By Ashley Kilroy

Total Cost of Attendance

Villanova University is a private Catholic university in Pennsylvania that offers a variety of programs to help students prepare for careers in fields like business, law, medicine, education, and research. Villanova is known for its strong sense of community and focus on helping students gain confidence and direction personally and professionally.

For the 2023–24 school year, tuition and fees at Villanova were $84,997. That’s almost double the national average of $41,540 for private colleges in the U.S.

Financial Aid

Roughly 65% of new Villanova undergraduates get some form of financial aid. Close to half (47%) are awarded grants or scholarships. Approximately 7% received federal Pell Grants, which are awarded to students who demonstrate exceptional financial need. The average Pell Grant was $5,324.

Explore financial aid options: Pennsylvania Student Loan & Scholarship Information Guide

Generally, financial aid is monetary assistance awarded to students based on personal need and merit. Students who qualify for financial aid can use it to pay for college costs like tuition, books, and living expenses.

The federal government is the largest provider of student financial aid. However, aid can also be given by state governments, colleges and universities, private companies, or nonprofits. The different types include:

•  Scholarships: These can be awarded by schools and other organizations based on students’ academic excellence, athletic achievement, community involvement, job experience, field of study, and financial need.

•  Grants: Generally based on financial need, these can come from federal, state, private, and non-profit organizations.

•  Work-study: This federal program provides qualifying students with part-time employment to earn money for expenses while in school.

•  Federal student loans: This is money borrowed directly from the U.S. Department of Education. It comes with fixed interest rates that are typically lower than private loans.

Colleges, universities, and state agencies use the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine financial aid eligibility. The FAFSA can be completed online, but note that state, federal, and school deadlines may differ.

You can find other financial aid opportunities on databases such as:

•  US Department of Education – Search for open and upcoming grant opportunities grants from colleges and universities by state

•  College Scholarship Service Profile (CSS) – A global college scholarship application used by select institutions to award financial aid

•  SoFi Scholarship Finder – Search thousands of scholarships, grants, and other aid award opportunities and filter for specific criteria, including location and field of study.

Recommended: The Differences Between Grants, Scholarships, and Loans

Private Student Loans

For the 2023-24 academic year, 7% of Villanova students took out private student loans, borrowing an average of $34,795. By comparison, 36% took out federal student loans, with an average amount of $5,331.

Private loans are funded by private organizations such as banks, online lenders, credit unions, some schools, and state-based or state-affiliated organizations. While Federal student loans have interest rates that are regulated by Congress, private lenders follow a different set of regulations, so their qualifications and interest rates can vary widely.

What’s more, private loans have variable or fixed interest rates that may be higher than federal loan interest rates, which are always fixed. Private lenders may (but don’t always) require you to make payments on your loans while you are still in school. Federal student loans don’t have to be paid back until after you graduate, leave school, or change your enrollment status to less than half-time.

Private loans don’t have a specific application window and can be applied for on an as-needed basis. However, if you think you may need to take out a private loan, it’s a good idea to submit your FAFSA first to see what federal aid you may qualify for because it generally has better rates and terms.

If you’ve missed the FAFSA deadline or you’re struggling to pay for school during the year, private loans can potentially help you make your tuition payments. Just keep in mind that you will need enough lead time for your loan to process and for your lender to send money to your school.

Recommended: Guide to Private Student Loans

Projected 4-Year-Degree Price

Based on the tuition and costs for 2023–24, the price of a four-year degree at Villanova would be $339,988. This is substantially higher than the national average cost for four years at a private university in the U.S., which is $241,680.

This student loan and scholarship information may be valuable as you research schools and costs.

Undergraduate Tuition and Fees

For the 2023-24 academic year, the cost of Villanova University’s tuition and fees plus books and supplies was $86,097. That’s more than twice the national average annual cost to attend a private university in the U.S., which is $41,540.

Graduate Tuition and Fees

For the 2023–24 school year, tuition and fees for graduate students at Villanova averaged $21,361 a year. That’s less than half the average cost of a Master’s degree from a private university, which is $43,980 per year.

Students may consider graduate loans along with scholarships, grants, and teaching assistantships to help pay for their degree.

Cost per Credit Hour

At Villanova University, undergraduate classes during the regular session cost $3,881 per credit for the 2024-25 academic year.

Graduate students at Villanova can expect to pay between $887 and $1,805 per credit hour, depending on the program. For example, an arts program typically costs about $955 per credit hour, while an engineering degree can cost around $1,595 per credit hour.

Campus Housing Expenses

Room and board for both on-campus and off-campus students at Villanova was $16,896 in 2023-24. Other expenses were $2,892, making the total cost the same for either housing situation.

For 2025- 2026, housing at Villanova starts at about $4,605 per semester, with a wide range of options, including 17 traditional dorms and 14 apartment-style halls. Students in their first year of college are guaranteed a spot on campus and can be placed in any of these areas. Room choices range from singles to quads.

For students who prefer to live off-campus, Villanova has plenty of resources available to help them find a place. There’s a wide range of options, but just be aware that a lease may be for a full year, rather than the academic year. Students can check out the listings at Villanova Off-Campus Housing.

Villanova University School Acceptance Rate

For 2024–25, Villanova University had 26,306 applications for the fall freshman class. The acceptance rate was 27.4%, making Villanova a selective school.

Admission Requirements

Grades, test scores, and class rank are just some of the factors Villanova considers when reviewing applications. The university conducts a comprehensive review to get a full picture of each student.

Students need to submit a few key documents, and in some cases, they may be asked to do an interview so the admissions team can get to know them better.

What’s required to apply

•   High school transcript or GED: If you haven’t completed at least 15 college credits, you’ll need to submit your official high school transcript or GED certificate.

•   College transcripts: Send unofficial transcripts from any colleges you’ve attended. Official ones can be submitted later, before you register.

•   Personal essay: A two-page (or longer) essay explaining why you’re pursuing a degree through the College of Professional Studies.

•   Resume: Include your most recent resume outlining your work, volunteer experience, and education experience.

•   Application fee: $50

•   Letters of recommendation: Submit one from a high school teacher who taught you that highlights your contributions both in and outside the classroom.

Not required but considered

•   GPA

•   Class rank

•   Work experience

•   Legacy status (if applicable)

For those interested in applying to Villanova, these are the upcoming deadlines for the 2025-2026 academic year:

•   Fall Semester I: August 18, 2025

•   Fall Semester II: October 13, 2025

•   Spring Semester I: January 5, 2026

SAT and ACT Scores

Villanova University became test-optional for the Class of 2025. This means that students are no longer required to submit SAT or ACT scores when applying. For those who did submit in fall 2023, here’s a look at the scores in the 25th and 75 percentiles.

Popular Majors at Villanova University

Villanova offers more than 61 majors across its six colleges, including the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, the Villanova School of Business, and the College of Engineering. These are 10 of the most popular degree programs at the university.

1. Finance

Villanova’s finance program helps prepare students for careers in financial management, investment banking, and corporate finance. Classes aim to focus on building problem-solving skills, understanding financial tools, and making well-thought-out, ethical decisions.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 224

2. Nursing

The Fitzpatrick College of Nursing was named a Center of Excellence by the National League for Nursing. The nursing program mixes classroom learning with hands-on experience in hospitals, labs, and other real-world settings. Graduates leave ready to care for patients, lead teams, and explore new ideas through research.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 195

3. Communication

Students majoring in communication at Villanova study how people communicate through conversation, media, and public messages. Students build strong skills in writing, speaking, and thinking clearly, and may choose to specialize in such areas as journalism, media production, or public relations.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 153

4. Political Science

Poly sci majors explore how governments run, how people take part in politics, and how laws and policies are made. Students learn to think critically about political systems and what’s happening in the world today. Villanova also offers two hands-on programs where students can spend time in Washington, DC to see how politics and policymaking work up close.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 104

5. Economics

Offered through the School of Business, Villanova’s economics program, gives students a strong understanding of how money, markets, and policies work. Graduates typically go on to careers in areas like finance, consulting, government, or teaching.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 97

6. Biology/Biological Sciences

Students in the biology program study the integration and diversity of living systems to develop a comprehensive knowledge of biological patterns and processes. They also do laboratory research and field study. Graduates of the program may go to work in health sciences, research, teaching, law, or business.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 95

7. Accounting

Accounting majors learn about financial reporting, taxation, and ethical standards in the field. They typically go on to careers in public accounting, corporate finance, and auditing.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 87

8. Psychology

In the psychology program, students study the scientific foundations of modern psychology, including brain-behavior relationships that connect behavior, thought, and experiences. They learn through research and theory, gaining insights they can use in careers in health, law, and many other fields.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 81

9. Mechanical Engineering

Mechanical engineering students are taught how to use energy, materials, and motion to design and improve all kinds of machines and systems. Graduates leave with the skills needed for careers in design, manufacturing, and research.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 73

10. Marketing

This program teaches students how to understand what people want, and how to perform research and create plans to promote products or services. Marketing majors can choose to focus their studies further by picking a concentration in either Digital Marketing or Business Development.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 71

Graduation Rate

Of the students who started at Villanova in 2017, 90% earned their bachelor’s degree in four years, and 92% finished with their degree within six years.

Post-Graduation Median Earnings

Graduates from Villanova earn a median salary of $100,000, which is significantly higher than the national average salary of $68,680 for those who graduated with a bachelor’s degree.

By Jennifer Calonia

A 463 credit score is considered poor based on the Fair Issac Corporation (FICO®) credit scoring model. With that score, car loan approvals and other consumer credit lines will be harder to come by compared to borrowers with a higher credit score.

If you’ve wondered whether a 463 credit score is good or bad, here’s what to know.

What Does a 463 Credit Score Mean?

The average credit score in the U.S. is 715, according to Experian®.2 A credit score of 463 is far below that average. In fact, as the chart below shows, it falls within the “poor” range on FICO’s credit rating scale.

A 463 credit score can be a reflection of poor borrowing behaviors — think a history of late or missed payments, defaults, foreclosure, or filing for bankruptcy. Lenders see the three-digit number as a sign that the borrower poses a high financial risk, which makes getting approved for a loan or credit card challenging.

What Else Can You Get with a 463 Credit Score?

Lenders who do extend credit to a borrower with a 463 credit score might impose extra fees, high interest rates, or a reduced loan amount or credit limit. Consumers with that credit score might also be required to put forward a deposit or collateral as a condition of accessing credit. This deposit requirement might also apply to services, like home utilities.

Can I Get a Credit Card with a 463 Credit Score?

Getting approved for a traditional credit card can be difficult with a 463 credit score. An alternative option is getting a secured credit card.

A secured credit card is a tool that allows you to improve your credit by practicing controlled borrowing habits. It requires a small deposit that acts as the card’s credit limit. The card issuer sets your deposit aside as collateral in case you don’t make your monthly card payments.

Another way to access a credit card is by being added to an existing card account as an authorized user. Any activity — including unpaid balances and payment activity — can be reported to the credit bureaus. If you’re actively using the card as an authorized user, maintain responsible spending habits, because all of your card activity directly impacts the primary cardholder and vice versa.

If you have multiple credit card balances that you’re trying to pay off, you may want to consider a credit card consolidation loan. You may be able to get a lower rate, plus making on-time payments can help you repair your credit.

Can I Get an Auto Loan with a 463 Credit Score?

There’s no minimum credit score required for a car loan, but lenders usually prefer to see borrowers with good credit.

Getting approved for an auto loan with a 463 credit score can be difficult. And the ones you are approved for will likely come with high interest rates.

If you need to buy a car, the lender may require you to have a cosigner on your loan. A cosigner is generally someone who you’re close to and trust — typically, a parent, spouse, or other family member or friend who has strong credit. Having a cosigner can help improve your odds of getting approved and qualifying for lower auto loan rates.

By agreeing to be a cosigner on your auto loan, the individual is agreeing to assume the debt if you fail to make payments. In addition to potentially taking on this financial responsibility, their credit is adversely affected if you miss payments. It’s a substantial commitment, so make sure you and your cosigner are clear on each other’s expectations regarding the loan before entering this arrangement.

Can I Get a Mortgage with a 463 Credit Score?

Mortgage lenders set a minimum credit score requirement for mortgage loans. A 463 credit score might be too low to secure a mortgage loan as an individual applicant.

Conventional mortgage loans and Veterans Affairs (VA) loans usually require a minimum 620 score. Even Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loans and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) loans -– which typically have lower minimum credit criteria — look for a minimum credit score in the 500s.

Can I Get a Personal Loan with a 463 Credit Score?

Like other types of loans, it can be hard to qualify for traditional personal loans with a 463 credit score. Some lenders offer products specifically designed for borrowers who don’t have good credit. One example is a secured personal loan. Collateral, such as a vehicle, home, or other asset of value, is usually required to qualify for this personal loan option.

As you’re weighing your options, you’ll want to understand how much your borrowing costs will be. Using a personal loan calculator can help you see your monthly payment amount and how much you’re paying toward interest charges.

The Takeaway

A 463 credit score falls within the lowest ranking of FICO Scores and is considered poor. Having a less-than-stellar score can make qualifying for traditional credit cards and loans challenging and costly. But all is not lost. There might be alternative options available that can help you gain access to credit — whether through the help of a cosigner or a collateral-based product.

Think twice before turning to high-interest credit cards. Consider a SoFi personal loan instead. SoFi offers competitive fixed rates and same-day funding. See your rate in minutes.