Admission

General Admission Policy

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The overarching goal of Doane University is to attract engaged students who can benefit from our superior educational program, graduate and use their education to serve and lead in the state, the nation and the world. We seek students who want to be actively involved in the intellectual enterprise and the community and who embrace the ideals of high expectations, personal responsibility, leadership, and free inquiry.

High School Seniors and First-year Students

Full-time students and part-time students requesting financial assistance must apply for admission.

On the student’s application they will have an opportunity to mark their self-reported academic information. Without having to provide their high school transcripts students can gain admittance if they meet admission requirements. If a student does not meet the admission requirements, they follow a different process.

An official transcript of credits from the high school (and/or other educational institution) and results of the ACT (American College Test) or SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test) must accompany a completed application.  Students should consult their high school counselor for ACT and SAT test dates and registration.  Information on ACT and SAT testing is also available from the Office of Admission at Doane University.

The Doane University Office of Admission must receive a new student’s official FINAL high school transcripts prior to registering for the semester following the offer of admission.

Doane University’s selective admission program is based on the following criteria:

1. Rank in high school graduating class, college preparatory coursework, and high school grade point average (GPA).
2. Scores on ACT or SAT.
3. Individual character and personal abilities.

Every applicant is considered equally without reference to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability, age, marital status, or sexual orientation. Successful applicants to Doane will:

Complete a strong college preparatory program. Preference is given to applicants who have taken four years of English, and three years of each mathematics, science and social studies. Two years of a foreign language is also encouraged.

First-year students who have been out of high school more than five years are not required to submit ACT or SAT scores. Students may be admitted on the basis of a GED score.

Students who wish to enter Doane University from a home-schooling environment must complete the application for admission and submit the following:

1. Official ACT or SAT results.
2. Satisfactory transcript documentation. In lieu of a transcript, a completed “Home School Credit Evaluation Form” is accepted (contact the Office of Admission to obtain a form).

High school students are encouraged to submit an application for admission during the first semester of their senior year. Applicants must have at least six semesters of completed coursework evident on their high school (secondary) transcript. Incomplete or false information is grounds for denial of admission or subsequent dismissal from the university. Steps for applying for admission:

1. Complete an application for admission on-line and submit it to the Office of Admission.
2. Provide official academic transcripts and financial aid information from all secondary (high schools) and post-secondary (colleges and/or universities) institutions from whom you have received college credit.
3. Request standardized test scores (ACT or SAT) be mailed directly to Doane University from the testing services if not already provided on transcript.

Upon receipt of all application materials, the Faculty Admission Committee will review the application file and notify the applicant of a decision within two to three weeks. If accepted, the applicant must send a $200 enrollment deposit - refundable through May 1 - to confirm his/her place in the incoming class.

Transfer Applicants

Students transferring from another post-secondary institution (college or university) must follow the steps listed below for applying for admission to Doane University.

1. Complete an application for admission and submit it to the Office of Admission.
2. Provide official academic transcripts and financial aid information from all secondary (high schools) and post-secondary (colleges and/or universities) institutions attended.

The Registrar makes an evaluation of credits earned at other institutions. Transfer applicants who have attempted less than 24 transferable semester credit hours of post-secondary coursework must defer to the admission standards for the high school seniors and first-year students and may also be evaluated by the Faculty Admission Committee.

Doane University’s selective admission program for transfers is based on the following criteria:

1. Evaluation of official collegiate transcripts.
2. Rank in high school graduating class and grade point average (when necessary).
3. Scores on ACT or SAT admissions tests (when necessary).
4. Individual character and personal abilities.

Incomplete or false information is grounds for denial of admission or subsequent dismissal from the university. Final transcripts from institutions previously attended must be received prior to census day, or the student will be dropped from courses. Upon receipt of all application materials, the Faculty Admission Committee will review the file for admission and notify the applicant of a decision within two to three weeks. If accepted, the applicant must send a $200 enrollment deposit ($100 if living off campus) - refundable through May 1 - to confirm his/her place in the incoming class.

Spring Term Applicants

First-year and transfer students applying for admission to Doane University’s Spring term must meet applicable admission standards as stated in the “first-year” and “transfer” sections. Upon receipt of all application materials, the Faculty Admission Committee will review the file for admission and notify the applicant of a decision within two to three weeks. If admitted, the applicant must send in a $200 enrollment deposit ($100 if living off campus) - refundable through February 1 - to confirm his/her place in the class.

Early Enrollment of High School Students

Students seeking early enrollment can apply to the High School Senior Advantage Program.  Students must 1) have completed three years of high school and/or attained senior status; 2) have a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale; 3) complete an application for acceptance.  Tuition is waived for students admitted under the Senior Advantage Program, but do pay a $50 processing fee at registration.

Students who do not meet the High School Senior Advantage Program guidelines, but want to enroll should contact the Admissions Office for assistance.  The normal tuition rate and fee’s will be charged. 

International Applicants

Doane is authorized under Federal law to enroll non-immigrant alien students. More information is available in the Office of Admission.

Admission of Veterans of Military Service

Doane University’s degree programs are approved by the Veterans Administration for veterans and other persons eligible for VA benefits. Doane also participates in the Yellow Ribbon program.

Four-Year Guarantee

Doane University was one of the first institutions in the nation to initiate a four-year graduation guarantee.  The guarantee is available to all first-time students who enter the Crete Campus in the fall semester. 

Doane agrees to offer all required courses necessary to complete one major and the Doane Core Connections, and the university’s graduation requirements within four year.  We will provide a qualified academic advisor to assist students in scheduling classes.  Doane will provide academic support services to assist student in successfully completing their degree.

The student will enroll in eight consecutive semesters as a full-time student earning an average of 15 credit per term.  Students’ need to maintain a cumulative GPA to remain in good academic standing.  The student will declare their major before their fourth semester.  Students’ have to meet at least once per semester with his/her assigned academic advisor.

If the student is unable to complete his/her chosen major in four year and all the requirements have been met, Doane University will assume tuition costs for up to 18 hours per semester during the next two consecutive semestersof the courses needed to complete an undergraduate degree.

Three-Year Guarantee

Doane University faculty have created a number of academic program plans that outline a course schedule and plan for a student to graduate in 3 years after the start of full-time enrollment in the College of Arts & Sciences.  Students apply into the program prior to enrollment and once accepted, agree to stay true to their plan.  At that same time, Doane University commits to making sure the scheduling components of the plan are available to the student.

High school applicants must have at least a 3.25 GPA on a 4.0 scale and also have a ACT Composite Score of at least 23 (SAT 1620 combined score),an ACT Reading Subscore of 22 (SAT 530 Critical Reading Score).  Students must apply for the program prior to enrollment.  Eligibility and acceptance is based on credits earned prior to enrollment at Doane University as well as high school GPA and ACT/SAT score.  Doane University requires a minimum of 9 transferable credits with at least a “B” grade prior to enrollment.  Individual programs may require a specific course as part of the 9 credits for acceptance.

In the event that a student meets all expectations of the 3-year program and is unable to graduate in three years as a result of a university mistake, the university will waive tuition for the remaining courses required to graduate.

Readmit Process

A readmitted student is defined as a student who has matriculated at Doane University in the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) but does not enroll in consecutive terms, in effect, stepping out of the educational process, who then decides to re-enroll in CAS. The readmitted student could also be a graduate of CAS who decides to return for another degree.

Readmitted students will be required to complete a short form in the Admission Office. After the student completes the form, the Admission Office will check with the Registrar’s Office, Financial Aid Office, Student Leadership Office, Business Office and the Athletic department, as well as its own records, to determine if the student is eligible to be readmitted.

HELPS Program

Higher Education Life Planning Systems (HELPS) is a program designed for graduates of Doane’s College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) who wish to return to CAS to seek further education that prepares them for better career opportunities. Candidates must demonstrate that by returning for a specific progression of courses, career advancement is possible.

HELPS participants must be full-time students. They can earn tuition-free undergraduate credit during two academic terms (summer excluded) not to exceed 36 credits. If their program exceeds two academic terms, they must pay for the additional credit hours required. Graduates must have completed their Doane degree at least two years prior to eligibility. A maximum of six to eight hours of pre-approved credit can be transferred to count toward a major pursued in the HELPS program. This transfer may be accomplished with approval of the Vice President for Academic Affairs prior to beginning the program at Doane, or subsequent to the completion of work on campus. Credits from the College of Professional Studies, when applicable, are accepted, as well as those from other institutions. An application for admission and detailed guidelines are available from the Admission Office.