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Avila University

Accept Rate
59.54%
Grad Rate
47%
Enrollment
1,192
Avg SAT
942
Tuition
$38,672
Median Salary
$52,773
Overall Grade
C+
C
Academics
C
Value
C
Admissions
A
Diversity
C+
Campus
B+
Aid

The Vibe Check

Avila University offers a close-knit, supportive atmosphere where students are known by name, not just by ID number. The campus feels like a welcoming community with a strong sense of family, rooted in its Sisters of St. Joseph heritage. You'll find a focus on personal growth and service, creating a warm and inclusive environment for learning.

Admissions

Acceptance Rate

59.54%
Moderately Selective

SAT Score Range

25th Pctlavg 94275th Pctl
8001000
40080012001600

ACT Score Range

25th Pctlavg 2075th Pctl
1521
1122436

Admissions Tips

Highlight your commitment to service and community involvement in your application essay, as this aligns with Avila's core mission. With an acceptance rate of 59.54%, aim for the provided average SAT score of 942 or higher to be a competitive applicant. Be sure to connect your chosen major—especially if it's in Health Professions or Education—to your long-term career goals to demonstrate a clear fit.

Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard

🎯

Can I Get In?

Estimate your admission chances

3.5
1.02.03.04.0
942
40080012001600
School range: 8001000

⚠️ This is a rough estimate based on published admissions data. Actual decisions depend on essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and holistic review.

Academics & Majors

Avila's academic strengths lie in its career-focused programs, particularly in Health Professions, Business, and Education, where hands-on learning is emphasized. Small class sizes ensure personalized attention from faculty who are dedicated to student success rather than just research. While research opportunities exist, the focus is more on practical application and internships within the Kansas City community.

Popular Majors

Health Professions
33.8%
Business & Marketing
17.6%
Psychology
6.5%
Parks, Recreation & Fitness
6.5%
Visual & Performing Arts
5.6%
Education
5.6%
Computer Science
4.6%
Communications
4.6%
Public Administration
3.7%
Biology & Biomedical
2.8%
Social Sciences
1.8%

Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education

By The Numbers

47%
Graduation Rate
68.3%
Retention Rate
1,192
Total Students

Return on Investment

Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)

Student Diversity

Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body

Financial Aid & Cost

Sticker Price
$38,672
In-state tuition/year
Avg Net Price
$16,939
After financial aid
Total Cost
$32,863
Cost of attendance/year
49.1%
Receive Pell Grants
85.2%
Federal Loan Rate

Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education

Life in Kansas City

Kansas City offers a vibrant urban playground just a short drive from campus, famous for its world-class barbecue, thriving jazz scene, and professional sports. Students can explore the Crossroads Arts District for galleries and concerts, cheer on the Chiefs or Royals, or enjoy the city's many parks and fountains. The city's affordable cost of living and diverse internship opportunities provide a rich backdrop to student life.

Local Rent Check

$1,098 / month
Avg 1-Bedroom in Kansas City
Explore Kansas City

Reality Check

Can you afford this degree? Adjust the sliders to fit your actual situation (scholarships, savings, etc).

$154,688
$0Est. 4 Years: $154,688

Post-Grad Monthly Payment

$0/mo

Impact on Est. Salary ($52,773):

0.0% of net income

Safe Zone

Safety Check

The campus is located in a suburban area of Kansas City and maintains its own campus safety department with 24/7 patrols and emergency call boxes. While the surrounding area is generally safe, students should always practice urban awareness when venturing off-campus into the city.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • High level of faculty interaction and personalized advising due to small enrollment.
  • Strong programs in high-demand fields like Nursing, Physical Therapy Assistant, and Business.
  • Significant financial aid availability brings the net cost down substantially for most students.
  • Prime Kansas City location provides excellent internship and job opportunities.

Cons

  • The 47% graduation rate is significantly below the national average, suggesting retention challenges.
  • Campus life may feel limited for students seeking a large, Big Ten style social scene.
  • The 68% retention rate indicates that a notable portion of first-year students do not return.

Notable Alumni

John Herron
Former United States Ambassador to Trinidad and Tobago.
Bob Walkenhorst
Renowned Kansas City musician and founding member of The Rainmakers.
Sr. Diana St. Claire
A Sister of St. Joseph known for her extensive humanitarian work and advocacy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Avila University is best known for its strong emphasis on career-oriented programs, particularly in Health Professions (like Nursing and Physical Therapy), Business, and Education. Rooted in the heritage of the Sisters of St. Joseph, it is also recognized for its mission of service, inclusivity, and creating a supportive, close-knit learning community.

No, Avila University is considered moderately selective with an acceptance rate of 59.54%. This means that more than half of applicants are admitted. The middle 50% of admitted students typically have an SAT score between 890 and 1040, making it an accessible option for students with average academic profiles.

Campus life at Avila is defined by its intimate, community-focused feel, with a student body of just over 1,100. Students benefit from a supportive environment with accessible faculty and a variety of clubs and NCAA Division II sports. The campus is located in a suburban setting, offering a quieter atmosphere while still being connected to the cultural and professional opportunities of downtown Kansas City.

For many students, Avila can be a worthwhile investment, especially when factoring in financial aid. With an average net price of $16,939—well below the sticker price—and strong programs in fields with solid earning potential like healthcare and business, the ROI is promising. However, prospective students should be aware of the lower graduation and retention rates and proactively engage with academic support services to ensure success.

Similar Universities

Top Employers

Children's Mercy Hospital Saint Luke's Health System Commerce Bank Kansas City Public Schools Cerner Corporation
Smart Start Score
54

Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.

University Facts

  • Founded N/A
  • Type Private
  • Setting Urban
  • Undergrad 1,124
  • In-State Tuition $38,672
  • Zip Code 64145

Gender Ratio

♂ 37.7% ♀ 62.3%

The Money Talk

While the sticker price of ~$39k is high for a private university, the average net price of $16,939 makes it a much more accessible option for many families, especially with nearly half of students receiving Pell Grants. The 10-year median earnings of $52,773 suggests a solid return on investment for graduates entering fields like nursing and business. Prospective students should aggressively pursue scholarships and financial aid to maximize the value of this degree.

*Based on Dept of Education data

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📍 Campus Location

📅 Typical Deadlines

Early Decision Nov 1
Early Action Nov 1–15
Regular Decision Jan 1–15
Transfer Mar 15
FAFSA Opens Oct 1
Check official deadlines →

Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.

🧮 Estimated Annual Budget

Tuition $38,672
Housing (12 mo) $13,176
Books & Supplies ~$1,200
Living Expenses ~$6,000
Estimated Total $59,048
With avg financial aid:
$16,939/yr
Data sourced from US Dept of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS, and Bureau of Labor Statistics. Last updated: Feb 2026.