
1 John Carroll Blvd, University Heights, OH 44118, USA


John Carroll University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, ensuring it meets rigorous standards for postsecondary education quality and institutional effectiveness. This accreditation confirms that the university maintains academic programs and administrative operations at a level recognized nationally. Additionally, certain professional programs within the university hold specialized accreditations relevant to their fields, which further validate the quality and credibility of those specific areas of study. Prospective students can rely on this accreditation to ensure their degrees will be recognized by employers and other institutions for further education.
John Carroll University requires applicants to have completed high school or possess a General Educational Development (GED) certificate. Submission of secondary school records and a minimum grade point average are mandatory as part of the admission process. Recommendations from relevant sources are also required to support an application. While standardized admission test scores are not broadly mandatory, other test results are recommended to strengthen an applicant's profile. The university does not follow an open admission policy and does not accept dual credit or transfer credits, but it does grant credit for Advanced Placement (AP) exams.
Applicants must be enrolled in a college-preparatory program, reflecting the institution's commitment to academic standards. Although a computer is not required for admission, computer leasing options are available. The acceptance rate stands at a relatively high 81%, indicating fairly accessible admission compared to many other institutions.
The average standardized test scores of admitted students provide insight into the university's academic profile. The mean SAT score is 1230, positioning students in approximately the top 35% nationally. Breaking this down further, the average SAT Math score is 610, and the SAT Writing score is 620, the latter being particularly strong. On the ACT, the average score is 27, which is in the top 30% of test takers, underscoring a solid academic preparation among admitted students.
John Carroll University requires prospective undergraduate students to pay a nonrefundable application fee as part of the admissions process. This fee covers the administrative costs associated with processing each application. However, the university offers fee waivers for specific categories of applicants who demonstrate financial need or meet certain qualifications.
Students may be eligible for an application fee waiver if they participate in programs such as the College Board's SAT fee waiver program or the National Association for College Admission Counseling's waiver system. Additionally, those facing economic hardship can request a fee waiver by providing supporting documentation through the university's admissions office. High school counselors also play a role in recommending fee waivers for students who might benefit from this consideration.
These provisions are intended to reduce financial barriers in the application process and make the university more accessible to a diverse range of applicants. Prospective students are encouraged to review the eligibility criteria early and contact the admissions office to ensure they meet the requirements for a fee waiver prior to submitting their application.
John Carroll University offers Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) programs through affiliated arrangements rather than hosting its own ROTC branch unit on campus. Prospective students interested in pursuing ROTC can participate via a cooperating host institution that supports the military training and commissioning process.
John Carroll University accepts transfer students for the fall and spring terms, offering flexibility for those planning their enrollment. The university recognizes credits from a variety of sources, including College Level Examination Program (CLEP) general and subject exams as well as Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES) tests, supporting students who have earned credits through these avenues.
Transfer applicants can expect the institution to consider recommendation letters as part of the admission process. Additionally, John Carroll University accepts transfer credits broadly, allowing students to apply previously earned coursework toward their degrees.
John Carroll University offers a variety of study abroad opportunities designed to enrich students' academic experience and global understanding. The university facilitates semester-long, summer, and short-term programs that allow students to immerse themselves in different cultures while earning academic credit. These programs cover numerous destinations across Europe, Asia, and other regions, providing diverse options aligned with various fields of study.
Participants can choose from faculty-led programs, which provide structured experiences under the guidance of university professors, as well as exchange programs that enable students to attend partner institutions abroad. These options cater to different academic schedules and personal preferences, granting flexibility for students with varying time commitments.
In addition to the academic component, the programs emphasize cultural engagement and experiential learning. Students often have opportunities to participate in local activities, internships, or community service, enhancing their global perspective beyond classroom instruction.
Median composite SAT score
1230Median composite ACT score
27Percent of students submitting ACT scores
14%Percent of students submitting SAT scores
13%High school completions
General Educational Development (GED) requiredComputer required
NoComputer purchase/lease plan is available in the institution
YesSecondary school GPA
RequiredSecondary school rank
Data not availableSecondary school record
RequiredCompletion of college-preparatory program
RequiredRecommendations
RequiredFormal demonstration of competencies
Data not availableAdmission test scores
Data not availableTOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language
Data not availableOther Test (Wonderlic, WISC-III, etc.)
RecommendedOpen admission policy
NoDual credit
NoCredit for life experiences
NoAdvanced placement (AP) credits
YesOrientation program
YesDisabilities services
YesOff-campus study
Data not availableROTC-Army
ROTC branch unit at a cooperating host institutionROTC-Navy
ROTC branch unit on campusROTC-Air Force
ROTC branch unit at a cooperating host institutionStudy abroad
YesWeekend/evening college
Data not availableStudent can complete their preparation in certain areas of specialization
YesPreparation at another institution required
NoApproved by the state for initial certification or licensure of teacher
YesEntrance difficulty for transfer students
Data not availableGenerally accepts credits
YesAccept ACE recommendation for credit
YesPossible transfer
Fall, Spring