
PO Box 370, Mars Hill, NC 28754, USA


Mars Hill University holds regional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). This accreditation affirms that the university meets established standards for quality and effectiveness in higher education. For prospective students, accreditation by SACSCOC ensures that the institution's degrees are recognized by employers and other academic institutions, facilitating credit transfers and eligibility for federal financial aid.
Mars Hill University requires prospective students to have completed a General Educational Development (GED) certificate or possess a high school diploma. Submission of secondary school records and a minimum GPA are mandatory for admission. While recommendations are not specified, applicants are advised to provide admission test scores such as the SAT or ACT, with a preference for the ACT based on available data. The university does not follow an open admission policy, indicating that meeting these prerequisites is essential for consideration.
The university encourages students to have completed prior college coursework, though this is not strictly required. Advanced Placement (AP) credits are accepted, providing an opportunity for students to advance their standing.
Regarding standardized testing, approximately 20% of enrolled students submitted ACT scores, with varied score distributions predominantly between 17 and 29. SAT participation is less common, with only about 9% submission among enrollees.
Admissions numbers indicate a selective process with an acceptance rate of 78%, placing Mars Hill University in the mid-tier range for selectivity compared to similar institutions. The total applicant pool numbered 1,393 in recent data, leading to 1,085 admissions and 318 enrollments. There is a slightly higher enrollment rate for men compared to women, with men comprising a larger share of admitted and enrolled students.
Mars Hill University requires prospective students to submit a nonrefundable application fee as part of the admissions process. This fee covers the administrative costs associated with processing the application and cannot be credited toward tuition or other expenses. The university offers fee waivers to eligible applicants, which can help reduce the financial burden of applying. Typically, fee waivers are granted to students who demonstrate financial need or who are part of specific programs aimed at increasing college access.
Applicants interested in obtaining a fee waiver must submit appropriate documentation or meet certain criteria established by the admissions office. It's advisable for prospective students to contact the university directly to determine eligibility and the procedure for requesting a waiver. Utilizing fee waivers can make the application process more accessible, especially for those who might otherwise be deterred by upfront costs.
Mars Hill University does not offer its own Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) programs on campus. Prospective students interested in pursuing an ROTC commission typically participate through cross-enrollment agreements with nearby institutions that provide Army, Navy, or Air Force ROTC training. This arrangement allows students to complete military science courses and leadership training at partner universities while enrolled at Mars Hill University.
Students are advised to contact the university's admissions office or military science departments at neighboring colleges for detailed information on available ROTC tracks, scholarship opportunities, and the specific requirements involved in joining these programs.
Mars Hill University welcomes transfer students for the fall, spring, and summer terms. The institution recognizes credits from various sources, including CLEP subject and general exams as well as DANTES, facilitating credit transfer for qualifying applicants. Prospective transfers can submit recommendations as part of their application process, reflecting the university's openness to considering additional evaluative materials. Overall, Mars Hill University supports credit acceptance from previous coursework, easing the transition for transfer students seeking to continue their education there.
Mars Hill University offers a variety of study abroad opportunities designed to enrich the academic and cultural experiences of its students. These programs include short-term faculty-led trips, semester-long exchanges, and summer sessions in multiple international destinations. Students have the opportunity to engage deeply with different cultures while earning academic credit applicable to their majors.
The university facilitates programs in locations across Europe, Asia, and Latin America, allowing participants to immerse themselves in diverse environments. These options accommodate different academic calendars and personal preferences, ranging from intensive, focused study tours to longer, semester-based programs.
In addition to group study abroad experiences, Mars Hill University supports independent study abroad plans that students can tailor according to their academic goals, provided they receive faculty approval. The university provides advising services to help students select programs that best align with their educational and career aspirations.
Percent of students submitting ACT scores
20%Percent of students submitting SAT scores
9%High school completions
General Educational Development (GED) requiredComputer required
NoComputer purchase/lease plan is available in the institution
Data not availableSecondary school GPA
RequiredSecondary school rank
Data not availableSecondary school record
RequiredCompletion of college-preparatory program
RecommendedRecommendations
Data not availableFormal demonstration of competencies
Data not availableAdmission test scores
RecommendedTOEFL (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 availableStudy abroad
YesWeekend/evening college
YesStudent 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, Summer