For undergraduate programs, successful applicants must hold a diploma from an accredited high school or a passing score on the General Education Development (GED) test. Scores for either the ACT or the SAT are required (contact the Office of Admissions for current minimum scores). Graduate programs require applicants to hold an undergraduate degree (or its equivalent) from a postsecondary educational institution, with a grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.0 (on a 4.0 scale). Certain applicants, particularly international students, may be asked to have their transcripts evaluated, at the student’s expense, by a reputable transcript evaluation company a list of which can be provided by the UU Admissions Office.

Non-native speakers of English must submit a score from either the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Test System (IELTS). This score may be submitted on paper or electronically transmitted to Underwood University, and is subject to verification. Alternate proof of English proficiency may be accepted; contact the Office of Admissions for more information. See “International Students – English Proficiency,” below. Underwood University reserves the right to refuse admission to students who do not possess sufficient English language skills.

Underwood University follows an open admissions policy for those who meet its educational requirements. Application decisions are made without regard to the applicant’s race, color, gender, handicap or disability, or national/ethnic origin, according to our non-discrimination policy. Applicants are assessed according to their academic background, moral character, and a religious autobiography. The Admissions Committee carefully reviews an applicant’s records and reference letter(s), and after such review, makes a recommendation to allow or refuse admittance. The Admissions Committee or Admissions Office may choose to conduct an interview with the applicant. Once the Admissions Committee makes a decision, the applicant will be immediately notified of his or her status, usually within one business day. Approved applications are valid for a year from the date of approval. Underwood University reserves the right to refuse admission to any applicants who do not meet our standards and criteria. Please click here for Transfer Credit policies

Nonstandard Admissions (Ability-to-Benefit, Concurrent Enrollment, Probationary Admission, etc.)

Underwood University does not admit ability-to-benefit students. All applicants must possess the required educational background (high school diploma or equivalent, etc.). No credit is given for prior learning experience or for credit earned from non-degree programs. All transfer credit must be earned post-secondary-level credits. Underwood does not accept applications for concurrent enrollment (i.e. high school students enrolling in undergraduate programs or undergraduate students enrolling in graduate programs), nor does it accept probationary enrollment unless under special circumstances related to a student readmitted after academic suspension.

Non-discrimination Policy

Underwood University does not discriminate against applicants based on race, national origin, age, sex, disability or religion, in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. Admittance decisions are made without regard to race, color, gender, handicap, or national or ethnic origin. Underwood University, does, however, reserve the right to refuse admission to those applicants who do not meet its standards of moral character or academic ability. Additionally, while Underwood welcomes applications from everyone, it should be noted that, as a Christian university, Underwood requires all applicants to sign an acknowledgement of its Christian philosophy of education and its Biblical Foundations.

Reasonable Accommodation Policy

As part of its policy of nondiscrimination, and in accordance with Sections 503 and 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Underwood University will make reasonable accommodation to ensure equal opportunity and access for qualified students to applicable programs, services, activities, and facilities. After acceptance and prior to entering classes, a student with a disability must submit written requests for modifications or auxiliary aids to the Office of Administration. Documentation of disability may be required in order to receive the appropriate modifications. Service animals are permitted on the Underwood University campus if the appropriate documentation has been filed. Students with documented disabilities may use the marked parking spaces in the visitor parking lot.