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Requirements for Undergraduate Admission

Christian Brothers University admits students of any race, age, color, sex, religion, and national or ethnic origin.

First-Year Students:

While the Admissions Committee gives primary consideration to academic achievement, holistic evaluation is given to consider potential for collegiate success based on co-curricular activities, leadership, determination, and engagement. Evidence of these characteristics enhances a student's application. The University strongly encourages all prospective students to consider visiting through a variety of opportunities such as Preview Days, Open House, campus tours or personal visits, and other events. This allows the applicant to view the campus and meet with an admissions counselor. Applicants may seek admission in either the fall (August) or the spring (January) semester.

Christian Brothers University is a rolling admission institution, which means that application review will occur in the order in which the application is completed. Christian Brothers University is a member of the Common Application which is available at www.commonapp.org.

Students interested in applying to Christian Brothers University will have taken advantage of enriched academic opportunities during their respective high school experience. Participation in more rigorous curriculum, although not required, is strongly encouraged and would include any enriched, accelerated or advance placement coursework. Required course of study for first-year admission includes four years of high school English and Mathematics, three years of Science and Social Studies and two years of Foreign Language.  For students applying to the Gadomski School of Engineering, four years of Mathematics and Science (with preference given to laboratory sciences) are required.

The University welcomes those who believe in making a difference in their community. Utilizing the application essay and letters of recommendations are tools for interested students to showcase an array of talents and passions demonstrated throughout their respective high school experience. A minimum of one letter(s) of recommendation from either a teacher or school counselor is  recommended as well as a personal statement or writing sample in assisting with a holistic application review process.

Christian Brothers University is a test-optional institution and does not require the ACT or SAT scores for admission consideration. If the applicant chooses to include ACT or SAT results, tests scores must be included on the official high school transcript or sent directly from the ACT or College Board. Any scores submitted will factor into the holistic review. 

Students wishing to declare certain engineering or science majors will be required to exhibit math proficiency via standardized test scores or institutional assessment. 

Admitted first-year students choosing to enroll should submit an enrollment deposit or commitment by May 1st and must submit an official, final high school transcript after graduation.

The following qualifications are preferred of those seeking admission with regular first-year student standing, although a holistic evaluation may allow for additional admission:

  1. Graduation from an approved secondary school.
  2. A scholastic average of at least “B” and rank in the upper 1/2 of the graduating class.

Homeschool Students: The following qualifications are recommended for homeschooled students seeking admission to CBU:

  1. Graduation from an accredited homeschool entity
  2. A scholastic average of at least a “B”
  3. Course descriptions and listing of curriculum strongly preferred.

Transfer Students: Students who wish to transfer from other colleges will be considered if they are in good standing at the college of last attendance.

  1. Transfer students must submit transcripts from each institution attended after high school graduation.
  2. Transfer students having earned 23 or fewer hours of college work since high school graduation must also provide a final high school transcript. 

 (See transfer of credit from other institutions.)

International Students: International Students who intend to enter the University must have the equivalent of a high school education and have sufficient command of English to enable them to do the prescribed work. Proof of English proficiency may be shown by means of the TOEFL , IELTS, C1 Advanced, C2 Proficiency, Duolingo English Test or the Pearson Test for English (PTE) exam. Minimum scores are TOEFL (68); or IELTS (6.0); or C1 Advanced grade of C; or C2 Proficiency grade of C; or Duolingo English Test score of 100; or Pearson Test of English (PTE) score of 50. Students may use the SAT Critical Reading test with a score of 25, or the ACT English sub score of 21. Students graduating from a U.S. high school or students who have earned a 2.5 or greater and 30 semester hours or fewer from a U.S. regionally accredited college will also show proof of English proficiency. If an internal transcript evaluation cannot be performed, a NACES evaluation will be requested.

Special Students (non-degree seeking): Qualified applicants who desire to take one or more courses but in general do not intend to earn a degree at Christian Brothers University may be accepted as Special students. Application for admission should be made to the Office of Admissions. Special students may accumulate no more than 36 semester hours of credit at Christian Brothers University. Special students will not be able to have any transfer credit, including challenge exams, granted while classified as special students. Special students are not eligible for financial aid.

In exceptional circumstances, the Admissions Committee may invite a candidate who does not qualify for degree status to enter the University as a Special Student (non-degree seeking) for a limited period of time. In this time, the student must demonstrate adequate preparation and motivation to pursue the degree program of studies for which they have applied.

To seek a change of status to that of a degree-seeking student, a Special student must have completed at least 12 hours of credit at the University and be in good academic standing.

Qualified Special students who wish to pursue a degree must reapply to the Day program for a change of status after they have demonstrated their qualifications. Students who are enrolled at another institution and wish to take a course or courses for credit at Christian Brothers University should present official correspondence from that institution to the Office of Admissions noting good standing and authorization to enroll in specific courses.

Dual Enrollment Students:

Christian Brothers University participates in the Tennessee Dual Enrollment program. This program partially funds high school students’ study at eligible postsecondary institutions. Participating students receive college credit and can receive credit toward high school graduation. Students remain enrolled at their current high school and are also enrolled at CBU as a special part-time student.

To be eligible to participate in Dual Enrollment, you must:

  1. Be a rising sophomore, junior, or senior;
  2. Have a high school GPA of 2.5 or higher; 
  3. Have either an ACT Composite of 21+, an SAT Composite of 1070+, a PSAT Composite of 790+, or a PLAN score of 18+.
  4. Enroll in 100 and 200 level courses;
  5. Maintain the minimum grade point requirement of 2.0 in the college coursework (which means the student must achieve a grade of A or B in the course(s) attempted). If the minimum grade point is not achieved, the student will no longer be able to participate in the dual enrollment program.

Unless otherwise specified in a separate participating high school MOU Agreement with CBU, all dual enrollment students must maintain a minimum GPA requirement of a 2.0 in all college coursework in order to continue receiving TSAC grant funds and enrolling in CBU courses.

 

Admissions Committee: A limited number of entering first-year students and transfer students who do not meet the minimum requirements for regular admission may be considered by the Admissions Committee for entrance into the University. If a student is accepted by the Admissions Committee, they may be admitted under one of the following conditions:

  1. Accepted with a limitation on the number of hours and/or specific courses that may be attempted during the first semester or
  2. Accepted as a student as a General Studies major.

The decision of the Admissions Committee may be appealed to the Academic Vice President upon the initiation of the Director of Admissions.