Standards for Admissions
These standards are established for the admission of students into all undergraduate programs at Carolina University.
Admission to Carolina University is contingent upon graduation from a high school of approved standing or successful completion of the General Education Development Test (GED) or the High School Equivalency examination (HSE).
Candidates for undergraduate programs must have a minimum GPA of 2.0 from high school or college. Applicants falling below this GPA threshold may still be considered for admission on a probationary status, subject to approval by the Director of Admissions.
Please note that certain programs (e.g., BS Education) may have specific GPA requirements that exceed the general minimum. For detailed information on program-specific admission criteria, we encourage prospective students to review the individual program pages in the catalog.
General Application Procedure
The prospective student should complete the following steps:
- Submit a complete application online at carolinau.edu/apply.
- Arrange for official transcripts from high school and any and all other colleges attended to be sent directly to the Office of Admissions by mail or secure electronic transfer. Institutions should send these to admissions@carolinau.edu. Note: Students who have earned 60 or more credit hours from an accredited university are exempt from submitting a high school transcript.
- Standardized test scores (SAT/ACT) are not required for admission.
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 establish a financial package. However, all admission requirements must be resolved, and full admission must be obtained before financial aid is 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 may be considered for probationary admission, subject to the Director of Admissions approval.
To be considered for probationary admission into an undergraduate degree program, a student must possess a minimum of 1.7 high school or college GPA. If a student is admitted on probationary status, they 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 the 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 a loving and welcoming environment. 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
Carolina University is authorized to enroll international students under the Department of Homeland Security's Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) for those holding approved F-1 visa status.
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. All transcripts must be evaluated by an approved transcript evaluation service.
Transcript Evaluation Requirement: For Undergraduate Applicants: General evaluation with GPA. A list of aprroved Transcript Evaluation Service Providers is available at https://carolinau.edu/admissions/international-students.
English Proficiency Requirement: International students whose first language is not English must submit satisfactory scores from one of the approved test providers listed at https://carolinau.edu/admissions/international-students.
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 the funds in United States dollars on deposit 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 before the expected start date. 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 dual-enrolled students 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 that now support academic success. Access to admission requirements from previous applications at the university is not guaranteed. The Office of Admissions may request any unarchived documentation necessary for readmission purposes. This entire process will require approval from the Director of Admissions.