University of Cincinnati-Main Campus

Getting in is the hard part. University of Cincinnati-Main Campus admitted 85.3% of applicants in its most recent reported class, one of the lowest rates in the country. Realistically it is a reach for every applicant, no matter how strong.

Admitted students cluster near the top of the testing range: the middle 50% score 1160–1370 on the SAT and 24–29 on the ACT. Scores at or above that band keep you in contention, but they do not decide it.

The real question is not your odds but your move. That is where Spike comes in: it reads your profile against what University of Cincinnati-Main Campus actually rewards, and tells you what to do next.

Check your own numbers against this class →

Through one of the nation’s most robust co-op programs, students don’t just learn about their future, they shape it, pairing academic study with paid work experience at companies around the world.

The university integrates paid, professional experience into the academic journey through its cooperative education program and operates on a 15-week semester calendar.

• College of Allied Health SciencesHealth, Wellness, Therapy
• College of Arts & SciencesHumanities, Sciences, Social Sciences
• College-Conservatory of Music (CCM)Music, Theater, Dance

Verified from uc.edu and uc.edu and uc.edu and uc.edu and uc.edu and uc.edu.

• Next deadlineNovember 1, 2026 (EA)
• TestingRequired (2026 cycle)
• Recommendations0 letters
• Personal essayNot required
• ApplicationCommon App

Verified from uc.edu.

The current prompts, straight from the application. These change year to year, so most guides you will find are a cycle behind.

• What motivated you to choose your first-choice academic program? In your response, please share personal insights, interests, goals, or experiences—especially those not already included in your application.

  Up to 500 words

Every prompt, with how to approach each →

Verified from uc.edu.

The sticker price is about $32,171, but that is not what most families pay. After need-based aid, the average net price is $25,648.

The University of Cincinnati offers an affordable path to achievement through scholarships, state and federal aid, and earnings from paid co-ops, committed to making a high-impact education attainable.

Ten years after enrolling, graduates earn a median of $54,810.

Verified from uc.edu and the U.S. Department of Education.

“A Tuesday here means building what's next, whether in a research lab, a co-op placement, or exploring the urban landscape of Cincinnati.”

Located in an urban setting, the campus provides an outlet for every interest within the vibrant city of Cincinnati.

Is University of Cincinnati-Main Campus test-optional?

No. For the 2026 application cycle, University of Cincinnati-Main Campus requires SAT or ACT scores from first-year applicants.

How hard is it to get into University of Cincinnati-Main Campus?

Very hard. University of Cincinnati-Main Campus admits 85.3% of applicants, and the middle 50% of admitted students score 1160 to 1370 on the SAT. Treat it as a reach for every applicant.

When is the University of Cincinnati-Main Campus application deadline?

The next deadline is November 1, 2026 (EA).

How much does University of Cincinnati-Main Campus cost?

The list price is about $32,171, but the average price families actually pay after aid is $25,648.

Is University of Cincinnati-Main Campus worth it?

Graduates earn a median of $54,810 ten years after enrolling, and 73% graduate within six years. Value depends on your aid offer and your goals, which is exactly what Spike helps you weigh.