Standards for Admission

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

Requirements: Admission to Piedmont International 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).

In order to be admitted into an undergraduate degree program, a student must possess a minimum 2.0 high school GPA.

A minimum GPA of 2.0 is required for transfer students with twelve or more attempted undergraduate credits.

Students who do not meet either the GPA requirements may be reviewed for admission under the Academic Assistance Program. Students who enter on “Academic Assistance” are not eligible to enter the Educator Preparation Program.

Application Procedure

The prospective student should complete the following steps:

1. Submit a complete application online at piedmontu.edu.
2. Request official transcripts from high school and any other college(s) attended to be mailed or submitted via secure electronic transfer by the institutions to the PIU Office of Admissions at admissions@piedmontu.edu.
3. ACT and SAT scores are not required for admissions unless the applicant is a student-athlete. Testing is available on the campus of Piedmont International University. Information on national test dates and sites may be secured through a local school guidance office, public libraries or the University Admissions Office. Applicants for admission who hold an associate’s or bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and/or are over 25 years of age may request a waiver.

Notification of Applicant

Provisional acceptance may be granted based on information contained in the application. After receipt of all application materials, the Admissions Committee considers each applicant and notifies him/her of its decision. Since no final decision can be rendered until all information has been received, it is to the applicant’s advantage to hasten the process by acting promptly and facilitating those whose cooperation is required at their home institutions.

Non-Discrimination Policy

Piedmont International 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 individual’s abilities, qualifications, and agreement with PIU’s mission and conduct policies.

Transfer Policy

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

International Students - Resident Studies

The University is authorized under federal law to enroll non-immigrant 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. ACT/SAT scores are not required for international students. If you have completed secondary education or university-level studies, then you should have your transcripts evaluated by a member of the National Association of Credential Services (NACES®).

International students whose first language is not English may 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. 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 Form I-20 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 prior to 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 Piedmont International University if they meet the following criteria:

• Minimum in-progress high school GPA of 2.5.
• Minimum ACT composite score of 17 or minimum SAT (prior to 2016) combined score of 1230, or minimum SAT (2016 to present) of 900. In some instances, a nationally normed standardized test can be substituted for the ACT/SAT scores as long as the student scores at or above the 75th percentile.
• Credit for these courses will be given whether the student chooses to seek a degree at Piedmont International University or not. The credit for these courses will be transferable to any institution that accepts credit from Piedmont International University

Returning Students

Previously enrolled students who are classified as withdrawn should submit an application online at piedmontu.edu and meet all additional admissions requirements. The applicant should request that all official transcripts from institutions attended since withdrawing from Piedmont 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.

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 Academic Information section of the catalog for specific guidelines.