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

• August 1 for Fall Semester
• December 12 for Spring Semester
• April 30 for Summer Session I
• May 15 for Summer Session II

Readmitted and Special Visiting Students

• August 1 for Fall Semester
• December 12 for Spring Semester
• April 30 for Summer Session I
• May 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-duty military, veterans, reservists and national guardsmen 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 for High School Graduates and GED Completers

The UNC System is committed to serving students at every stage in their higher education journey. Older students seeking admission to UNC System institutions for the first time, transfer students, veterans, and active members of the military have all encountered immersive learning experiences that enhance their academic histories. Consequently, the UNC System has specific expectations regarding GPAs and test scores based on each applicant’s age and previous military or higher education experience.

The chart below outlines the minimum requirements for GPA and national test scores based on applicant age and experience. 

** Criteria must be met by the time of enrollment at the UNC institution
*** Being exempt from these requirements does not guarantee admission. While applicants are not required to meet these GPA, test score and course requirements, institutions will only admit applicants who meet all campus-specific admission requirements.

Minimum Course Requirements for Incoming, First Year Students

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

Language

Four course units in language, including:

• four units in English, emphasizing grammar, composition, and literature

Mathematics

Four course units of mathematics, in any of the following combinations:

• algebra I and II, geometry, and one unit beyond algebra II,
• algebra I and II, and two units beyond algebra II, or
• integrated math I, II, and III, and one unit beyond integrated math III.

The System strongly encourages future students to take at least one mathematics course unit in the 12th grade.

Sciences

Three course units in science, including:

• at least one unit in a life or biological science (for example, biology),
• at least one unit in physical sciences (for example, physical science, chemistry, physics), and
• at least one laboratory course.

Social Studies

Two course units in social studies, including one unit in U.S. history. Students who do not have the unit in U.S. history may be admitted on the condition that that they pass at least three semester hours in that subject by the end of the sophomore year.

Additional Courses

For students applying for first-time (freshman) admission to constituent institutions after the 2024 spring semester:

• Two additional academic courses from English, mathematics, science, social studies, world languages, or computer science.

(Note: these courses should be selected in alignment with a student’s academic and career objectives. Completion of two sequential world language courses is recommended.)

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 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.

• Undergraduate Applicants:

1. Complete the Online Application: Apply through the Broncoville portal or CFNC.
2. Submit Official Transcripts: Must be evaluated by a NACES member credential evaluation service. A course-by-course evaluation and GPA calculation are required.
3. Provide English Proficiency Scores: (If applicable) Submit TOEFL (minimum score: 61 –internet based; 500 paper based), IELTS (minimum score: 6), or Duolingo (minimum score: 94).
4. Submit SAT/ACT Scores: If your calculated GPA is between 2.5 and 2.8, this test is required.
5. Financial Statement: Submit the required financial documents to demonstrate proof of funding for at least one academic year.
6. Visa: A clear copy of your visa.

• Graduate Applicants:
  1. Complete the Graduate Application, apply through the Broncoville or MBA Broncoville portals.
  2. Submit Official Transcripts (Credential evaluation required for non-U.S. institutions) Must be evaluated by a NACES member credential evaluation service. A course-by-course evaluation and GPA calculation are required.
  3. English Proficiency Test Scores (If applicable) Submit TOEFL or IELTS scores that are valid within the last two years.
  4. Program-Specific Requirements (e.g., Statement of Purpose, Letters of Recommendation)
  5. 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.

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.