Earlham College

What is the accreditation of Earlham College?

Earlham College is institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Institutional accreditation evaluates the college as a whole; it is distinct from accreditation of an individual professional program.

The Earlham School of Religion also holds accreditation from the Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools. Students considering teaching or another licensed profession should separately confirm that their specific program meets the requirements of the state where they intend to work. Institutional accreditation is important for eligibility to participate in federal student-aid programs, but it does not guarantee that another college will accept a particular transfer course or that a licensing board will approve a credential.

What are the admission requirements at Earlham College?

First-year applicants to Earlham generally submit an undergraduate application, a secondary-school transcript, and recommendations. The college reviews academic preparation and does not operate an open-admission policy.

Earlham's reported admissions criteria require a secondary-school record, GPA information, and completion of a college-preparatory program. Class rank may be considered but is not required. SAT and ACT scores are considered when submitted, rather than required of every applicant. Among enrolled first-time students in the reported admissions data, 30% submitted SAT scores and 20% submitted ACT scores; those shares do not describe the whole applicant pool.

Applicants educated outside the United States should review the college's current instructions for transcripts and English-language proficiency. TOEFL is listed among its English-proficiency requirements, but the applicable test options and any exceptions depend on applicant circumstances. In the reported admissions cycle, Earlham admitted 1,517 of 2,075 first-time applicants, an acceptance rate of about 73%. That historical rate is not an individual applicant's chance of admission. Applicants should check the current admissions calendar before choosing an application round or deadline.

What are the application fees and waivers at Earlham College?

Earlham has published a no-fee undergraduate application policy, so applicants using its standard undergraduate application should not assume they must pay to apply. This is separate from any deposit requested after an offer of admission.

Application procedures can differ for graduate programs and other applicant categories. Before submitting, applicants should check the fee displayed in their chosen application route, particularly if applying to the Earlham School of Religion or a graduate education program. If a charge appears despite an advertised no-fee route, the admissions office can clarify it before submission; a fee waiver is only relevant when a fee actually applies.

What types of ROTC programs are available at Earlham College?

An on-campus Army, Air Force, or Navy ROTC unit is not established in Earlham's published college information. Prospective cadets should not assume that ROTC participation is available simply because another institution in the region offers it.

A student hoping to combine an Earlham degree with ROTC should ask Earlham and the relevant branch's regional host program whether cross-enrollment is currently permitted, how travel and scheduling would work, and whether Earlham coursework satisfies the program's enrollment rules. ROTC scholarships have separate applications and eligibility standards; participation can also create a military service obligation. Those terms should be confirmed with the host program before making an enrollment decision.

What are the requirements for transfer students at Earlham College?

Earlham accepts applications from transfer students for fall and spring entry and generally considers credits earned at other accredited institutions. Admission as a transfer student and acceptance of particular courses toward an Earlham degree are separate decisions.

Transfer applicants should expect to provide official transcripts from colleges attended and to follow any current instructions concerning secondary-school records and recommendations. A course may be accepted for credit without satisfying a particular major or general-education requirement. Students with substantial prior coursework should request a written, course-by-course evaluation and ask the registrar or academic department how many credits must be completed at Earlham. That is especially important for courses taken in a major sequence or before a planned spring entry.

In the reported enrollment year, 12 degree-seeking transfer students entered Earlham. The small count makes it useful to ask specifically about transfer advising, course availability, and the time needed to complete a proposed major.

What types of study abroad programs are available at Earlham College?

Off-campus study is an established part of Earlham's academic offerings. Students can investigate international programs as well as other approved learning away from Richmond; the length, location, and academic focus vary by program.

One longstanding example is Japan Study, a program associated with Earlham and study at Waseda University in Tokyo. Students should distinguish a college-sponsored program from an exchange or an approved outside provider, since application steps, tuition arrangements, housing, and available aid may differ. Before committing, they should obtain academic approval for proposed courses, confirm how credits will count toward their degree, and ask the off-campus study and financial aid offices for a program-specific budget. Passport, visa, travel, and personal expenses can make the actual cost different from a semester on campus.