Admissions FAQ • Georgian Court University
Questions? We've got answers.
Whether you're just getting started or already planning move-in day, here's everything prospective students and families ask us most.
No application fee for undergraduate applicants
Getting Started
The basics.
Is Georgian Court test-optional?
Yes. GCU is a test-optional institution, though we recommend submitting SAT or ACT scores if you have them — they can only help your application, never hurt it. Applying to Nursing? A few specific high school course grades matter too (see the First-Year section below).
What does GCU look for in an application?
We take a holistic approach — we're looking at the whole person, not just your numbers. That means your high school transcript, test scores (if you send them), your application essay, and any letters of recommendation all factor in.
Is there an application fee?
No fee is required for undergraduate applications.
When can I apply?
Anytime — we accept undergraduate applications on a rolling basis, so there's no single hard deadline. The Common Application opens August 1 for first-year applicants. Hitting our priority dates helps you get your decision, and your financial aid package, earlier.
Is Georgian Court accredited?
Yes — by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. Several programs carry additional specialized accreditation: Nursing (Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and the NJ Board of Nursing), Business (Accreditation Council for Business Schools & Programs), Social Work (Council on Social Work Education), and our teacher education and educational leadership programs (Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation).
Do I need to apply separately for scholarships?
No — undergraduate students are automatically considered for merit scholarships upon acceptance to the university, based on your admission application. Named scholarships include the Presidential, Provost, and Dean's Scholarships (academic achievement), the Catholic High School Award, and the Alumni Referral Scholarship.
First-Year Students
Never attended college?
What are the priority deadlines for first-year applicants?
November 1, December 1, and January 1. Applying by these dates doesn't lock you out if you miss them — we review applications on a rolling basis all year — but hitting a priority date means an earlier decision and earlier access to your aid package.
What GPA or coursework do I need?
We recommend a high school GPA of 3.2 (4.0 scale) in a college-prep curriculum, with a minimum of 16 academic units across English, foreign language, math, lab science, history, and elective/social science courses. Interested in Nursing specifically? You'll want a B or higher in biology with lab, chemistry with lab, Algebra I, and Algebra II.
Once I'm accepted, what's next?
Confirm your spot with a $250 nonrefundable enrollment deposit. The priority deposit deadline is May 1 for fall and January 1 for spring — get this in early, especially if you want on-campus housing.
Can I get college credit for AP courses I took in high school?
Yes. A score of 3 or higher on most College Board AP exams can earn you college credit, up to a maximum of 30 credits total, awarded exam by exam. (A small number of exams may have different thresholds, so this isn't automatic for every subject.)
Transfer Students
Attended college before?
What counts as a transfer student vs. a first-year student?
If you've earned 24 or more transferable college credits after finishing high school and before enrolling at GCU, you're a transfer student. Fewer than 24 credits, and you'll follow the first-year admission path instead.
When should I apply as a transfer student?
We encourage applying by August 1 for fall enrollment and January 1 for spring. Applications are still reviewed after those dates — just apply as early as you can.
How many credits can I transfer in?
Up to 90 credits total, with no more than 75 from a two-year institution. You'll complete at least 30 credit hours at GCU itself, and need a minimum of 120 credits overall to graduate. Only courses where you earned a C or higher transfer in — they count toward your program, but not your GCU GPA.
Do I need a minimum GPA to transfer in?
Yes — a cumulative 2.0 (4.0 scale) from your previous college(s).
What if I have military training or coursework?
Send us your official Joint Services (military) transcript showing your ACE credit recommendations, and we'll evaluate it the same way we evaluate any other transfer coursework.
Graduate Students
Already have a bachelor's degree?
Is there an application deadline for graduate programs?
Most graduate programs accept applications year-round — apply whenever it works for you. A few programs run on fixed cycles instead: the M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (April 30, fall-only), the Psy.D. in School Psychology (materials due Feb 1, decision by the April 15 APA/NASP commitment deadline, fall-only), and the M.A. in Applied Behavior Analysis (also fall-only). Always check your specific program page to confirm.
What happens after I'm accepted?
Confirm your seat with a $250 nonrefundable deposit. The priority deposit deadline is August 1 for fall and January 1 for spring.
Adult Learners
Been out of school for a while?
I've been out of school for a while — can I still apply?
Absolutely. Our admissions review looks at your full academic and professional background, and your Admissions counselor can walk you through exactly what documentation you'll need based on your situation.
Can I take courses without committing to a full degree right away?
Yes — this is called non-matriculating enrollment. If you don't yet have a bachelor's degree, you can take up to 11 self-enrichment courses this way before you're required to formally declare a program. Those credits are held for you and applied toward your degree if and when you do matriculate.
International Students
Studying on a student visa?
What English proficiency scores do I need?
One of the following, from a test taken within the last three years: TOEFL 550+ (paper) or 79+ (internet-based); IELTS Academic 6.0+; Duolingo English Test 100+. This may be waived if English is your native language, or if you've completed at least one year of English-medium instruction with a 2.5+ GPA within the past three years.
When do I need to submit documents for my I-20?
June 1 for fall enrollment, November 1 for spring.
Is there a separate application deadline for international students?
Yes — May 1 for fall semester, October 1 for spring semester.
What financial documentation will I need?
Proof of funds to cover your program — from personal resources, family support, or another sponsor like an employer or government program. Your Admissions counselor will walk you through exactly which forms apply to your situation.
Can international students receive scholarships?
Yes — international students are eligible for GCU's merit scholarships, though not for U.S. federal financial aid.
Military & Veterans
Serving, or a veteran?
Does GCU participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program?
Yes. As a Yellow Ribbon institution, GCU matches 50% of the VA's Yellow Ribbon contribution — effectively reducing eligible tuition and fees to zero for qualifying students. You'll need a VA-issued Certificate of Eligibility showing 100% eligibility under the Chapter 33 Post-9/11 GI Bill®, and you'll need to remain in good academic standing.
What isn't covered by the GI Bill® or Yellow Ribbon?
Housing, meal plans, and other fees aren't covered directly — though the VA's monthly housing allowance can help offset those costs.
Who do I talk to about my benefits?
Contact GCU's Office of Military & Veteran Services and Outreach, or the VA Benefits Office, for help with your Certificate of Eligibility and next steps. See our Military & Veterans page for full details.
Parents & Families
Questions about cost and support.
Does GCU offer aid?
100% of full-time freshmen receive some form of financial aid — including scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study — and the average undergraduate tuition discount is 46%.
What if my family needs a payment plan?
GCU offers a 5-month installment plan through Transact for a $55 enrollment fee per semester (no interest charged). You'll need to re-enroll in the plan each semester. The Office of Student Accounts can walk you through the details.
Returning to GCU
Attended before but didn't finish?
I attended GCU before but didn't finish — can I come back?
Yes, and the path back depends on your situation:
Reactivation (simpler path): if you haven't taken courses elsewhere, plan to return to the same major, and have been away two consecutive terms or less, just contact the Office of the Registrar at 732-987-2228.
Readmission (new application): if you've taken courses elsewhere, want to change your major, or have been away more than two consecutive terms, contact the Office of Admissions at 732-987-2700 to complete a new application, along with official transcripts from anywhere you studied during your time away.
Will my old credits and progress still count?
If you return within five years to the same program, your original progress chart carries over. If you switch majors or come back after five years, your general education requirements are reassessed under our current program — in some cases, a lot of what you already completed will still be waived.
Campus Life
What's it actually like here?
How big are GCU's classes?
The average undergraduate class size is 13, with a 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio — small enough that your professors actually know your name.
Is housing guaranteed?
Resident students are assigned rooms by class year across GCU's four residence halls once their deposit is in — the earlier you confirm your spot, the more predictable your housing timeline.
Can I visit before I apply?
Yes — campus tours, Open House events, and one-on-one counselor visits are all available. Check our Visit page for the current schedule.
Have Questions?
Contact us.
Georgian Court University • 900 Lakewood Avenue, Lakewood, NJ 08701
Undergraduate Admissions
Phone: 732-987-2700
[email protected]
Graduate & Continuing Education
Phone: 732-987-2770
[email protected]
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