Undergraduate Admissions Information

Standards for Admission

These standards apply to the admission of students into all undergraduate programs.

Admission to Carolina University is predicated upon graduation from a high school of approved standing or successful completion of the General Education Development Test of the High School Equivalency examination (GED).

To be admitted into an undergraduate degree program, a student must possess a minimum 2.0 high school or college GPA. Students who do not meet the GPA requirements may be reviewed for admission by the admissions committee.

Some of our programs have program-specific GPA requirements beyond this minimum, which are found on the individual program pages.

Application Procedure

The prospective student should complete the following steps:

• Submit a complete application online at carolinau.edu/apply.
• Request official transcripts from high school and any and all other college(s) attended to be mailed or submitted via secure electronic transfer by the institutions to the CU Office of Admissions at admissions@carolinau.edu. Students transferring with 60 or more earned credit hours from an accredited university are not required to provide a high school transcript.

Although standardized test scores (SAT/ACT) are not required for admission to the university, there are cases in which a student may benefit by submitting scores. These include Academic Scholarship evaluation and athletic eligibility. It is within the applicant's discretion to determine whether it is necessary to submit scores.

Provisional Admission

Applicants who have submitted evidence of satisfactory academic qualification (official or unofficial) but lack one or more additional items required for admission may receive provisional acceptance. Provisionally admitted students may register for upcoming courses after paying their enrollment deposit. Additionally, they may work with the financial services office to have a financial package established. However, all admissions requirements must be resolved and full admission obtained before financial aid will be disbursed. Students may remain in provisional acceptance for up to 10 calendar days after the first day of class. If provisional admission status is not resolved within those 10 calendar days, students will be administratively withdrawn from their courses.

Probationary Admission

Students who do not meet the university’s grade point requirements for regular admission to the university or to a degree program may be recommended for probationary admission.  

To be considered for probationary admission into an undergraduate degree program, a student must possess a minimum 1.5 high school or college GPA. If you are admitted on probationary status, you may enroll for up to 12 credits of undergraduate-level coursework approved by an advisor and develop an academic plan with the Ashburn Center for Student Success. Any request for more than 12 credits of undergraduate-level coursework while a probationary student must be approved in writing by your advisor and school dean.

Upon completion of at least 12 credit hours of undergraduate-level work at Carolina University with at least a C average, probationary students may be removed from probationary status by the Registrar’s Office. Probationary students who do not meet this objective will be placed on academic suspension. 

The hours earned while a probationary undergraduate student may be used to satisfy the requirements for the degree.

In accordance with U.S. government regulations, international students admitted on probationary status are not eligible for F-1 (student) visa status but can complete courses online to become eligible for full admission.

Non-Discrimination Policy

Carolina University is committed to maintaining an environment that is both loving and welcoming. Consistent with this goal and applicable laws, it is the university’s policy not to discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, age, disability, veteran status, national and ethnic origin, or pregnancy or childbirth. Therefore, all educational and employment decisions are based on an individual’s abilities, qualifications, and agreement with CU’s mission and conduct policies.

Transfer Policy

Carolina University grants transfer credit for previous college work from colleges or universities that are accredited by agencies approved by the Department of Education. Reference the Academic Information section of the catalog for specific transfer guidelines.

Advanced Placement, CLEP, and Correspondence

College credits can be earned by approved non-traditional means, such as Advanced Placement Exams, College-Level Examination Program (CLEP), and/or correspondence work. Reference the Credit Recognition and Transfer Policy section for specific guidelines.

International Students - Resident Studies

The university is authorized under federal law to enroll nonimmigrant alien students.

International students must show evidence of completion of secondary school education (Year 12) in their country of education. This is typically evidenced by a high school diploma or equivalent after completion of 12 years of primary and secondary education within their national education system. If the student has completed secondary education or university-level studies, then their transcripts should be evaluated by a member of the National Association of Credential Services (NACES®).

International students whose first language is not English must submit satisfactory scores on one of the following English proficiency tests: TOEFL, CPE, IELTS, or PTEL. The required minimum TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) score for admittance is a paper-based score of 500, a computer-based score of 170, or an Internet-based score of 60. Information about the test may be obtained from ets.org/toefl. The required score for the Academic Version, Band 6 or above, of IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is a corresponding score of 25-40. The required score for PTEL (Pearson Test of English) is 68 or above. The minimum grade for the CPE (Cambridge Proficiency in English) is a C.

English proficiency examinations may be waived for students who have completed a secondary-level program at a recognized school with English as the medium of instruction after transcript evaluation.

Financial responsibility must be demonstrated before the Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (F1) Student Status can be issued. The university must receive on deposit the funds in United States dollars to cover the cost of the first year’s education. Financial information may be obtained from the Admissions Office including amounts for all fees and tuition. The I-20 Form will not be sent to the applicant until all of the admissions requirements have been met. International students are encouraged to submit all admissions materials at least six months prior to projected enrollment and obtain an acceptance letter at least three months before starting their first course.

International Students - Online Studies

Online international applicants are encouraged to complete the admissions process no less than three months prior to the expected start date. In addition to the standard admissions requirements for all undergraduate students, online international students whose first language is not English must submit satisfactory scores demonstrating English proficiency. Financial information may be obtained from the Admissions Office including amounts for all fees and tuition.

High School Dual Enrollment Criteria

Qualified high school juniors and seniors may apply for admittance as a dual-enrolled student to Carolina University if they have a minimum in-progress high school GPA of 2.5.

Credit for dual enrollment courses will be given whether the student chooses to seek a degree at Carolina University or not. The credit for these courses will be transferable to any institution that accepts credit from Carolina University.

Returning Students

Previously enrolled students who are classified as withdrawn should submit an application online at carolinau.edu/apply and meet all additional admissions requirements. The applicant should request that all official transcripts from institutions attended since withdrawing from Carolina University be submitted by mail or electronic transfer to the Admissions Office. Students returning with a GPA less than 2.0 or after Academic Suspension must submit an action plan, explanation of accountability, and changes to circumstances which now support academic success. The university's access to admission requirements collected with previous application(s) is not guaranteed. The Office of Admissions may request any unarchived documentation necessary for readmission purposes.