Mar 29, 2024  
2021-2022 General Catalog 
    
2021-2022 General Catalog ARCHIVED CATALOG: To search archives, MUST use search box to left. Current catalog: catalog.usu.edu.

Admission: Undergraduate Students


Undergraduate Admission

________________________________________

Executive Director of New Student Enrollment, Admissions Office: Katie Nielsen
Location: Taggart Student Center 102
Phone: (435) 797-1079 or (800) 488-8108
FAX: (435) 797-3708
E-mail: admit@usu.edu
Website: usu.edu/admissions

 

The application for undergraduate admission and scholarships is available online at usu.edu/admissions.

Note: Fees, deadlines, requirements, and enrollment limits are subject to change without notice. All documents submitted become the property of Utah State University, and will not be released to students nor forwarded to other institutions or agencies.

Application documents may be sent to:

transcripts@usu.edu

Admissions Office
Utah State University
0160 Old Main Hill
Logan UT 84322-0160

Nondiscrimination

Utah State University is committed to a learning and working environment free from discrimination. For USU’s non-discrimination notice see aaeo.usu.edu/non-discrimination.

Accommodations for Students with Disabilities

Utah State University complies with the principles of non-discrimination and accommodation in academic programs, which are set forth in Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. All accommodations provided to on-campus students are available for online and regional campus students. For more information, visit usu.edu/drc.

Admissions Application Deadlines

Scholarship consideration is given only to fall semester applicants.

Fall Semester

January 10: Freshmen Scholarship Deadline (Logan, Statewide Campuses)

March 1: Priority Admissions Deadline (Logan, Statewide Campuses) - To be admitted before priority registration.

March 1: Transfer Scholarship Deadline (Logan, Statewide Campuses)

June 1: Freshmen and Transfer Scholarship Deadline (USU Eastern)

August 1: Final Admissions Deadline (Logan) - Students admitted after this date may be deferred to a future semester.

August 1: Freshmen Scholarship Deadline (Southeast Campuses)

August 1: Transfer Scholarship Deadline (Southeast Campuses)

September 1: Final Admissions Deadline (Statewide Campuses & USU Eastern)

Spring Semester

October 1: Priority Deadline (Logan, Statewide Campuses) - To be admitted before priority registration.

November 1: Freshmen Scholarship Deadline (All Campuses)

November 1: Transfer Scholarship Deadline (All Campuses)

December 15: Final Admissions Deadline (Logan) - Students admitted after this date may be deferred to a future semester.

January 13: Final Admissions Deadline (Statewide Campuses & USU Eastern)

Summer Semester

March 1: Priority Deadline (Logan, Statewide Campuses) - To be admitted before priority registration.

June 1: Final Admissions Deadline (Logan) - Students admitted after this date may be deferred to a future semester.

June 26: Final Admissions Deadline (Statewide Campuses & USU Eastern)

Academic Action Readmission Deadlines

Logan and Statewide Campus applicants who desire to be readmitted following academic warning, probation or suspension must apply by July 1 in order to be considered for admission to fall semester; or by October 1 in order to be considered for admission to spring semester. USU Eastern applicants must apply by August 1 for fall semester, or by December 1 for spring semester.

USU Logan and Statewide Campus Admissions

The Utah State University Logan campus and Utah State University Statewide Campuses are selective in admissions. Applicants are generally required to have graduated from a regionally accredited high school. Students are admitted on the basis of their projected ability to succeed at the institution. Projected ability to succeed is based primarily on past performance, such as grade point average and standardized test scores.

New Freshman Admission

New freshman applicants are generally required to have graduated from a regionally accredited high school or passed the GED or other high school equivalency exam (see High School Equivalency Exam Scores). The GED is waived for home-schooled students and graduates from non-regionally accredited high schools that earn at least a 21 on the ACT. USU also accepts SAT scores; see Admissions Index and ACT/SAT Equivalencies for SAT equivalencies 

 

High School Curriculum

It is recommended, but not required, that high school students (grades 9-12) complete:

  • 4 Credits of English
  • 4 Credits of Math (One class beyond math 3)
  • 3.5 Credits of Social Science
  • 3 Credits of a Lab-Based Science (One each: biology, chemistry, and physics)
  • 2 Credits of a World Language (Same language, taken progressively during grades 9-12)

 

High School Graduates

Required Materials

  • Application and $50 nonrefundable application fee
  • Official high school transcript or High School Equivalency Exam score report
  • ACT or SAT scores (optional)
  • Official college transcripts of any concurrent enrollment credit earned

Minimum Requirements

  • 2.9 high school GPA (see Admissions Index and ACT/SAT Equivalencies )
  • Applicants graduating from non-regionally, accredited high school must meet the following requirements: 21 composite ACT and 2.9 high school GPA; OR 17 composite ACT, and USU minimum on the GED (see High School Equivalency Exam Scores)

 

Home School Students

Required Materials

  • Application and $50 nonrefundable application fee
  • Home School Transcript or list of home school subject matter studied
  • ACT or SAT scores (optional)
  • GED if ACT is below 21
  • Official college transcripts of any concurrent enrollment credit earned

Minimum Requirements

  • 21 composite ACT, and satisfactory home school documentation; OR 17 composite ACT, and USU minimum on the GED (see High School Equivalency Exam Scores)
  • Admissions Committee approval

Home school applicants are typically not eligible to enroll until after their peers have graduated from traditional high school. Home school students wishing to be considered earlier than this will be evaluated based on the Early Admission standard. Home school applicants with an ACT score below 21 are required to submit a GED meeting the USU minimum (see High School Equivalency Exam Scores).

Home school students applying for admission to Utah State University who submit a transcript from a regionally accredited home-school organization will be evaluated the same as traditional high school students.

 

GED, HiSET, and TASC High School Equivalency Diploma Applicants

Required Materials

  • Application and $50 nonrefundable application fee
  • GED, HiSET, or TASC score report
  • ACT or SAT scores (optional)
  • Official college transcripts of any concurrent enrollment credit earned

Minimum Requirements

  • 17 composite ACT score
  • Minimum USU score on GED (see High School Equivalency Exam Scores)

 

Early Admission

A high school student (or home school student) who has completed his or her junior year and maintained an exceptional scholastic record may be granted special consideration for early admission. Admission is not automatic and will be determined by the admissions committee. Applicants must meet regularly published admissions and scholarship deadlines.

Required Materials

  • Application and $50 nonrefundable application fee
  • An official high school transcript
  • ACT or SAT scores (optional)
  • Official college transcripts of any concurrent enrollment credit earned
  • Recommendation letter from high school counselor or administration
  • Recommendation letter from parents

Minimum Requirements

 

Admissions Index and ACT/SAT Equivalencies

Click here  to view a PDF of the most recent index. 

 

High School Equivalency Exam Scores
 

High School Equivalency Test   USU Minimum Prep Academy    Passing
New GED (2014 and forward) 660 Total    630  

600 (150 on each sub)

GED (prior to 2014)  550 Battery Average  500 410
HiSET    75 Total Scaled Score & 4 Essay 60 & 3 45 & 2
TASC  2900 2700 2500

 

Transfer Student Admission

Required Materials

  • Application and $50 nonrefundable application fee
  • Official college transcript(s) from all institutions previously attended

If fewer than 24 transferable college credits have been earned, then high school transcripts are required and ACT or SAT scores may be submitted.

Minimum Requirements

Transfer students with at least 24 semester credits earned at another regionally accredited institution must meet the minimum GPA requirement for their desired major.

Applicants whose GPA does not meet the requirements of their desired major may be offered an Exploratory Program if they have at least a 2.3 GPA and fewer than 60 transfer credits (see Exploratory Program).

Transfer students with fewer than 24 semester credits will also be evaluated on their high school GPA (and ACT or SAT score if provided).

Transfer policy information (See the Transfer Credit section of this catalog )

 

Returning Student Admission

Students who were in attendance the previous semester are not required to reapply for the next semester unless suspension or graduation with a bachelor’s degree occurred the previous semester. Former students of the university returning after an absence of three years or longer are required to reapply for admission.

Required Materials

  • Application and $50 nonrefundable application fee
  • Official college transcript(s) from all institutions attended after last attendance at USU

Minimum Requirements

Applicants must meet the minimum GPA requirement for their desired major. Applicants whose GPA does not meet the requirements of their desired major may be offered an Exploratory Program, if they have at least a 2.3 GPA and fewer than 60 credits (see Exploratory Program).

Academic Action (Students not in good standing)

In addition to the above application requirements, students who left the University on academic action (warning, probation, suspension, or dismissal) must answer the following questions as part of the readmission process.

The Utah State University Admissions Office recognizes that some of the questions may prompt students to feel the need to disclose personal information, including traumatic events. Please note that students do not need to justify readmission through such disclosure. Information disclosed may be reported to the Office of Equity.

Also, it might be helpful for students to reach out to an academic advisor for their intended major and co-create an academic plan to declare a major before they respond to these questions.  

1. What is your motivation for applying and why is now the right time for you to resume study? How does your motivation compare with your previous reason(s) for attending college/university?

2. During your absence, what skills have you gained that have prepared you to resume study? Give an example of how this new skill would work in your daily life?

3. How are your coworkers, friends, and family reacting to your decision to pursue a degree?

4. What have your experiences been with major exploration? Have you recently met with the advisor for your intended major of interest? If so, what advice did they give you (please include a copy of your plan to declare if applicable)?

5. How many credits would you register for during the next semester? Will you be working full-time while in school? If yes, explain how you plan to manage both?

After students submit their application, they will receive instructions on how to upload their responses to the above questions to their application. The total response to the above questions should be limited to 500 words or less.

Students who seek readmission but who are not in good standing must reapply by the following readmission dates:

  • Fall Semester: July 1
  • Spring Semester: October 1

Nontraditional Student Admission

Applicants who have been away from school for a number of years are invited to submit additional documentation to support their admission. This documentation may include but is not limited to the following:

  • Personal statement summarizing work, military, or other experiences that have prepared the applicate for college success.
  • Letters of recommendation, from individuals that can speak to applicant’s ability to succeed in college.
  • Transcripts, certificates, and licenses of training and accomplishments.

ACT/SAT Test scores are waived for applicants who have been out of high school for at least 7 years and optional for other students.

 

Open Enrollment Programs

Most associate degree and certificate programs at Utah State University’s Price, Blanding and Moab locations are open enrollment. There is no minimum GPA or ACT/SAT requirement. Degree and certificate-seeking students are required to have a high school diploma or its recognized equivalent. Students seeking an open enrollment program may be admitted without a high school diploma as long as they are at least 18 years old.

To be considered for a scholarship, applicants may be required to submit high school transcripts and ACT/SAT scores.

With the exception of home school students, applicants seeking Federal Financial Aid must have a high school diploma, or the recognized equivalency (i.e., GED, HiSET, or TASC).

See USU Logan and Statewide Campus Admissions requirements above for bachelor’s degree programs.

 

New Freshman

Required Materials

  • Application and $50 nonrefundable application fee
  • Official high school transcript, High School Equivalency Exam score report, or home-school transcript
  • ACT or SAT scores (optional but may be required for scholarship opportunities)
  • Official college transcripts of any concurrent enrollment coursework

Home-school applicants are typically not eligible to enroll until after their peers have graduated from traditional high school. Home-school students wishing to be considered earlier than this will be evaluated based on the Early Admission policy and are not eligible to attend until after their peers have completed their junior year of high school. 

 

Transfer and Returning Students

Required Materials

  • Application and $50 nonrefundable application fee
  • Official college transcript(s) from all institutions previously attended
  • Transfer students with fewer than 24 semester credits may need to submit high school transcripts and test scores. 

Academic Action (Students not in good standing)

Applications from students who desire to be readmitted following academic action (probation, suspension, or dismissal) will be reviewed by the Academic Appeals Committee and are required to answer the following questions as part of the readmission process.

The Utah State University Admissions Office recognizes that some of the questions may prompt students to feel the need to disclose personal information, including traumatic events. Please note that students do not need to justify readmission through such disclosure. Information disclosed may be reported to the Office of Equity.

Also, it might be helpful for students to reach out to an academic advisor for their intended major and co-create an academic plan to declare a major before they respond to these questions.  

1. What is your motivation for applying and why is now the right time for you to resume study? How does your motivation compare with your previous reason(s) for attending college/university?

2. During your absence, what skills have you gained that have prepared you to resume study? Give an example of how this new skill would work in your daily life?

3. How are your coworkers, friends, and family reacting to your decision to pursue a degree?

4. What have your experiences been with major exploration? Have you recently met with the advisor for your intended major of interest? If so, what advice did they give you (please include a copy of your plan to declare if applicable)?

5. How many credits would you register for during the next semester? Will you be working full-time while in school? If yes, explain how you plan to manage both?

 

Major Change Requests

Students complete the Undergraduate Change of Matriculation Form to switch majors. This form is available at https://www.usu.edu/registrar/files/forms/change-of-matriculation.pdf.

 

Non-Degree Seeking Students

The Non-Degree Seeking Application allows students in certain situations to take USU classes without being admitted to a degree program. This status is generally intended for students wishing to take classes for personal enrichment, to take prerequisites for a graduate program or to audit classes.

In some cases, students are allowed to enroll as non-degree students to improve their academic record in hopes that they might qualify for admissions into a degree program at a later time. Enrolling as a non-degree student does not automatically qualify a student to become degree-seeking. To be accepted into a degree program, a student must apply as a degree-seeking student and meet the regular admission standards.

The following restrictions apply to non-degree seeking applicants:

  • Only students who have already obtained a bachelor’s degree are generally allowed to attend courses designated as ‘Logan Main Campus’.
  • Applicants with an obtained bachelor’s degree generally pay graduate level tuition, even for undergraduate level courses*.
  • Use of federal financial aid is generally not allowed.
  • If applicable, students should apply for degree-seeking status as soon as possible.
  • Graduate students may only take 12 credits non-degree seeking and have them count toward a USU graduate degree program.

*In some instances, a student who has graduated with a bachelor’s degree may need to return to school to take additional undergraduate courses for employment or other reasons. If the student does not intend to receive a second bachelor’s degree, he or she may apply for Undergraduate Degree Enrichment as a non-degree seeking undergraduate student. If approved, the student may pay undergraduate tuition and fees. Under this option, a maximum of 9 additional undergraduate semester credits may be taken within a five-year period. Students who wish to take additional undergraduate courses must apply for a second bachelor’s degree or be admitted as a non-degree seeking graduate student and pay graduate tuition.

Other Requirements

English Proficiency Requirement

If you have completed three years of high school or a minimum of two years of college in one of the countries listed below, you are considered to be proficient in the English language and will not be required to provide additional evidence of English proficiency.

  • Australia
  • Canada (except Quebec Province)
  • New Zealand
  • United Kingdom
  • United States

The English language requirement may be satisfied by submitting official scores in several ways below. Please ask the testing agency to send your official exam scores to Utah State University (USU).

  • TOEFL internet-based (iBT) exam score of 71 or paper-based exam score of 525. The institution school code for USU is 4857.*

  • IELTS score of 6.0 overall band score with a minimum of 5.0 on each subscale*

  • SAT Critical Reading score of at least 500 on exams last administered January 2016 or SAT Reading score of at least 27 first administered March 2016

  • ACT English score of 18

  • USU’s Intensive English Language Institute (IELI) placement exam score of 145 or above on the IELI General Placement Exam and a passing score of 31 or above on the IELI Writing Exam**

  • Passing 3 or more years of mainstream English language classes at a U.S. high school

Intensive English Program 

An applicant who does not provide proof of English language proficiency through one of the options above must take the English Language Placement Exam, given by USU’s Intensive English Language Institute (IELI), if admitted. The exam will determine if you meet USU’s English language proficiency requirement or your place in one of four class levels of English instruction. You will be required to complete any required intensive English language courses before beginning other academic course work.

*Scores that are more than 2 years old are not accepted.

**The IELI placement exam may be taken upon arrival at USU.

Note: English proficiency requirements for International students can be found on the International Student Admission page.  

Criminal History Disclosure Requirement

All undergraduate applicants are required to disclose if they have ever been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor other than a minor traffic violation, or if any such charge is currently pending against them. Applicants who have a criminal history are required to complete a background questionnaire for each offense. The background questionnaire is available online at usu.edu/admissions/background. If an applicant’s answer changes prior to enrollment, they must promptly contact the Office of Admissions to provide an explanation. By submitting the questionnaire, the applicant consents to Utah State University obtaining information from appropriate persons to validate or otherwise learn more about the conduct in order to make appropriate education-related decisions. Specifically, the applicant authorizes the pertinent governmental agencies to disclose to appropriate officials at Utah State or its agents the facts and circumstances of the applicant’s criminal conviction(s), incarceration(s), probation(s) and/or parole(s). Finally, the applicant consents to permit Utah State University to make an informed decision regarding their application for admission to Utah State. Failure to disclose all criminal history may result in denial of admission or dismissal from the university.

Academic History Disclosure Requirement

All undergraduate applicants are required to disclose if they have ever been expelled, suspended, disciplined, placed on probation, or are ineligible to return to any high school or college. Applicants who have had any of these actions taken against them are required to provide a detailed statement of explanation. Failure to disclose may result in denial of admission or dismissal from the university. By submitting the statement, the applicant consents to Utah State University obtaining information from appropriate persons to validate or otherwise learn more about the conduct in order to make appropriate education-related decisions. Finally, the applicant consents to permit Utah State University to make an informed decision regarding their application for admission to Utah State.

Please note that academic performance is not the sole criterion for admission to the university. The university may evaluate an applicant’s behavior to determine their ability to maintain the standards of academic and professional conduct expected at the university.

Related Information

Admission Deferment

Newly accepted freshman, transfer, or readmitted students who wish to defer their start date to a later semester may request to do so (without reapplying) by submitting an online Deferment Request (see Deferments at www.usu.edu/admissions for more information). Deferment requests are due no later than the last week of classes of the semester for which the student was initially admitted. Deferments are generally granted for a total of one year. However, they may be granted for up to two years for those participating in official assignments such as military, church, or humanitarian service. If requesting a deferment for more than one year, the student must submit an official letter of assignment. All deferment requests must be approved by the Admissions Office.

Questions regarding deferment should be directed to the Admissions Office located in the TSC 102, by phone at (435) 797-1079, or email at admit@usu.edu.

International students must contact the office of Global Engagement located in Military Science 115, by phone at 435-797-1124 or by email at global.engagement@usu.edu.

Graduate students will need to contact the School of Graduate Studies located in Old Main 164 or by phone at 435-797-1187.

Exploratory Program

Newly admitted students with less than 60 semester credits, who meet the university admission standards, but who have not declared a major or who do not qualify for enrollment into one of the academic colleges, are automatically placed in the Exploratory Program. No degrees are offered through the Exploratory Program. Exploratory students who have not declared a major by the time they complete 45 semester credits will be required to sign an institutional agreement with the Office of Exploratory Advising.

Prep Academy

Under special circumstances, new freshman students who do not qualify for enrollment into one of the academic colleges or into an undeclared program may be considered for admission into a two-year associate degree program. This program offers students a chance to prove themselves academically at the university. Applicants are considered on an individual, case-by-case basis for potential admission into the Prep Academy.

Students within the Prep Academy focus on two goals: first, earning a “General Studies” associate degree; and second, earning full admission into a bachelor’s program at Utah State University.

Students are advised through the Office of Exploratory Advising and follow a prescribed course of study.

Declaring a Major

When a student has demonstrated an ability to maintain a GPA appropriate for the intended major, the student may submit a Change of Matriculation form through the Registrar’s Office. It is the student’s responsibility, in consultation with an advisor, to complete all necessary paperwork.

Residency Policy and Appeal

Persons who have been classified as nonresident students and who feel they now satisfy the requirements for Utah Resident Status for tuition purposes must file an application with the Residency Office, Taggart Student Center 102. The Residency Application is available at www.usu.edu/admissions/residency/ through the student’s Service Now account. There is no application fee. Applications are processed each semester. The deadline is no later than the end of the third week of the semester. Applications received after this deadline will not be reviewed or considered. The residency application cannot be completed or processed until the student is admitted to the university.

If an application is denied by the Residency Office, the student may appeal to the Residency Appeals Committee no later than the 20th calendar day of the semester. Appeals cannot be considered after this deadline.

To qualify for Utah resident status for tuition purposes, a person is required to:

  • Be a U.S. citizen or have permanent resident status.
  • Document living in Utah for 12 continuous months.
  • Not be claimed as a dependent on most recent federal tax return by anyone who is not a resident of Utah.
  • Obtain a Utah vehicle registration, voter registration, and driver’s license at least three months prior to the start of the semester for which the student is applying for residency.

Each person who applies for Utah resident status for tuition purposes is considered on the totality of evidence. Based upon review of each application, additional documentation may be required, including evidence of employment in Utah, income taxes, birth certificate, parent’s tax returns, etc.

Persons having questions about a specific situation (not covered by the information above) should contact the Admissions Office.

Provisions in the law enable a person to be granted Utah residency for tuition purposes as an exception to the regulations listed above. A few exceptions are listed below, but students should contact the Admissions Office for more information regarding requirements and restrictions for each exception. Below are the most common exceptions to the 12-month waiting period for residency and the required documentation listed in the Regents Policy 512, Determination of Residency Status. For a complete list of exceptions, explanations and definitions, please visit our residency website (listed below) for the link to the R512 document on the Utah System of Higher Education’s website.

  1. Dependent children and spouses of those who obtain full-time employment and move to Utah.
  2. Certain individuals recruited or transferred to Utah with full-time employment.
  3. Dependent persons having a parent who has been a legal resident of Utah for at least one year.
  4. Persons who marry a Utah resident. (The spouse must have been a Utah resident before the marriage.)
  5. Active-duty military personnel and their dependents with current duty station in Utah can pay resident tuition while they are stationed in Utah.
  6. Military veterans and their dependents may also qualify for residency for tuition purposes, regardless of where they served.
  7. Native Americans who are registered on the tribal rolls of tribes whose lands are contiguous to Utah. (Documentation is required.)

Other requirements may apply. For further residency information, contact the USU Admissions Office, Taggart Student Center 102, (435) 797-1079, or visit: usu.edu/admissions/residency

Note: Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE/WRGP) and some Alumni Legacy Waiver students are not eligible to establish residency for tuition purposes. Time in state and/or credits earned while on WUE/WRGP or some Alumni Legacy Waivers will not count toward residency.

Veterans Educational Benefits

Veterans or qualified dependents of disabled or deceased veterans who may be eligible for Veterans Educational Benefits should contact the Office of Veterans Services, or telephone (435) 797-9187 for information concerning their educational benefits. Veterans or eligible dependents must make application for admission and be matriculated in a degree program.

Providing Educational Services to Military Service Members

The university has entered into a Department of Defense Memorandum of Understanding focused on improving services delivered to military service members. 

The university bans the practice of providing commission, bonus, or other incentive payment based directly or indirectly on securing enrollments or federal financial aid (including Tuition Assistance funds) to any persons or entities engaged in any student recruiting, admission activities, or making decisions regarding the award of student financial assistance. 

The university does not make multiple unsolicited contacts (3 or more), including contacts by phone, email, or in-person, or engage in same-day recruitment and registration for the purpose of securing Service member enrollments. 

Western Undergraduate Exchange

Utah State University participates in the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE/WRGP), a program of the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE). Through WUE/WRGP, certain students who are not residents of the State of Utah may enroll at Utah State University by paying resident tuition plus 50 percent of that amount (plus other fees that are paid by all students). For further information, see WUE/WRGP text in the Financial Aid and Scholarships section or visit usu.edu/admissions/scholarships/wue.

Credit by Examination

New freshmen may receive credits for examination scores received prior to enrollment at USU. Credits may be earned with satisfactory scores on Advanced Placement (AP), College-Level Examination Program (CLEP), DANTES Subject Standardized Tests (DSST), and International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) examinations. To ensure that credits earned by examination will be posted to their transcripts, students are responsible to submit all of their test scores to the Admissions Office.

International Student Admission

For information about admission procedures for international students, see the International Student Admissions page .