Admissions

The university seeks to admit undergraduate students whose academic preparation is strong, who desire to succeed, and who are highly motivated academically, professionally, and personally.

Admissions Procedures

Applications may be accessed online at http://www.uncfsu.edu/admissions/. All prospective student applications, regardless of classification, must be accompanied by a nonrefundable $50.00 application fee.* The application for admission deadline dates are as follows:

First year and Transfer Students

• June 30 for Fall Semester
• December 1 for Spring Semester
• May 1 for Summer Session I
• June 1 for Summer Session II

Readmitted and Special Visiting Students

• August 5 for Fall Semester
• December 5 for Spring Semester
• May 15 for Summer Session I
• June 15 for Summer Session II

All applications for admission received after the deadline dates will be considered on a space available basis only. Admission to the university does not guarantee admission to a professional teaching curriculum or any program that has specific requirements. Students are responsible for ensuring that all requested credentials are forwarded to the Office of Admissions prior to registration for the semester for which they wish to enroll.

Falsification of the application or of any academic records will make the applicant ineligible for admission or subject to dismissal if admission has already been granted.

The university accepts applications according to the guidelines outlined below.

*With the appropriate documentation, the Office of Admissions will waive the $50.00 non-refundable application fee for active military applicants. Also, FSU will waive the application fee for readmission students who have been away from the University for up to two semesters.

Early Admission Program

The Early Admission Program provides the opportunity for promising high school students to take college-level courses while enrolled in high school. To be eligible, students must have completed their junior year and have a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher. The applicant must submit an application for admission and recommendations from counselors or the principal.

Minimum Course Requirements

All applicants must meet the following minimum course requirements to be eligible for admission:

• In English, four (4) course units emphasizing grammar, composition, and literature.
• In mathematics, four (4) course units in any of the following combinations:
  • Algebra I and II, geometry, and one unit beyond Algebra II, or
  • Integrated Math I, II, and III, and one unit beyond Integrated Math III. It is recommended that prospective students take a mathematics course unit in the twelfth grade.
• In science, three (3) course units including at least one unit in a life or biological science (for example, biology), at least one unit in a physical science (for example, physical science, chemistry, physics), and at least one laboratory course;
• In social studies, two (2) course units including one unit in U.S. history, but an applicant who does not have the unit in U.S. history may be admitted on the condition that at least three semester hours in that subject will be passed by the end of the sophomore year;
• In foreign language, two (2) units of language other than English.

Applicants who graduated prior to 2006 may be exempt from the 4th unit mathematics requirement.
Applicants who graduated prior to 2004 may be exempt from the 2-year foreign language requirement.
Applicants who are at least 21 years of age may be exempted from the UNC Minimum Course Requirements.

Course units as defined in these requirements may include those high school-level courses taken and passed by an applicant after graduating from high school, as well as those taken while enrolled as a high school student.

First-Year Students

A first-year student is defined as any applicant who has not taken any college-level coursework after completing high school. Fayetteville State University seeks to admit students whose academic preparation is strong, who desire to succeed, and who are highly motivated academically, professionally, and personally.

In reaching admissions decisions the following information is considered: overall academic performance and grades, curriculum, rank in class (if available), standardized test scores and, if provided, a writing sample. While letters of recommendation are not required, they provide additional information regarding the applicant’s accomplishments. The university’s Admissions Office implements the established academic policies and requirements that define the necessary qualifications and credentials for admission.

In addition to meeting the minimum course requirements listed above, applicants must provide or meet the following requirements:

1. Graduate from an accredited high school or its equivalent. (A high school equivalency certificate or G.E.D may be submitted in lieu of a high school diploma).
2. Submit an official copy of the high school transcript showing grades earned through the junior year, courses in progress in the senior year, rank in class (if available) and a cumulative grade point average.
3. Must meet the minimum grade point average requirement as established by the university.*
4. Some programs may require an essay. 
5. A passing score on all sections of the North Carolina Competency Examination.
6. If you are claiming North Carolina residency, you must complete the Residency Determination Services process. This includes active military members stationed in North Carolina or their spouses and dependents.

Decisions will also be rendered based on the average profile. Students may be admitted to the university with a higher or lower profile.

*2020 Average GPA 3.20 (weighted). 

Transfer Students

A transfer student is defined as any applicant who enrolled in an accepted accredited college or university after graduating from high school.* All qualified transfer applicants for undergraduate admission should meet the following standards:

1. Transfer applicants must be eligible to return to the last institution in which they are enrolled.
2. Transfer applicants must at least have a cumulative 2.0 GPA or higher.
3. Transfer applicants who have earned less than twenty-four (24) transferable credits must meet all first-time student requirements. However, transfer students may be exempt from first time student requirements (high school transcripts, standardized test scores and high school courses) who fall into one of the following categories:
   • Applicants who were awarded the high school diploma prior to 1988 and/or are at least twenty-one (21) years of age.
   • Applicants who have earned an associate of arts or associate of science.
   • Applicants who have completed at least twenty-four (24) transferable credits.
4. Submit an official transcript from each accepted accredited college or university attended.* (Electronic submission recommended and preferred).
5. Submit military records (if applicable).

Acceptance of Transfer Credits

Transfer student transcripts will be evaluated based on the following guidelines:

1. All transfer credits for courses that can be applied to any FSU degree program and in which a student earned a grade equivalent to 2.0 or higher will be accepted. Students may appeal exclusions of transfer credits within one year of enrollment. Appeals should be directed to the appropriate academic department.
2. Full credit will be awarded only for courses in which a grade equivalent to 2.0 or higher was earned and are non-remedial or non-developmental.
3. Transfer credits will be used to fulfill program requirements or as electives at the discretion of the appropriate department chair and dean.
4. Credentials for transfer students will be officially evaluated only after an applicant has been accepted and all official transcript(s) have been received.
5. Grades transferred from other accepted accredited institution(s) are not considered in computing the grade point average at Fayetteville State University except for courses completed as part of the University of North Carolina Language Exchange.*
6. No more than 64 hours of credit will be awarded for credits earned at a two-year institution unless otherwise authorized by a specific dual enrollment or articulation agreement.

The North Carolina Comprehensive Articulation Agreement (CAA) between the University of North Carolina System and North Carolina Community College System takes precedence over bilateral articulation agreements previously established between Fayetteville State University and North Carolina Community Colleges. The university will accept transfer credits in accordance with the CAA relative to the General Education transfer core; for graduates with the Associate in Arts and Associate in Science degree. Transfer credit for the Fine Arts and Applied Science degree courses, general education core courses for non-graduates, and transfer courses not originated at North Carolina Community Colleges will be awarded on a course-by-course basis according to Section V of the CAA.

Transfer from Non-Accredited Institutions or Agencies

Transfer credits for courses taken from non-accredited institutions or agencies will be accepted on a course-by-course basis at the discretion of the appropriate department chair in consultation with faculty.

Credits from Military Schools and Experiences

Academic departments determine transfer equivalences for military-based credit. Credits for courses from military service schools and for military service experience are based on recommendations published in the Guide to the Evaluation of Education Experiences in the Armed Services by the American Council on Education. Students seeking credit for military service experience must provide official documentation (a JST/ CCAF transcript) relative to the experience, service school, or military occupational specialties. The Department of Criminal Justice does not accept military credit for CRJC courses but may accept them for free electives.

Credit for Basic Health and Physical Education

Veterans and active duty service members may receive a total of three (3) credit hours for basic health and physical education requirements at the first-year level when a copy of their JST or CCAF has been provided to the Office of Admissions.

Readmitted Students

All students who have not been enrolled for one or more consecutive semesters, must do the following:

• Submit a complete application with a $50.00 non-refundable fee. (The application fee is waived for students who have not attended the university for one or two semesters).
• Furnish official transcripts from all institutions attended since their last enrollment, if applicable. (Electronic submission recommended and preferred). 

• Student accounts, financial aid, student affairs, or academic holds must be cleared. The registration process may be impacted for students who have not been cleared. 

In addition to the above requirements, applicants for readmission with a cumulative grade point average (GPA) below 2.0 in their last semester, have 180 or more attempted hours, or have a completion rate of less than 67% for all attempted classes, must do the following:

• Meet with an advisor to complete the academic appeal form and an Academic Success Plan.
• Apply for readmission if the appeal is approved. Appeal approval does NOT guarantee re-admittance to the University.  Students must also meet the Office of Admission requirements.

• Visit the Academic Appeals web site for additional information.

Students suspended more than twice will be permitted to re-enroll only under the provisions of the Academic Fresh Start Policy.

Financial aid can be impacted if the student has 180 or more attempted hours, or has a completion rate of less than 67% for all attempted classes.

Students readmitted to the university will be subject to the degree requirements in effect at the time of readmission (see “Catalog Policy”, in “Academic Rules”).

Second Degree Seeking Students

Students who have earned a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution may apply for a second degree by doing the following:

1. Submit an application along with a non-refundable $50.00 application fee to the Office of Admissions.
2. Submit official transcript(s) from all previously attended colleges/ universities.
3. Select a major field that differs from that of the first degree awarded.

Special Visiting Students

Special Visiting Students are defined as those who are taking courses for reasons other than earning a degree. Special Visiting Students are not eligible to receive financial aid. Also, those applying for Special Visiting Student status are required to submit an application with a non-refundable $50.00 fee and to furnish one of the following credentials:

1. Official high school transcript or equivalency certificate.
2. Official transcript of any other accepted accredited university, college, technical institution, junior or community college attended.*

Applicants accepted as special visiting students must apply for full admission to the university when they earn 30 credits at FSU. However, credit earned as a visiting student cannot be used to establish eligibility for admission to FSU.

International Students

International applicants are students who do not hold United States citizenship or resident alien status. The Office of Admissions requires the following information from an international applicant to be considered for undergraduate admission.

1. A completed application form with a non-refundable $50.00 application fee in U.S. dollars.
2. Certified copy of official school transcripts—secondary and/or post-secondary. All freshman applicants are required to submit an official transcript from their secondary school evaluated course by course with a final grade point average by SpanTran. All foreign academic transcripts for Transfer students must be evaluated course by course with a final grade point average by WES, SpanTran, or a NACES approved evaluation service and translated into English.
3. Students who are not citizens of countries where English is the official language must submit Official TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language), International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or Duolingo score reports or SAT/ACT. The test score report should be no more than two years old.
4. Certification of Finances Form completed and signed by bank official, no more than six months old, addressed to Fayetteville State University verifying the availability of funds to cover tuition, fees, and other direct costs associated with enrolling at the university for at least one year.

SpanTran has created a custom application to help FSU international students get their transcripts evaluated at a discounted rate. Access the SpanTran application.

Residence Status for Tuition Purposes

Residency Policy - In compliance with state law, the University of North Carolina system now requires students to request a residency classification from the new Residency Determination Service (RDS). RDS is the entity responsible for all new classifications of residency in North Carolina. If you claim to be a resident, you must complete the residency process with the Residency Determination Service (RDS) at www.ncresidency.org. You will receive a Residency Certification Number (RCN) which should either be entered onto your admissions application or provided directly to the Admissions Office when available.

The cut-off date for applying any RDS determination is 45 days from the campus start of term. New determinations, or any changes to determinations, beyond the 45 day cut-off date would be effective the next enrolling term. This 45-day window will be prorated for sessions shorter than 16 weeks. For sessions shorter than 16 weeks, the cut-off date for applying any RDS determination is five calendar days from the last day of late registration for the term. Persons not meeting the 12-month legal residence requirement may be classified as North Carolina residents for tuition purposes only if they fall within one of the limited “exception” categories authorized by the North Carolina Legislature. All others are ineligible for classification as a North Carolina “resident for tuition purposes” and will be charged out-of-state tuition and not be given consideration for state financial aid. To learn more about residency and complete a determination go to www.NCresidency.org.

Persons not meeting the 12-month legal residence requirement may be classified as North Carolina residents for tuition purposes only if they fall within one of the limited “exception” categories authorized by the North Carolina Legislature. All others are ineligible for classification as a North Carolina “resident for tuition purposes” and will be charged out-of-state tuition and not be given consideration for state financial aid. To learn more about residency and complete a determination go to www.ncresidency.org.

GI Bill Recipients under Choice Act-Section 702 & NC SB 257 - Veterans and dependents may qualify for in-state residents after an initial classification of out-of-state by providing additional information through the Section 702 Veterans “Choice Act” & NC SB 257.

Under the Choice Act, a “covered individual” meets these qualifications:

•             A Veteran, dependent of a veteran, or a spouse/child using benefits under the Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship;

•             “Lives” in the state in which the institution of higher learning is located, regardless of his/her formal state of residence;

•             Enrolls in the institution within three years of the veteran’s discharge from active-duty service, or in the case of the Fry Scholarship, within three years of the service member’s death in the line of duty; OR

•             The dependent or spouse of an active-duty service member enrolled in the institution while using transferred Ch33 Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits, or, benefits under the Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship.

Accepted Accrediting Associations

*Accepted accrediting associations include the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC) Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Higher Learning Commission (HLC), Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU), Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), and Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) or equivalent.