# Nelson University

Waxahachie, TX. Source page: https://www.dreamschool.co/colleges/nelson-university

Nelson University is a private nonprofit college in Waxahachie, TX with 1,479 undergraduates. It admits 89% of applicants, and admitted students average 980 on the SAT. The average net price after aid is $26,425 per year ($23,966 for families earning under $30,000). 37% of students graduate, and graduates earn a median of $46,684 ten years after enrolling.

## Key facts

| Measure | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Admission rate | 89% (Fall 2024) |
| Testing policy | Test scores required (Fall 2024) |
| Applicants | 615 (Fall 2023) |
| Admitted | 518 (Fall 2023) |
| SAT Reading & Writing (middle 50%) | 460–550 (Fall 2024) |
| SAT Math (middle 50%) | 430–540 (Fall 2024) |
| ACT Composite (middle 50%) | — (Fall 2024) |
| Cost of attendance | $42,133 (2024-25) |
| Average net price | $26,425 (2024-25) |
| Net price, family income $0–30k | $23,966 (2024-25) |
| Net price, family income $30–48k | $24,300 (2024-25) |
| Net price, family income $48–75k | $25,157 (2024-25) |
| Net price, family income $75–110k | $27,228 (2024-25) |
| Net price, family income $110k+ | $30,821 (2024-25) |
| Undergraduates | 1,479 (Fall 2024) |
| Graduation rate | 37% (Fall 2019) |
| Median earnings 10 years after enrolling | $46,684 (2023) |
| Median debt at graduation | $23,500 (FY2024) |

## What Nelson University considers in admissions (Fall 2023)

- High school record: Required
- High school GPA: Required
- College-prep coursework: Not considered
- Class rank: Not considered
- Essay or personal statement: Considered
- Recommendations: Required
- Demonstrated competencies: Not considered
- Legacy status: Not considered
- Work experience: Not considered
- English proficiency test: Required

## FAQ

**What is Nelson University's acceptance rate?**

Nelson University admits 89% of applicants, which makes it accessible.

**What SAT score do you need for Nelson University?**

The middle 50% of admitted students scored 460–550 on SAT Reading and Writing and 430–540 on SAT Math; the average total is 980.

**Is Nelson University test optional?**

Test scores required.

**How many students apply to Nelson University?**

In Fall 2023, 615 students applied to Nelson University and 518 were admitted; 286 enrolled.

**Does Nelson University consider legacy status?**

No. Nelson University reported that legacy status is not considered in admissions (Fall 2023).

**Does Nelson University require an essay?**

Nelson University reported that an essay or personal statement is considered for admission (Fall 2023).

**How much does Nelson University cost?**

The sticker cost of attendance is $42,133 per year, but the average net price after grants and scholarships is $26,425.

**What is Nelson University's graduation rate?**

37% of full-time students graduate within 150% of normal time.


## Sources

- U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (Most Recent Institution-Level Data), released 2026-10-15: https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/data/
- IPEDS Admissions survey (ADM2023): https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/datacenter/DataFiles.aspx
- IPEDS unit ID 228325. Methodology: https://www.dreamschool.co/methodology