Undergraduate Admission < Aurora University (2024)

Entering Freshmen

Students who have completed fewer than 15 semester hours or 22.5 quarter hoursof college work after high school are regarded as entering freshmen and are considered for regularadmission on the basis of the following general expectations:

• Graduation from an accredited high school (in a college-preparatory curriculum)¹orcompletion of a GED certificate
• One of the following:
  • ACT composite score of at least 19
  • Equivalent combined SAT scores (Math and Critical Reading)
• Official transcripts of all high school and previous college work must be provided

¹

Aurora University defines a college preparatory curriculum or its equivalent as totaling at least 16 academic units as specified below:

• English 4 years
• Mathematics 3 years
• Social Studies 3 years
• Science 3 years
• Electives 3 years

Test Optional Admission

Entering freshmen may choose to be reviewed for admission without standardized test scores (ACT or SAT). If a student chooses to be reviewed as test-optional, their admission and scholarship (if applicable) will be based on their academic record. Admission and scholarship(s) may be revised or revoked if standardized test scores are later submitted.

Final official high school transcripts, documenting date of graduation, and GPA of 2.5and above should be submitted to the Office of Admission and Financial Aid prior to thebeginning of the student’s first semester of classes.Final official high school transcripts must be submitted prior to the end of the student’s first semester of classes, or financial aid may not be disbursed and/or a hold may be placed on future registration.

Students who have been enrolled in high school and have concurrently taken collegecourses should check with an admission counselor about their entry status.Conditional admission may be granted in cases where the applicant fails to meetthe stated requirements but shows other clear and strong evidence of ability andmotivation necessary for academic success at Aurora University. The Vice Presidentfor Enrollment may grant conditional approval to applicants for admission who do notmeet the minimum requirements but are deemed by the Vice President for Enrollment towarrant special consideration based on one or a combination of the following:

1. Standardized test scores (ACT/SAT) that indicate a potential for academicsuccess at Aurora University.
2. Previous high school academic success (i.e., grade point average and classrank) that indicate a potential for academic success at Aurora University.
3. Two references from teachers who can speak of the applicant’s potential forsuccess in college. It is preferred that one of these references be written by acurrent or former English teacher.
4. A personal interview with the Vice President for Enrollment or a designate.
5. A detailed, written, personal statement by the applicant to the Vice President forEnrollment explaining the applicant’s previous academic performance, his/heracademic/career goals and his/her interest in Aurora University.
6. Other pertinent information that the Vice President for Enrollment deemssufficient and appropriate to warrant an admission decision.
7. Any combination of the above upon which the Vice President for Enrollment maydeem sufficient and appropriate to warrant an admission decision.

Transfer Students

Any applicant for traditional undergraduate admission, who has completed at least 15semester hours of transferable college coursework from a regionally accredited collegeor university after high school, will be considered a transfer student. Applicants with less than 30semester hours of transferable college coursework will be required to meet theacademic qualifications for freshman applicants and provide official high schooltranscripts with proof of graduation and ACT/SAT test scores. All transfer applicantsmust present proof of graduation or satisfactory completion of the GED if not evidentfrom college transcripts. Students who have been enrolled in high school and haveconcurrently taken college courses should check with an admission representativeabout their entry status.

The Vice President for Enrollment or a designate may grant full approval for admissionto transfer applicants based upon the following criteria:

1. The student was in good academic standing at the college or university last attended and whose overall college record yields a GPA of at least 2.4 on a 4.0 scale for coursework that could normally be considered applicable to degree programs at Aurora University. Individual programs may set stricter admission requirements, including requirements for proficiency in written and/or spoken English subject to the approval of the Chief Academic Officer.
2. The Vice President for Enrollment may admit an applicant for admission toAurora University on academic warning if the applicant was on academicprobation or had been dismissed from a college or university previously attendedor whose overall college record yields a GPA of less than a 2.4 on a 4.0 scale forcoursework that could normally be considered applicable to degree programs atAurora University. The criteria upon which a transfer applicant may be approvedfor admission on warning will be identical to the criteria used in consideration ofconditional freshmen applicants, as noted above. Admission to programs withapproved standards of their own is to be governed by the standards of thoseprograms.

Any student who has been dismissed from another college or university must attend a community college for at least two semesters (not including summer) prior to being considered for admission. Any student who would like to appeal this policy must do so in writing to the Vice President of Enrollment.

Special Admission Requirements for Undergraduate Online Program Students

• Transcripts (official, sealed) from all previously attended colleges and universities;
• A resume demonstrating two or more years of work experience, military service, or relevant adult responsibilities; and
• A personal statement addressing why the applicant wishes to enroll in an online program and a description of how they will structure their lives and time to be successful.

Students who do not meet these admissions requirements may be considered on a case-by-case basis by the Vice President for Enrollment or designee.

Adult Student Admission

Available at the Woodstock Center location

Aurora University is proud of its long tradition of service to non-traditional, adult students. These students, known as Adult Degree Completion students, are considered for admission under guidelines established by the faculty. The university recognizes that many factors besides prior academic record may be important indicators of an adult student’s potential for success in college. If a student has taken courses at other colleges, transcripts will be required; however, the university also considers such factors as career experience and community service in evaluating adult students for admission. Proof of high school graduation or completion of the GED may be required, but high school grades are not normally used as an admission criterion for adult students. A nontraditional age student may be required to show proficiency in written and/or spoken English.