Admission Policies and Procedures

Application Procedure

Applications must be completed online. The application includes affirmations of faith and short-answer questions describing the student’s relationship with Jesus Christ and his or her spiritual formation since accepting Jesus Christ. In addition to the application, the following items are required:

• Freshman Applicants

• • One of the following proofs of high school graduation is required:
    • Official high school transcripts
      • If the university has reason to believe that the high school diploma is not valid, the Admission Recruiter will check with the high school to confirm or confirm with the state agency or department that the secondary school is located in. that the school is recognized as a provider of secondary school education. 
    • High school equivalency test scores (GED, HiSet)
    • Homeschool transcript, affidavit, or portfolio.
  • Official ACT/SAT scores (recommended but not required)

• Transfer Applicants

• • Official college transcripts from all schools attended since high school are required.
  • If a student has completed 15 or more semester credits after high school graduation, admission is based on college transcripts.
  • If a student has completed 1-14 semester credits, admission is based on freshman application requirements; however, official college transcripts are still required.

• International Students

• • International Student Certification of Finances.
  • English language proficiency, if English is not the primary language, demonstrated by any one of the following means:
    • TOEFL score
    • Duolingo score 
    • Berlitz score
    • IELTS score
    • High school or college transcript showing that instruction was primarily in English
  • Transcripts evaluated by a credentialing agency from all previous non-U.S. educational institutions. The following is a list of approved agencies: 
    • InCRED
    • WES
    • FCSA
    • AZICE
  • Completion of ACU’s SEVP participation application to qualify for the certification of eligibility for nonimmigrant student status (INS Form I-20). ACU reserves the right to request the student’s enrollment deposit before issuing the I-20.

• Education Post-Baccalaureate

• • Official transcripts showing evidence of a bachelor’s degree from an institutionally accredited institution. Degrees from institutions which are not institutionally accredited will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
  • Copy of an IVP fingerprint card or receipt showing the application for an IVP fingerprint card.
  • Interview with a full-time faculty member from the Education department.
  • 3 letters of recommendation.
  • One of the following content area exams taken (required for Alternative Certificate) or proof that it is scheduled to be taken:
    • Elementary Education 
      • Mastery in content will be demonstrated by a passing score on the Arizona Educator Exams in Subject Knowledge: Elementary Education. 
      • Mastery in professional knowledge will be demonstrated by a passing score on the Arizona Educator Exam – Professional Knowledge: Elementary.
    • Secondary Education 
      • Mastery in content will be demonstrated by a passing score on the Arizona Educator Exams in the content area. 
      • Mastery in professional knowledge will be demonstrated by a passing score on the Arizona Educator Exam – Professional Knowledge: Secondary.

When all forms have been received and evaluated according to the acceptance standards defined in the current ACU catalog, the applicant will be notified of the admissions committee’s decision. 

ACU has a rolling application system, and applications are accepted throughout the year. However, in order to maximize financial aid opportunities, students are encouraged to apply early. 

Non-Degree Seeking

Non-degree seeking students are not considered as “accepted” to the university. Non-degree seeking students who at a later date seek to earn a degree at ACU must apply for admission as a degree-seeking student and meet the admission requirements in effect at that time.

• Concurrent High School
  • Must be 15 years of age or older to begin classes.
  • Mus submit a concurrent enrollment application.
  • Must agree with the ACU Statement of Faith.
  • Must submit a current high school transcript showing an unweighted GPA of 2.5 or higher.
  • Must adhere to the student code of conduct and the ACU Student Handbook.
  • Must complete a FERPA form.

• Dual Enrollment High School
  • Dual enrollment students are registered for specific classes through a participating high school that has a memorandum of understanding with ACU.

• Adult Learners
  • Must attest to the completion of high school or the GED.
  • Must agree with the ACU Statement of Faith.
  • Must adhere to the student code of conduct and the ACU Student Handbook.