Heidelberg University seeks to admit candidates who will benefit from the educational offerings of the University and who will contribute to the shared life of the campus community. All interested students are encouraged to apply for admission. Admission is granted after careful review of the candidate’s academic promise, social character, and potential for success at Heidelberg University. An Admission decision will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, or disability.
Application
The application for admission is accessible online on the Admissions webpage or through the Common Application. Applications will be reviewed upon receipt of all required materials and students will be notified of their admission status by mail and posted to their online student portal approximately two weeks following the submission.
Admission Standards
A college preparatory program in high school is generally required. Candidates are strongly encouraged to distribute their high school work over as many of the academic areas as possible. As a minimum preparation, Heidelberg strongly encourages applicants to have 4 units of English, 3 units of social studies, 3 units of mathematics (Algebra I, Algebra II and geometry) and 3 units of natural sciences (earth or physical science, biology and chemistry). Two or more units of another language are highly recommended. Applicants who are interested in science- and mathematicsrelated majors are urged to consider additional coursework in related fields of study. Applicants must complete the following:
- Complete the Heidelberg University Application for Admission.
- Submit an official high school transcript or equivalent, such as a GED.
- Submit official college transcripts, if any college-level coursework has been taken.
- OPTIONAL- Submit results of the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) or the American College Test (ACT). Students are still eligible for academic scholarship consideration without submitting test scores. However, students who wish to be considered for the Heidelberg Honors Program must submit standardized test scores or an essay. Additionally, some academic majors may request a standardized test score for accreditation purposes after an admission decision is made.
- Submit an official final transcript indicating date of high school graduation.
- OPTIONAL-Complete an Admission Essay, following one of the prompts listed on the application.
- Submit a Guidance Counselor Evaluation, if requested.
- An on-campus interview with a member of the Admission staff is encouraged.
School of Music and Theatre
Additionally, applicants to the School of Music and Theatre for the Bachelor of Music Degree must audition in order to demonstrate musical achievement in the area of study in addition to completing the admission standards. The audition may be completed prior to enrollment or at the end of the student’s freshman year. Placement tests are used to determine the student’s musical knowledge and background. Applicants should contact the School of Music and Theatre or the Office of Admission to schedule an audition.
Application Criteria
High School Students
Applications may be submitted any time after the junior year of high school. Transcripts of all courses taken, grades and credits received in high school must be sent directly to the Office of Admission before a decision on admission will be made.
Homeschool Students
Homeschooled students must supply a high school transcript, or its equivalent, including a list of courses taken, grades received or level of proficiency attained. This transcript can be from a homeschool curriculum agency or can be parent (or instructor) generated. A student may apply while their final coursework is in progress. Satisfactory transcript equivalents can include a General Education Development (GED) certificate or state certificate or a certificate of completion of a home-study program if the program is recognized by the student’s home state.
International Students
Applicants who are not citizens of the United States, and who are interested in admission to Heidelberg as degree program students, should contact the Office of Admission for information on application procedures. Heidelberg is authorized under Federal law to enroll nonimmigrant students. Tuition and fees must be paid prior to each semester.
International undergraduate applicants must provide proof of secondary school completion to be enrolled at the university as first year students. We reserve the right to accept or reject transcripts and to ask for additional information if deemed necessary. International applicants must submit post-secondary transcripts through a National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) approved agency.
The General Certificate for Secondary Education (GCSE or VCSE) is recognized as the equivalent to a high school diploma. Cambridge IGCSE and O Levels are recognized as the equivalent to a high school diploma when students have 5 academic subjects with grades of C or better.
An International student whose first language is not English is required to have sufficient knowledge of the English language to benefit from their academic studies. An official score report must be submitted from the Educational Testing Service (ETS) International TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) within one year of the date of application. Students may also be required to submit other forms of evaluation, such as a written essay and/or oral interview. Based on the results of these evaluations, the student may be placed into the HELI program.
Veterans or Military Personnel
Heidelberg University is fully approved under the laws providing educational benefits for eligible veterans. The following programs are offered through the Department of Veterans Affairs and administered at Heidelberg University: Post-9/11 GI Bill® or Chapter 33, Yellow Ribbon Program, Montgomery (New) GI Bill® or Chapter 30, Reserve GI Bill® or Chapter 1606, Veterans Educational Assistance Program (VEAP) or Chapter 32, Dependents Educational Assistance or Chapter 35, and Vocational Rehabilitation or Chapter 31. Certification of enrollment is managed by the Director of Financial Aid. Veterans should submit their Eligibility Notice to the Financial Aid Office.
Adult Students
Applicants who are at least 23 years old will be classified as an adult student. However, applicants who have had a break in their education due to life circumstances or who are married and/or have dependents may also apply as an adult. The Office of Admission will review applicants to determine those who qualify. Such applicants need not submit scores from the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) or the American College Test (ACT), but should submit a high school transcript or its equivalent and official transcripts of all previous college work.
Non-degree Seeking Students
Persons who wish to enroll for full- or part-time studies but do not wish to be a declared degree candidate must secure permission to register from the Office of Admission. Admission is based on evidence of the applicant’s ability to pursue college courses and of satisfactory high school preparation. An application and official high school and/or previous college transcripts are required. Non-degree seeking students who wish to change from non-degree status to degree status must follow the admission policies and procedures and have the change approved by the Office of Admission.
Transient/Guest Students
Degree-seeking students enrolled at other institutions who wish to take coursework at Heidelberg to transfer back to their home institution must complete a Transient Student Application for each term of enrollment. Students must submit either a statement of good standing or an official transcript from the institution they are attending. An official transcript is required if the Heidelberg course has prerequisites. Financial aid must be processed through the student’s home institution.
College Credit plus Program
High school students who meet the State of Ohio’s eligibility guidelines may apply to the College Credit Plus (CCP) Program. Eligible applicants must submit the College Credit Plus application with an official high school transcript and required test scores. Applicants must meet both Heidelberg’s admission standards and the assessment threshold set by the State of Ohio.
Dual Admission and Enrollment Program
- Marion Technical College-Marion, OH
- North Central State College-Mansfield, OH
- Owens Community College-Findlay and Toledo, OH
- Terra State Community College-Fremont, OH
While enrolled at one of these participating colleges, students may enroll in one class at Heidelberg each semester for a maximum of four semesters prior to transfer. Heidelberg University will charge the same tuition rate as the participating college and provide academic advising to help students best utilize their credits.
The program is open to new, transfer, and adult students. Students begin the Program by completing an Associate of Arts or Associate of Science degree, and then transfer to Heidelberg University to complete a bachelor’s degree. The Dual Admission and Enrollment Program requires that students meet all admission requirements and be accepted by both the participating college and Heidelberg University. All students must complete the appropriate online application and submit a final high school transcript and/or GED. Official transcripts from any prior college attended must also be submitted. Optional-New students with no prior college and transfer students with few earned hours may also submit ACT or SAT scores.
Admission Decision
Admission is granted after careful review of the candidate’s academic promise, social character, and potential for success at Heidelberg University. Each application is individually reviewed to determine if the candidate will be able to fulfill the academic responsibilities of a Heidelberg student. Applicants who are denied admission may submit a letter of appeal to the Director of Admission.
Review of high school, and all college transcripts, when applicable, are made by admission or the registrar staff to be sure they are valid. If necessary, additional documentation from the high school or college is collected. Final enrollment into Heidelberg University is contingent upon satisfactory completion of all in-progress coursework on transcripts.
Provisional Acceptance Program
Provisional acceptance is offered to students who do not meet all of the criteria for admission but exhibit promise of success. Additional support materials may be requested prior to an admission decision being made.
Provisionally admitted students will enroll for 12 or 13 credit hours during their first semester in addition to participating in a support program offered through the Owen Academic and Career Support Center. Provisionally accepted students will have their academic success reviewed at the end of their first semester to determine continuation in the program.
Requirements to Begin Classes
Final enrollment is contingent upon satisfactory completion of all high school requirements and/ or in-progress college-level coursework. Provide final official High school transcript with graduation date and/or any final official college transcripts. In addition, students must submit the enrollment fee; a certificate of health; and, participate in orientation and welcome week activities.
Enrollment Fee
After admission, the student should submit a $250 fee to insure a place in the incoming class. This fee is non-refundable after June 1.
Certificate of Health
The entering student’s medical history record and physical examination report are submitted on forms provided by the University after acceptance for admission and before the student’s arrival on campus. Students with disabilities and other accessibility needs should contact the Coordinator of Student Accessibility Services after acceptance for admission who will guide the students through the appropriate process to secure housing, dining, and/or academic accommodations. Please see “Student Accessibility Services” for more details.
Orientation and Welcome Weekend
All enrolling students must attend orientation before the start of classes. Information is sent once the enrollment fee has been paid. Students entering Heidelberg as degree seeking students for the first time will also attend Welcome Weekend events, which begin the weekend prior to the start of academic classes. Exceptions to this policy must be appealed to the Director of Student Engagement.
Readmission
Students, who for any reason, left the University must reapply for admission and pay associated fees. Students who have withdrawn in satisfactory academic standing and are not indebted to the University must complete a readmission form. A student who was suspended or dismissed from the University must additionally follow the reinstatement policy.
A student who has been suspended from the University for a disciplinary reason may be readmitted by approval of the Dean of Student Affairs. A student who has been suspended for a psychological reason must have approval from the Dean of Student Affairs and the Chief Medical Officer.
Readmitted students will follow the current University Catalog or one that is in circulation within the most recent three years. Readmitted students who believe they are disadvantaged for following the active catalog may petition to the Academic Policies Committee for a full review of their academic history.
Course Transfer Policy
Transfer credit is determined by the Office of the Registrar. Eligible credit must be earned from a college or university accredited by the Higher Learning Commission or other accrediting commissions which have been recognized by the Council on Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). Credit will be accepted at Heidelberg University as long as the grade earned is C- (1.667) or better. Courses that are considered developmental in nature are not transferable. All transferable credit will be posted to the student’s academic record upon enrollment and cannot be removed.
A student transferring to Heidelberg University from other institution(s) of higher learning must meet residency requirements in order to be eligible for graduation from a baccalaureate degree program. A candidate for a degree must take a minimum of 30 semester hours at Heidelberg University. A minimum of 60 hours must be earned at a four-year college or university. At least one-half of the hours required for a major at Heidelberg University (not including allied courses) must be taken as coursework at Heidelberg University and does not include credit by exam or CLEP. In the event a student’s transfer credit awards more than one-half of the hours required by their intended major, additional course requirements will be arranged between the Department Chair and the student to ensure that the student meets the one-half of the hours in the major residency requirement.
Credits without grade point averages, will be awarded for specific Heidelberg University courses when transferable credits are for equivalent courses. When the transferable courses do not have Heidelberg University equivalents, credits will be awarded as ‘elective’ credits. (see also Repeat Course Grade, pg.25)
As part of the degree requirements at Heidelberg University, students must earn at least 30 semester hours in undergraduate courses numbered 300 and above. Transfer students are encouraged to read the policy addressing the Graduation Requirements.
If a student wishes to appeal a transfer credit decision, s/he may submit a copy of the syllabus from the course in question to the Office of the Registrar no later than 90 days from the date of the transfer evaluation. Appeals will go to, and may be granted by the Department Chair and amended on the student’s transfer evaluation. When cases of unusual or extenuating circumstances occur, a student may appeal the transfer credit decision beyond the 90 day limit.
Advanced Placement (AP)
Heidelberg recognizes the value and purpose of certain college-level courses offered to superior students in many secondary schools through the Advanced Placement Program of the College Entrance Examination Board. To be eligible for advanced standing and/or actual college credit, the entering first-year students must have completed a college-level Advanced Placement course in high school and achieved a satisfactory score on the Advanced Placement Test for that subject. All decisions regarding standing and credit are made by the Registrar.
United Kingdom Credentials
Business and Technology Council (BTEC) Level 3 courses with a C or higher grade are recognized for college credit up to 30 semester hours when the subject matter is deemed appropriate.
Advanced (A)-Level courses with a C or higher grade are recognized for college credit of up to 30 semester hours of credit. Advanced Subsidiary (AS)-Level courses with a C or higher grade are recognized for college credit of up to 15 semester hours of credit.
Career-technical Certification
The Ohio Board of Regents and the Ohio Board of Education have developed pathways for students in adult career-technical educational programs to transfer completed technical courses (that adhere to recognized industry standards) without unnecessary duplication or institutional barriers. Therefore, Heidelberg University will rely on Career-Technical Assurance Guides as a foundation when reviewing credit earned at a career-technical educational facility. The Undergraduate Academic Policy Committee will assess each student’s certificate in partnership with the appropriate department(s) and may award up to 12 semester hours of credit. Students must provide a certificate or other approved verification. Credit may be awarded up to three years after a certificate was earned.
College-level Examination Program (CLEP)
Heidelberg awards advanced standing credit for specified Subject Examinations of the College-Level Examination Program. Additional information is available on the website.
International Baccalaureate Organization Program (IB)
Heidelberg awards advanced standing credit for specified standard and higher level examinations. Additional information is available on the website.
Military Credit
Heidelberg University will review any previous military experience and training for possible university credit. The same transfer rules apply to these courses.
Determination of credit is based on the American Council on Education (ACE) guidelines as published in The Guide to the Evaluation of Military Experiences in the Armed Services. In addition to high school or college academic transcripts, applicants will need to submit a DD Form 214 and any military transcripts detailing training and education. These would include:
DD Form 214
AARTS Army/American Council on Education Registry Transcript System
SMART Sailor/Marine ACE Registry Transcript
Community College of the Air Force
Coast Guard Institute
Prior Degree
Matriculants who have earned an Associate of Arts or Associate of Science from a state-assisted, accredited university in Ohio beginning 2007, are eligible to use the degree to fulfill the Undergraduate Academic Foundation requirement. Matriculants holding a Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited university may also use the degree to fulfill the Undergraduate Academic Foundation requirement. Matriculants must meet all residency requirements and all other degree requirement policies.
If a student does not meet the Prior Degree Transfer criteria, an appeal may be made to the Provost’s Office. The appeal form is completed online and will be referred to the Academic Policies Committee for a full review of the student’s academic history.
Prior Learning Assessment
Heidelberg University embraces diversity in academic development and understands there are several academic pathways leading to a baccalaureate degree. For this reason, Heidelberg welcomes students from various academic backgrounds and will assess coursework on an individual basis while using defined policies.
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