Creighton Acceptance Rate: Stats & Tips (2026)
Data Notice: Figures, rates, and statistics cited in this article are based on the most recent available data at time of writing and may reflect projections or prior-year figures. Always verify current numbers with official sources before making financial, medical, or educational decisions.
Creighton Acceptance Rate: Stats & Tips (2026)
Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska, is a Jesuit institution with a national reputation that belies its mid-sized enrollment. With an acceptance rate of approximately ~72%, Creighton balances broad accessibility with outstanding outcomes in health sciences — the university houses professional schools in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, nursing, and physical therapy, all under one institutional roof. This comprehensive health sciences ecosystem makes Creighton one of the strongest pre-health destinations in the Midwest.
Omaha is a vibrant, affordable city with a surprisingly sophisticated cultural scene, a strong job market, and a quality of life that consistently earns national recognition. Creighton’s compact, walkable campus sits near the city’s downtown core, providing students with clinical, internship, and service opportunities within walking distance.
Admissions Statistics at a Glance
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Overall Acceptance Rate | ~72% |
| Total Applicants (2025 cycle) | ~12,000 |
| Enrolled Freshman Class | ~1,100 |
| Average GPA | ~3.75 |
| Middle 50% SAT | ~1170–1370 |
| Middle 50% ACT | ~25–31 |
| Test-Optional | Yes (through 2026) |
| Student-to-Faculty Ratio | 11:1 |
Creighton’s 11:1 student-to-faculty ratio is among the lowest of any university on this list. Small class sizes and accessible professors are defining features of the Creighton experience, particularly for students navigating demanding pre-health curricula.
What Creighton Looks For
Creighton’s holistic admissions process weighs academic merit alongside character and service:
Academic Record: A strong GPA in college-prep courses — particularly in math and science for health-science-bound students — is the most important admissions factor. Creighton expects AP, IB, or honors coursework where available.
Standardized Tests (Optional): Creighton is test-optional. Students with scores in the middle 50% range or above benefit from submitting, but applicants with strong transcripts and compelling personal narratives are regularly admitted without test scores.
Health Sciences Pipeline: This is Creighton’s primary academic differentiator. The university offers accelerated and direct-admit pathways into its professional schools:
- Pre-Med/Medical School: Creighton’s medical school has strong match rates, and pre-med students benefit from early exposure to clinical environments, faculty mentorship, and research opportunities.
- Pharmacy (PharmD): The School of Pharmacy and Health Professions offers a direct-entry pathway that begins during the undergraduate years.
- Dentistry and Nursing: Both professional programs draw from Creighton’s undergraduate pipeline, and pre-dental and pre-nursing students benefit from integrated advising.
- Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy: These programs are competitive and respected regionally, adding to Creighton’s health sciences portfolio.
Heider College of Business: Creighton’s business school is well-regarded in the Midwest, with strong programs in finance, accounting, and business intelligence. Omaha’s status as a financial center — home to Berkshire Hathaway, Mutual of Omaha, and other major firms — provides exceptional internship access.
Jesuit Mission: Like all Jesuit universities, Creighton values service, justice, and intellectual curiosity. Your application should reflect engagement with your community and a commitment to ethical leadership. The university’s motto, “Finding God in All Things,” shapes a campus culture that prioritizes purpose alongside achievement.
Personal Essays: Creighton’s application prompts are designed to reveal your motivations, values, and goals. Thoughtful responses that demonstrate self-awareness and genuine interest in the Creighton community are valued highly.
Acceptance Rate by Application Type
| Application Type | Deadline | Estimated Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Early Action | November 1 | ~78% |
| Regular Decision | February 15 | ~68% |
| Rolling (after RD) | Space-available | ~60% |
Early Action is the recommended path. EA applicants receive priority scholarship consideration and notification in mid-December, giving them ample time to compare financial aid packages from other schools. Creighton does not offer a binding Early Decision option.
Regular Decision applicants are still competitive for merit aid, but the most generous institutional scholarships may be allocated to EA applicants.
Financial Aid and Cost
| Cost Category | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tuition & Fees | ~$46,000/year |
| Room & Board | ~$13,500/year |
| Total Estimated Cost | ~$59,500/year |
| Average Merit Scholarship | ~$18,000–$26,000 |
| Average Need-Based Aid Package | ~$25,000 |
| % Receiving Some Aid | ~97% |
Creighton’s commitment to accessibility is reflected in its aid distribution: approximately 97% of students receive some form of financial support. The Scott Scholarship (full tuition) and the Presidential Scholarship (partial tuition) are among the top merit awards, and departmental scholarships in health sciences and business provide additional funding.
Need-based aid is substantial. Creighton meets a meaningful portion of demonstrated need for most families, and the financial aid office has a reputation for responsive communication and willingness to work with changing family circumstances.
Omaha’s low cost of living — notably cheaper than cities like Chicago, Denver, or Minneapolis — further reduces the real cost of a Creighton education. Housing, food, and transportation expenses are manageable for most families.
As a private institution, Creighton charges the same tuition for all students regardless of home state.
Key Takeaways
- Health sciences powerhouse: With medical, dental, pharmacy, nursing, and PT schools on one campus, Creighton’s pre-health ecosystem is among the most comprehensive in the country.
- Small classes, big outcomes: An 11:1 student-to-faculty ratio ensures personalized attention that larger universities struggle to match.
- Apply EA by November 1: Priority scholarship access and early notification make EA the smartest application strategy.
- Jesuit values shape the experience: Service, ethics, and community are not optional extras — they are woven into the curriculum and campus culture.
- Omaha is an asset: Low cost of living, strong corporate presence, and a welcoming community make Omaha an underrated college city.
Next Steps
Interested in Creighton? These guides will help you prepare:
- How to Write a Standout College Essay — Creighton’s essay prompts reward authenticity and self-reflection.
- Financial Aid Guide — Understand how to maximize merit and need-based aid at a private Jesuit university.
- College Application Timeline — Build your plan around Creighton’s November 1 Early Action deadline.
- SAT vs. ACT: Which Should You Take? — If you choose to submit scores, pick the test that showcases your strengths.
Verify all admissions data with the institution directly. Acceptance rates and requirements change annually.