Admission of Undergraduate Students < Kent State University

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Effective Date: Fall 2025
Last Reviewed: Spring 2025
Last Revised: Fall 2012
Next Review: Fall 2035

Policy Statement

Kent State University affirmatively strives to provide educational opportunities and access to students with varied backgrounds, those with special talents and adult students.

All credentials submitted for admission become the property of the university and are not returnable or transferable. Kent State reserves the right to change, without notice, any admissions procedures described in the University Catalog.

Admission Types

First-Year Applicants

First-year applicants are the following:

Applicants are currently attending their final year of high school or homeschool.
Applications have earned their high school diploma or GED (or diploma equivalency) and have not attended any other educational institution.
Applicants have taken college-level courses while in high school or homeschool (e.g., College Credit Plus) but have not attended any other educational institution after graduating from high school or earning their GED (or diploma equivalency).

Transcript Requirements for High School Applicants

First-year applicants must submit an official high school transcript with their application. In-progress transcripts are accepted for admission consideration during the applicant's final year of high school. All years of high school should be included in the transcript with explanations of delays or unexpected class advancements. If an applicant has attended multiple high schools, transcripts may be required from each school attended. See the policy on official transcript submission.

Applicants who are taking college-level courses while in high school (e.g., College Credit Plus) are not required to submit official college transcripts for admission consideration. Admitted students who completed college-level courses through an institution other than Kent State must send their official transcripts to the Office of Admissions after their high school graduation and prior to the start of their admission term.

Admitted students must submit an official, final high school transcript with the diploma conferral date prior to the start of their admission term before they can start courses, and any financial aid can be disbursed at Kent State University.

Transcript Requirements for Homeschool or GED Applicants

Home-schooled applicants must submit the following with their application:

A General Educational Development (GED) diploma or a transcript or portfolio that documents all completed secondary coursework.
Ohio residents: written acknowledgment from their local school district verifying their homeschool status.
Non-Ohio residents: documentation that meets the home-school verification requirements of their respective state.

Applicants with a diploma equivalency (e.g., GED) must submit the official results of their examination with their application.

Admitted students must submit an official, final transcript with diploma conferral by the parent or homeschool administrator, a GED score report or a diploma equivalency prior to the start of their admission term before they can start courses, and any financial aid can be disbursed at Kent State University.

Admission as a First-Year Student

First-year applicants to the Kent Campus should demonstrate college readiness. See the policy on University Readiness Standards and Placement Assessment for more information.

Admission to the regional campuses is open to all applicants who are in the process of graduating from high school or who have obtained a high school diploma or diploma equivalency. See the section below for more information on being referred to a regional campus at admission.

Transfer Applicants

Transfer applicants have attended an educational institution after graduating from high school or earning a diploma equivalency (e.g., GED).

Transcript Requirements for Transfer Applicants

Transfer applicants must list on the application each educational institution they attended following high school graduation, regardless of credit hours earned, and submit official transcripts from each institution. See the policy on official transcript submission.

Applicants who completed college-level courses while in high school (e.g., College Credit Plus) at an educational institution other than Kent State must submit official transcripts during the admission process. Applicants who have not finished their first term of college-level coursework may be provisionally admitted based on their academic achievement during high school. Provisionally admitted applicants cannot receive financial aid until an official transcript is provided directly to the Office of Admissions from the educational institution.

Applicants who have earned fewer than 12 college credit hours also must submit an official, final high school transcript (or diploma equivalency) with the diploma conferral date before being considered for admission.

Admission as a Transfer Student

Generally, transfer applicants may be admitted to the Kent Campus if they have earned a minimum of 12 credit hours of non-remedial/developmental coursework with a minimum 2.000 overall GPA as computed by Kent State University (on a scale of 4.000). Applicants who have taken fewer than 12 credit hours will be evaluated on both their college and high school records.

Applicants who have been academically dismissed from another educational institution will be considered for admission to Kent State if any one of the following is true:

Applicants are eligible to return to their previous institution.
Applicants have been out of college for at least 12 consecutive months since their academic dismissal.
Applicants have earned a minimum 12 credit hours of credit at another institution with a minimum 2.000 overall GPA (on a scale of 4.000).

Admission to the regional campuses is open to all applicants who are in the process of graduating from high school or who have obtained a high school diploma or diploma equivalency, including those who have been academically dismissed from other institutions. See the policy on referred to a regional campus.

Acceptance of Transfer Credit

More information about the transfer of college courses and credit hours can be found in the Transfer of Undergraduate Credit policy.

Post-Undergraduate Applicants

Post-undergraduate applicants have earned a bachelor’s degree and wish to take additional undergraduate coursework, either to earn a second degree or an undergraduate certificate, to prepare for graduate study or to pursue personal or professional development.

Admission Process

Applicants with a Kent State bachelor’s degree who have not enrolled in undergraduate coursework at another institution after graduation should complete the re-enrollment process, as outlined on the Financial, Billing and Enrollment Center website.

Applicants who earned their bachelor's degree at another institution or earned a Kent State bachelor's degree and completed undergraduate coursework at another institution since earning that bachelor’s degree must apply for admission as post-undergraduate applicants.

Transcript Requirements for Post-Undergraduate Applicants

Post-undergraduate applicants must list on the application each educational institution they attended following high school graduation, regardless of credit hours earned, and submit official transcripts from each institution. Applicants in the process of finishing their bachelor’s degree should provide a letter confirming their eligibility to receive a bachelor’s degree in time to begin their post-undergraduate program at Kent State. See the policy on official transcript submission.

Guest Applicants

Guest applicants enroll in a limited number of Kent State courses without being formally admitted to a degree or certificate program. Guest students typically are seeking personal or professional enrichment or are planning to transfer coursework back to another educational institution. Financial aid is not available to guest students through Kent State.

Guest students cannot earn a degree or certificate and may take a maximum of 18 credit hours of coursework. To continue beyond these credit limits or to pursue a degree or certificate, guest students must apply for regular admission.

Admission Requirements for Guest Applicants

Applicants are not required to provide transcripts for admission.
Applicants must have a high school diploma, GED or diploma equivalency.
Applicants must meet all course prerequisites or obtain instructor permission to register for courses.
Applicants were not denied admission to Kent State due to student conduct or criminal history.
Applicants were not academically dismissed from Kent State University.

Non-Degree Applicants

Non-degree undergraduate applicants enroll in a limited number of Kent State courses to earn a certificate or other non-degree credential; to meet prerequisites before applying to a degree program; or for job achievement, personal enrichment, intellectual curiosity or other personal reasons. Students cannot earn a degree as a non-degree student.

Non-degree students may enroll in courses for one academic year or until a maximum of 45 credit hours are earned. Non-degree students planning to pursue a degree, either before or upon earning 45 credit hours, can apply for admission to any of Kent State’s campuses or locations.

Non-degree students must meet all course prerequisites or obtain instructor permission to register for courses. All fees, deadlines and performance standards that apply for degree students also apply to non-degree students.

Transcript Requirements for Non-Degree Applicants

Non-degree applicants must list on the application each educational institution they attended, regardless of credit hours earned, and submit official transcripts from each institution.See the policy on official transcript submission.

International Applicants

International applicants are not citizens of the United States or are not currently maintaining immigration status in the United States as a legal permanent resident, refugee or asylee. Applications from international students are received and processed by the Office of International Admissions. See the policy on international transcript submission.

English Proficiency Requirement

All international applicants must provide proof of proficiency in the English language (unless they meet specific exceptions to waive the requirement) through the submission of an English language proficiency test score or by completing English language classes at Kent State’s English at a Second Language Center before entering their program. Information on submission and score requirements can be found on the International Admissions website.

Student Visa

International applicants should apply for admission at least six months before classes begin to allow time to complete the application and immigration process. Applicants who require an F-1 or J-1 student visa must meet visa eligibility requirements and be able to verify that they have the financial resources to cover their expenses while studying at Kent State University. The form I-20 (required for F-1 immigration status) or the form DS-2019 (required for J-1 immigration status) is issued only after all the following are complete:

Applicants submitted a fully complete admission application to Kent State.
Applicants are admitted to a degree program at Kent State University.
All the applicants' documents are properly verified.
Kent State has received and verified the applicants’ proof of funding.

Former Kent State Students

Former Kent State undergraduate students who wish to return as undergraduate students will complete one of the following admission processes depending on their academic and enrollment history:

Applicants left Kent State in good standing or on academic probation and did not attend another institution since then: Complete the re-enrollment process, as outlined on the Financial, Billing and Enrollment Center website.
Applicants attended another institution since leaving Kent State: Apply for admission as a transfer or post-undergraduate student.
Applicants were academically dismissed from Kent State: Follow the procedures outlined in the Dismissal, Appeal and Reinstatement policy to be reinstated at Kent State.

Military Veteran Applicants

Ohio veterans who left high school before graduation to serve in the military may be considered for admission to Kent State University if they are 21 years old or older and have passed the GED exam (or diploma equivalency).

Some military training courses may also qualify for college credit. To be considered, veterans should submit certificates of completion to the Office of Admissions. For more details, see the Military Training policy on how college credit may be awarded for military experience.

Veterans are encouraged to contact the Center for Adult and Veteran Services for help with pre-admission counseling and support throughout the admissions process.

Delayed-Entry and Diploma Equivalency Applicants

Delayed-entry and diploma equivalency applicants who are first-year college students are classified as one of the following:

Applicants are 21 years or older at the time of their first enrollment at Kent State.
Applicants earned their high school diploma three or more years ago by the start of their first enrollment at Kent State.
Applicants earned their GED or other diploma completion credential before the start of their first enrollment at Kent State.

Applicants meeting these criteria are considered for admission regardless of their high school GPA and may contact the Center for Adult and Veteran Services for pre-admission counseling, advocacy and assistance with policies and procedures.

Application Process

Application Submission

All applicants can apply for admission to any of Kent State’s campuses or locations through the Kent State institutional application. First-year and transfer applicants may use either the Kent State application or the Common Application to apply specifically to the Kent Campus. Only one application is accepted per term. Updates to application programs and campuses can be requested by contacting the Office of Admissions.

Application Deadlines

Applications for undergraduate admission are reviewed on a rolling basis. Early application helps ensure early consideration for scheduling new student orientation, course registration, residence hall preference and financial aid. Therefore, the best time to apply is at least six months prior to the anticipated term of enrollment, although some programs may have different deadlines.

Some academic programs may have additional application requirements. Individual requirements for these programs are listed under their Admissions tab in the University Catalog. Students interested in these special admission programs should apply one year prior to the date of anticipated enrollment.

Prospective transfer students are encouraged to apply before or by the end of their second year of college. Students applying just to Kent State at or after the end of their second year should consult with the appropriate college concerning the suitability of their preparation for their intended major.

Application Fee

A non-refundable application fee or fee waiver is required for all degree-seeking applicants before an application to the Kent Campus will be reviewed. Applying directly to a regional campus is free.

Official Transcript Submission

All applicants are required to submit official, final transcripts for any high school or college coursework, containing the school seal and the signature of a registrar or school official (unless sent by the school through an official, electronic third-party service). Transcripts must be sent directly from the issuing institution to the Kent State University Office of Admissions. Kent State will not accept transcripts provided by the applicant or individuals not affiliated with the educational institution, with the exception of international transcripts (see below).

Final transcripts should be received by Kent State no later than the second week of the student’s first term of enrollment. Students who do not submit all required final transcripts by this deadline will not be allowed to register for future semesters until the documents are received.

Failure to comply with transcript requirements for admissions represents falsification by the applicant and may be subject to the cancellation of their admission decision or dismissal from the university.

International Transcripts

Applicants who have attended high school, university or any other educational institution outside of the United States may provide their personal copies of official transcripts for admission consideration if the institution is unable to provide them directly to Kent State University. Academic credentials may include, but are not limited to, transcripts, detailed mark sheets, diplomas, statements of marks and certificates of graduation.

After being admitted to Kent State University, students with international transcripts must present their original, institution-issued academic credentials to the Office of Global Education for verification. Any significant discrepancies between student-provided transcripts and the final, official transcripts submitted to Kent State University will be grounds for application cancellation or dismissal from the university.

Test Scores

Kent State University offers a test-optional admission pathway where applicants are not required to submit a standardized test score (e.g., ACT, SAT) to be considered for admission. The absence of test scores will not hinder an applicant’s potential to be admitted.

Applicants are welcome to submit test scores if they choose. If submitted, the scores will be considered as one of many factors in a holistic review of the application and supporting materials. Test scores should be reported to Kent State University directly from the testing agency using the appropriate code below.

Ashtabula Campus (3773)
East Liverpool Campus (3225)
Geauga Campus (3224)
Kent Campus (3284 ACT/1367 SAT)
Salem Campus (3354)
Stark Campus (3226)
Trumbull Campus (3343)
Tuscarawas Campus (3361)

Application Review

An application will not be reviewed for admission until it is complete. Kent State reviews applications holistically. Rather than disproportionately focusing on one factor, the Office of Admissions carefully reviews each applicant based on multiple factors, including overall grade point average (GPA), strength and rigor of curriculum, grade trends, optional writing samples, optional letters of recommendations and special talents or passions.

Admission Decision

An offer of admission to Kent State University is contingent upon the successful completion of in-progress high school or college coursework and a review of the application and supporting information demonstrating continued admissibility to the university.

The admission decision provided to students by the Office of Admissions can be revoked or changed at any time at the discretion of personnel. Applicants who are found or suspected to have misrepresented themselves, provided falsified documents or have not provided complete information regarding their academic or student conduct history may be subject to cancellation of their admission decision or dismissal from the university.

Change of Admission Term

Admission to Kent State University is valid only for the specific term to which the applicant is admitted. Applicants who wish to begin their enrollment in a different term than they were admitted must contact the Office of Admissions to initiate their request. Applicants may request a new admission term that begins up to one year from their original admission term. Moving the admission term beyond one year requires a new application and application fee.

Referred to a Regional Campus

Admission to the Kent Campus is selective, based upon overall grade point average (GPA), strength of curriculum, supplemental materials and grade trends. Applicants who do not meet the criteria for admission to the Kent Campus may be administratively referred to a regional campus; applicants living in Northeast Ohio are referred to their preferred or closest regional campus. When completing their application, students should select a secondary campus for which they would like to be considered for admission.

Applicants not meeting the admission criteria for the Kent Campus who still wish to be admitted to Kent State University must enroll for at least one semester at a regional campus. Enrollment at the regional campuses permits students to take advantage of smaller class sizes, more individualized advising services and a wider range of developmental coursework and programs.

Referred first-year and transfer students who enroll at a regional campus must complete the following to obtain the best possible foundation for academic success and become eligible to enroll at the Kent Campus:

Successfully finish all developmental coursework as prescribed by placement testing and an academic advisor.
Earn 12 credit hours of college-level coursework (not including any coursework considered developmental).
Achieve a minimum 2.000 overall GPA.

Students are strongly encouraged to work closely with their academic advisor in planning for the transition to the Kent Campus.

Conduct and Criminal History Disclosure

Kent State is committed to ensuring a safe and secure learning environment for students, faculty, staff and guests of the university. Applicants are required to answer questions related to pending felony charges, felony convictions and dismissal or suspension from previous educational institutions for non-academic reasons. Disclosing one's criminal or student conduct history does not automatically preclude admission to Kent State but will require applicants to complete a personal explanation statement and provide supporting documentation for review by the pre-admissions committee to determine eligibility for admission. Conditions for admission may be applied to those applicants who are admitted.

Appealing an Admission Decision

Students not admitted to the Kent Campus may appeal the admission decision by contacting their personal admission counselor. To appeal an admission decision, students should be prepared to submit new information supporting their ability (e.g., updated transcript, improved GPA, test scores, letters of recommendation, personal essay outlining extenuating circumstances).

Applicants not admitted to the university due to criminal or student conduct history should review their decision letter for information on how to appeal a decision.

New Student Orientation

Newly admitted students to Kent State University are expected to attend the orientation appropriate to their admitted student type and campus for academic advising and registration. During the event, students and their guests learn information that is key to their success at Kent State University. The primary goal of new student orientation is to acquaint students and guests with Kent State University programs and services, provide an advising session to each student and register students for classes.

Reason for Policy

This policy outlines the undergraduate admission process at Kent State University and ensures transparency, consistency and fairness in evaluating applicants. It supports the university’s mission to provide access to higher education for students from diverse backgrounds while maintaining academic standards and fostering a safe and supportive learning environment.

Procedures

There are no procedures associated with this policy.

Forms/Instructions

Additional Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

What campus should I apply to?
You should choose the campus based on its location to your home and the programs it offers. If you are unsure, contact the Office of Admissions at 330-672-2444 to discuss your options.
How do I add a previous college to my enrollment history?
Contact the Office of Admissions at 330-672-2444, and we will update your application for you.
How do I change my application type if I applied using the wrong one?
Contact the Office of Admissions at 330-672-2444, and we will update your application for you.

Definitions

Academically Dismissed Student: A student who is no longer allowed to enroll at the university due to failing to make adequate progress toward completion of a program of study or whose academic performance indicated little chance of obtaining the minimum grades required for graduation.

Certificate: A formal academic credential that signifies the completion of a focused program of study that addresses contemporary, topical and/or workplace need at the undergraduate or graduate level. Undergraduate certificate programs normally contain between 16 and 25 credit hours of coursework.

Degree: A formal academic credential awarded upon the successful completion of a prescribed program of study at the undergraduate or graduate level. Degree programs require the fulfillment of specific credit hour, curriculum and academic performance standards and are designated as associate, bachelor’s, master’s, post-master's or doctoral degrees.

Educational Institution: An establishment dedicated to providing formal instruction and learning experiences and includes, but is not limited to colleges, universities and vocational trade/tech schools.

GED (General Educational Development): A credential that is recognized as an alternative to a traditional high school diploma earned by individuals who successfully complete the GED exam. The exam assesses proficiency in language arts, mathematics, science and social studies.

Transcript: The accurate and complete record of a student's academic coursework attempted at an educational institution, presented in either electronic format or paper format.

Related Information

Alternative Credit Programs (e.g., AP, CLEP, IB)
College Credit Plus
Dismissal, Appeal and Reinstatement - Undergraduate
Flashes 101 (New Student Orientation)

Revision History

Amended August 2025: Revised policy widened the classification of the delayed entry and diploma equivalency applicant type (previously "adult applicant") to include not only people who are 21+ at the time of enrollment, but also applicants who have graduated from high school three or more years; or who have a GED (or diploma equivalency). For those applicants, high school GPA is not considered for admission. In addition, required documentation for homeschool applicants is updated; the different application pathways for post-undergraduate students are clarified; and a stipulation is added in the Conduct and Criminal History Disclosure section that conditions for admission may be applied for full transparency of what may be expected of admits.