
710 William Carey Parkway, Hattiesburg, MS 39401, USA


William Carey University holds accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), ensuring that it meets rigorous standards of quality and effectiveness in higher education. This accreditation authorizes the university to award associate, baccalaureate, masters, and educational specialist degrees, which confirms the institution's capacity to deliver a comprehensive range of academic programs.
The university's accreditation by SACSCOC serves as an important benchmark for prospective students evaluating the institution's credibility and the transferability of credits. It also signifies that William Carey University undergoes regular review aimed at continuous improvement in areas such as academic quality, student support, and institutional governance.
In addition to regional accreditation, select programs at William Carey University may hold specialized accreditations, which underscore their adherence to discipline-specific standards, though specific program accreditations are to be verified separately by interested students.
William Carey University requires prospective students to have completed a General Educational Development (GED) certificate or an equivalent high school diploma. Submission of secondary school transcripts is mandatory, with a minimum GPA required for admission consideration. While class rank is suggested as part of the application, it is not compulsory. Applicants must provide admission test scores, including the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) for those needing to demonstrate English proficiency. Additional standardized tests may be recommended but are not strictly required. Letters of recommendation, evidence of certain competencies, and completion of college preparatory programs are encouraged to strengthen an application.
Open admission policies do not apply at William Carey University, reflecting its selective admission process. The university does not offer credit or dual credit programs that admit high school students ahead of graduation, though it does accept Advanced Placement (AP) credits, which can help accelerate progress toward degree completion.
The acceptance rate stands at approximately 58%, placing it in the lower tier relative to national admission rates. The average applicant presents an SAT score around 1150, which is considered average and places them near the median national percentile. Specifically, the mean SAT Math score is 545, while SAT Writing averages 605, indicating stronger performance in the writing component. The mean ACT score among admitted students is 25, positioning them slightly above the national average.
William Carey University requires prospective students to submit a nonrefundable application fee as part of their admission process. This fee is standard and must be paid to complete the application, ensuring that the university can process the submitted materials.
However, the university offers fee waivers under specific circumstances to reduce financial barriers for applicants. These waivers are typically granted to students who demonstrate financial need or participate in certain programs that collaborate with the university. Applicants interested in a fee waiver must provide appropriate documentation to verify their eligibility.
Prospective students should consult the admissions office for details regarding the application fee amount and the application process for obtaining a fee waiver. It is advisable to apply early to allow sufficient time for fee waiver requests to be reviewed and approved before deadlines.
William Carey University does not have its own ROTC branch unit on campus. Prospective students interested in ROTC programs would need to participate through a cooperating host institution, as there is no designated ROTC unit directly affiliated with the university.
William Carey University considers applicants with prior college coursework and has a moderate level of difficulty for admission. Prospective transfer students can submit credits earned through CLEP subject exams as well as those from the DANTES program. Additionally, the university accepts letters of recommendation as part of the application process.
William Carey University offers students several study abroad opportunities designed to enrich their academic experience through global exposure. These programs typically include short-term faculty-led trips that combine coursework with cultural immersion, allowing students to earn credit while exploring various international destinations. The university partners with several institutions overseas to facilitate semester-long or summer study options, enabling participants to engage deeply with a different academic environment and culture.
The available programs span a variety of disciplines, catering to diverse student interests and academic goals. They are structured to support experiential learning, often incorporating site visits, service projects, and interaction with local communities. These experiences aim to enhance students' intercultural competence, global awareness, and adaptability, which are valuable skills in today's interconnected world.
William Carey University also emphasizes accessibility and support for its study abroad participants by providing pre-departure orientations, advising services, and assistance with travel logistics. This comprehensive approach ensures that students are well-prepared and supported throughout their international education journey.
Median composite SAT score
1150Median composite ACT score
25Percent of students submitting ACT scores
86%Percent of students submitting SAT scores
4%High school completions
General Educational Development (GED) requiredComputer required
Data not availableComputer purchase/lease plan is available in the institution
NoSecondary school GPA
RequiredSecondary school rank
RecommendedSecondary school record
RequiredCompletion of college-preparatory program
RecommendedRecommendations
RecommendedFormal demonstration of competencies
RecommendedAdmission test scores
RequiredTOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language
RequiredOther 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
YesROTC-Army
ROTC branch unit at a cooperating host institutionROTC-Air Force
ROTC branch unit at a cooperating host institutionStudy 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
ModerateGenerally accepts credits
YesAccept ACE recommendation for credit
Data not availablePossible transfer
Data not available