevate the experiences that reflect their values and intellectual curiosity — so their application speaks volumes. Whether it’s service rooted in faith, community engagement, or academic exploration, Villanova values students who act with purpose in their own way.

At Top Tier Admissions, we are committed to making the college admissions process more transparent. Easy access to clear data helps families understand trends in college admissions to make more informed decisions. This year we’re once again collecting acceptance rate data at selective schools and providing insight and analysis of our own.

WANT TO READ MORE?

Are you thinking about applying to Villanova? Curious about admissions trends and strategies to improve your odds? Contact us to discuss our Application Boot Camp® or Private Counseling program — we look forward to supporting you!

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Siena Swift

Creative Content Coordinator at Top Tier Admissions

Siena is a Pomona College graduate and award-winning student journalist with a passion for impactful communication and global education. After guiding prospective students as a tour guide at Pomona and spearheading sustainability initiatives across the Claremont Colleges, Siena honed her skills in social media strategy and event programming as an admissions office intern. Since graduating, she has worked with Top Tier Admissions, where she now serves as the Creative Content Coordinator. In this role, Siena manages social media strategies, creates engaging content, and supports webinars. Her work combines her love for communication, education, and creativity, all while contributing to the growth and engagement of the Top Tier Admissions community.

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