The University has extensive financial aid programs for all U.S. and international students.
When reviewing applicants for admission, we consider each prospective student’s overall potential. Factors include:
- academic record
- enthusiasm for learning
- dedication to developing full potential
- extracurricular activities and/or work experience
- recommendations from teachers, employers, or others who know the applicant well
- other information, including answers to essay questions and personal interviews
Most applicants don’t need to take the SAT or ACT. However, if the high school grade point average (GPA) is less than 2.5, one of these tests is often required.
Yes, an interview is a required part of the application process for both undergraduate and graduate programs. The best time for the interview is during a Visitors Weekend. When a visit to the campus is not possible, the interview is done over the telephone.
Visitors Weekend are offered each month. These events provide a complete introduction to the University and are highly recommended for prospective students and their families.
The academic year for most programs begins in mid-August. We also have a spring semester admission in January for many undergraduate and graduate programs. Some graduate programs may have different entry dates. Check with the Office of Admissions for details of program starting dates.
Fall semester applicants are encouraged to apply by May 15, and spring semester applicants are encouraged to apply by November 15. Applications received after these dates are normally accepted unless the program cannot accommodate additional students. Applying by the dates shown above gives applicants the best opportunity for receiving the maximum financial assistance, and helps assure space being available in the program for which they are applying. Some graduate programs may have different deadlines.
Applicants who did not complete their high school study are required to submit one of the following:
- General Educational Development (GED) certificate; or
- A certificate of completion of a home-study program if the program is recognized by the student’s home state, or if the program is not recognized by the student’s state, the state must not consider the student to be in violation of truancy laws. Home-schooled applicants must also submit a complete home schooling record.
Students with a bachelor’s degree — or who are in their senior year of college — may apply for admission to a graduate program. Admission decisions are based upon the applicant’s academic record in undergraduate programs, other graduate programs (if applicable), graduate entrance examination scores (if required), personal qualifications and experience, recommendations, and proposed program of study.
A grade point average of at least 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) in the third and fourth years of undergraduate study is normally required by the Graduate School for regular admission to graduate programs. Exemptions are granted for specific situations.
Yes, each year many of our new students transfer from other colleges and universities. Undergraduate students can apply to transfer units to cover general education requirements and electives as well as up to half the coursework in the major, for a maximum of 100 total semester units. Transfer credits are accepted for courses completed with a grade of “C” or higher on a course-by-course basis from accredited colleges and universities, and from other institutions with the approval of the Registrar. Students must apply for evaluation of transfer credit through the Enrollment Center.
Students who have earned credit by examination through approved programs such as the College Board Advanced Placement Program (AP), the College Level Examination Program (CLEP), and whose scores are in the 60th percentile or above, may use this credit to pass/waive up to 12 units of upper-division undergraduate course work.
