Undergraduate Students | Franklin University

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Undergraduate Admission Requirements

A student who meets at least one of the following criteria is eligible for admission as a degree-seeking student:

Has provided official documentation of graduation from an accredited high school or its equivalent (see Documentation Required below), or
Has an associate, bachelor or master’s degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education, an institution recognized as a candidate for accreditation, or an institution recognized by the Council of Higher Education Accreditation

Documentation Required

Documentation of high school graduation or equivalence - required for applicants who are transferring fewer than 24 semester hours that apply towards a Franklin degree.
If the student has transferable hours of 24 credit hours or more from a regionally accredited institution of higher education, then they will not have to provide a high school diploma or equivalence. Acceptable forms of documentation of high school graduation or high school equivalence for undergraduate admission must include one of the following:

Official high school transcript listing the date of graduation
Official GED certificate
Official documentation of having passed a State High School Equivalency examination
Official documentation of a home school completion certificate/transcript
Official transcripts from all educational institutions (college, universities, professional schools, etc.) previously enrolled in, regardless if credit was earned.

A student classified as degree seeking will not be permitted to register for courses until all transcripts are received and placement tests completed (see specific requirements under “Placement Testing”).

Admission Process

Admission procedures should be started early to maximize scheduling options and financial planning. Learn more about the undergraduate admission process.

English Language Proficiency Requirements

Prospective students must demonstrate English Language Proficiency. The requirement is met through any of the following:

The applicant is a citizen of a country where English is the official language.
he applicant has received a bachelor’s degree (or higher) from an institution located in an English-speaking country in which the courses were taught in English.
The applicant has earned appropriate scores on language proficiency exams taken within the last two years, as listed below.

Undergraduate face-to-face: Students must earn a minimum overall TOEFL score of 500 (paper-based), 60 (Internet-based), 5.5 IELTS, ACCUPLACER ESL 259, or Cambridge 160 with at least the following scores on each of the exam subsections. Prior to registration, students will be given a language placement exam to determine whether ESL studies are required.

	TOEFL	IELTS	ACCUPLACER	Cambridge English Scale
Reading	15/30	5.5	85	160
Writing	15/30	5.5	4	160
Listening	15/30	5.5	85	160
Speaking	5/30	5.5	85	160

Global or Online International students must take Reading Comprehension and Writing placement exams.

Students must earn a minimum overall TOEFL score of 550 (paper-based) /79 (Internet-based), 6.5 IELTS, ACCUPLACER ESL® 105, or Cambridge 180 with at least the following scores on each of the exam subsections.

	TOEFL	IELTS	ACCUPLACER	Cambridge English Scale
Reading	20/30	6.5	100	180
Writing	20/30	6.5	5	180

ACCUPLACER Assessments for Admission

Prospective students may demonstrate English language proficiency through the ACCUPLACER ESL® examinations administered by Franklin University. The ACCUPLACER ESL® suite of examinations are internet-based, computer-adaptive assessments designed to properly assess students’ English language competencies.
Testing fees and any related administrative or proctor fee will be assessed for the administration of the
ACCUPLACER examinations. Students are also responsible for all fees incurred for retake examinations.
Students who do not meet the minimum score requirements may retake the examination(s) once within a two-week period. Subsequent examination retakes will be considered after a three month waiting period. Passing scores will remain valid with Franklin University for a period of two years.
All ACCUPLACER examinations must be administered by an approved proctor that meets specific criteria, as defined by our proctor expectations. An alternative to finding a proctor in your area is Virtual, an online proctoring service, approved by ACCUPLACER. For additional information, contact the Office of International Students and Programs.

Time

Cost

Completion

Notes

How long will it take?

On average, you can complete our online application in about 20 minutes.
Once submitted, we’ll process your application within 48 hours.

How much will it cost?
Applying to Franklin is free and we accept applications year-round.

How will I know it’s complete?
One of our admissions advisors will contact you by phone or email.
We’ll also email you a username, password, and link to log into our MyTools applicant system so you can track your progress throughout the admission process.

Notes & Tips
To ensure you have ample time to complete the admission process, we recommend submitting your application at least 6 weeks prior to the term in which you want to start classes.

Start Your Franklin Application

Transfer Your Credits

Going back to school doesn't mean starting over.

We know that the more credits you transfer, the less time and money it takes for you to earn your degree. That's why we look at every available option to help you finish faster and spend less. Today, 90% of Franklin undergraduates transfer college credits from at least one other institution. There are also a number of other ways to maximize your transfer credit, including leveraging your previous work experience and training.

To help you get started, here’s a look at the official transcripts we'll need, based on your current level of education.

With your consent, we can attempt to request transcripts on your behalf. If we are unable to obtain a transcript for you, an admissions advisor will contact you to provide details on which transcripts you will need to request.

No College Experience

If you have not attended an accredited college or university, send us your official high school transcript or GED certificate.

High School Transcripts
Since many high schools are closed or short-staffed over the summer, it may be more difficult to get your transcript during that time period. For that reason, we recommend that you set aside additional time to obtain your transcripts. Please be aware that some high schools may not be able to process transcript requests in June or July.

You can expect to spend $3 to $10 for your high school transcript. Please allow 7-10 days for your transcript to arrive at Franklin. There is no cost for us to receive and evaluate your transcript.

Franklin accepts electronic transcripts from other institutions and from third-party transcript providers. In both cases, electronic transcripts must be emailed from the provider directly to transcripts@franklin.edu. Electronic transcripts sent from the applicant will not be accepted as official.

Your official transcripts can also be sent through the mail directly from the provider to:

Submit official, sealed transcripts to:
Franklin University
ATTN: Office of Transfer and Articulation
201 S. Grant Ave.
Columbus, OH 43215-5339

Less than 60 Credits to Transfer

If you have some college experience, but will not be transferring at least 60 credits from an accredited college or university to Franklin, please provide us with both your high school and college transcripts.

College Transcripts
To maximize your potential for transfer credit, be sure to send us the official, sealed transcripts from all of the colleges or universities where you have registered for courses. Most colleges and universities have an Office of the Registrar or Office of Records, which is the department responsible for maintaining student transcripts, record, and enrollment status. Contact your previous school's registrar's office to request that your official transcript be sent directly to us.

High School Transcripts
When acquiring your high school transcript, please note that many high schools are closed or short-staffed over the summer, so it may be more difficult to get your transcripts during that time period. For that reason, we recommend that you set aside additional time to obtain your transcripts. Please be aware that some high schools may not be able to process transcript requests in June or July.

You can expect to spend $3 to $10 for your high school transcript. Please allow 7-10 days for your transcript to arrive at Franklin. There is no cost for us to receive and evaluate your transcript.

Submission

Franklin accepts electronic transcripts from other institutions and from third-party transcript providers. In both cases, electronic transcripts must be emailed from the provider directly to transcripts@franklin.edu. Electronic transcripts sent from the applicant will not be accepted as official.

Your official transcripts can also be sent through the mail directly from the provider to:

Franklin University
ATTN: Office of Transfer and Articulation
201 S. Grant Ave.
Columbus, OH 43215-5339

Note: If your transcripts are from post-secondary institutions located outside the U.S., please submit them to an approved third-party transcript evaluation agency. Once the agency has completed the evaluation of your transcripts, have your official evaluation submitted to the Office of Transfer and Articulation. Your transcript evaluation also must include a course-by-course evaluation, including a GPA calculation.

More than 60 Credits to Transfer

If you have some college experience, and will be transferring at least 60 credits from an accredited college or university to Franklin, please provide us with your college transcript(s).

College Transcripts
To maximize your potential for transfer credit, be sure to send us the official, sealed transcripts from all of the colleges or universities where you have registered for courses. Most colleges and universities have an Office of the Registrar or Office of Records, which is the department responsible for maintaining student transcripts, records, and enrollment status. Contact your previous school's registrar's office to request that your official transcript be sent directly to us.

You can expect to spend $3 to $10 per transcript. Please allow 7-10 days for your transcript to arrive at Franklin. There is no cost for us to receive and evaluate your transcript.

Franklin accepts electronic transcripts from other institutions and from third-party transcript providers. In both cases, electronic transcripts must be emailed from the provider directly to transcripts@franklin.edu. Electronic transcripts sent from the applicant will not be accepted as official.

Your official transcripts can also be sent through the mail directly from the provider to:

Franklin University
ATTN: Office of Transfer and Articulation
201 S. Grant Ave.
Columbus, OH 43215-5339

Note: If your transcripts are from post-secondary institutions located outside the U.S., please submit them to an approved third-party transcript evaluation agency. Once the agency has completed the evaluation of your transcripts, have your official evaluation submitted to the Office of Transfer and Articulation. Your transcript evaluation also must include a course-by-course evaluation, including a GPA calculation.

Associate Degree or Higher

If you have earned an associate degree or higher from an accredited college or university, please provide us your college transcripts.

College Transcripts
To maximize your potential for transfer credit, be sure to send us the official, sealed transcripts from all of the colleges or universities where you have registered for courses. Most colleges and universities have an Office of the Registrar or Office of Records, which is the department responsible for maintaining student transcripts, records, and enrollment status. Contact your previous school's registrar's office to request that your official transcript be sent directly to us.

You can expect to spend $3 to $10 per transcript. Please allow 7-10 days for your transcript to arrive at Franklin. There is no cost for us to receive and evaluate your transcript.

Franklin accepts electronic transcripts from other institutions and from third-party transcript providers. In both cases, electronic transcripts must be emailed from the provider directly to transcripts@franklin.edu. Electronic transcripts sent from the applicant will not be accepted as official.

Your official transcripts can also be sent through the mail directly from the provider to:

Franklin University
ATTN: Office of Transfer and Articulation
201 S. Grant Ave.
Columbus, OH 43215-5339

Note: If your transcripts are from post-secondary institutions located outside the U.S., please submit them to an approved third-party transcript evaluation agency. Once the agency has completed the evaluation of your transcripts, have your official evaluation submitted to the Office of Transfer and Articulation. Your transcript evaluation also must include a course-by-course evaluation, including a GPA calculation.

Time

Cost

Completion

Notes

How long will it take?
Once we’ve received all your transcripts, we’ll complete our official evaluation within three weeks. Please allow an 7-10 days for processing and delivering of your transcripts from other institutions to us.

How much will it cost?
There are no costs or fees related to us requesting, receiving and evaluating your transcripts, however, other institutions (colleges and high schools) may charge a processing fee when you request a transcript. Typically, that cost is between $3 and $10 per transcript.

How will I know it’s complete?

We’ll email your official Franklin transfer credit evaluation once we’ve processed all your transcripts.
You may log into Franklin’s MyTools applicant system to get real-time updates on your transcript information.

Notes & Tips

In order for us to accept your transcripts, please complete our free, online application.
Once you submit your application, you will receive a form that you will need to complete that grants us permission to obtain transcripts on your behalf. Transcripts will be requested at no cost to you.
When requesting your own transcripts, please be sure that they are sent to us in an official sealed envelope, stamped with ink to verify that the document has not been altered or request that your transcripts be sent electronically to transcripts@franklin.edu
Expect us to process your transcripts once we’ve received all of them.
We/You will not be able to request transcripts from institutions in which you have a financial hold.

See How Many of Your Credits Transfer

Identify Your Financing Options

Minimize the out-of-pocket expense of your degree.

It's important to think about your financing options early in the admission process. Financing your education can include options such as federal financial aid, employer tuition reimbursement, school funding programs for active military and veterans, as well as a variety of Franklin scholarships and grants.

To find out if you're eligible for federal financial aid, complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) online application. Be sure to include Franklin University’s FAFSA code, 003046.

Learn how the cost of a degree at Franklin University will impact your finances with our cost estimate calculator. From funding sources to education expenses, you’ll get a comprehensive view of the variables that can alter the bottom line.

Time

Cost

Completion

Notes

How will I know it’s complete?

It depends on how you decide to pay for your education. Be sure to have early conversations about your options with your admissions advisor to determine your best course of action.
If applying for federal financial aid, your application will likely be processed within a few days of submission.

How much will it cost?
There are no costs or fees associated with applying for financial aid, scholarships or grants.

How will I know it’s complete?
Knowing when you've secured financing will depend on how you decide to pay for your education. If you applied for financial aid, then receiving, reviewing and submitting your financial aid award letter will mean you've completed the process.

You can log into our MyTools applicant system to check the status of the documents required for financial aid.

Regardless of how you decide to pay for your education, payment for your first term is due on the first day of classes.

Notes & Tips
If applying for financial aid, be sure complete your application at least 2-3 weeks before the start of your first class so we can process funding before your payment is due.

Federal & State Financial Aid Scholarships & Grants Military & Veteran Benefits Other Financing Options Cost Estimate Calculator

Complete the Admission Process

Prepare for your success as a Franklin student.

Your success as a student is important to us, so we want to be sure you start off on the right foot. Depending on your academic background, visa status or intended program, there could be additional paperwork or steps needed before you can register for classes. Your admissions advisor will work closely with you to ensure you've completed each of the steps necessary to be accepted into Franklin University.

Additional requirements could include the following:

Placement Tests

Once you receive your official transcript evaluation from us, we will determine if there are any additional placement tests that you need to complete.

If you do not have prior college credit, you likely need to complete placement tests for writing, English and math.
If you have prior college credit, your admissions advisor will help identify areas in which you may need to take placement tests.

In either case, your admissions advisor will walk you through which test you need to take. We’ll contact you by email with instructions on how and where to take your placement exams. While testing services are available at our main campus, we’ll work with you to find an approved testing facility in your area, regardless of where you live.

There is no cost to take initial placement tests. There is a $15 cost to retake any test. If you do not live near Franklin’s downtown Columbus campus, you will need to take your placement test(s) at an approved testing facility in your area. These locations may charge a $25 fee per appointment.

If you perform well on your placement tests, you may be able to skip one or more basic math and English classes, which will save you time and money. Because we’re committed to your success, we also provide descriptions and study guides for each test. Be sure to take advantage of these useful tools and set aside time to prepare for your tests.

Finalizing Financing

Since payment for your first term is due on the first day of classes, we recommend that you finalize all your financing options before registering for classes. Your admissions advisor can help make sure that all your payment options are in place.

Payment Options
Our convenient online tuition payment service allows you to pay for each trimester in full, or with monthly payments. Payments may be made by credit card, or direct from your checking or savings account.

Employer Tuition Reimbursement
If your employer is assisting with your tuition, they can make payments directly to the University, or reimburse you once they’ve received your final grade(s) at the end of each trimester.

Technical Credit

Technical credits are credits you've earned through previous college coursework, work experience and/or other training, and are a requirement for some of the programs at the University. In some cases, additional steps may be needed to ensure that your work and training experience match your chosen program's requirements.

Programs that require technical credits include:

Applied Management
Energy Management
Entrepreneurship
Interactive Media Design
Logistics Management
Nursing (RN-BSN)
Public Safety Management & Leadership

Credit By Exam

As you prepare to become a Franklin student, you may want to consider our Credit by Exam offerings. These examinations give you an opportunity to earn credit for knowledge you already possess, without the need to take the class. These exams can help to accelerate your academic progress, saving you both time and money.

We offer a variety of examinations for credit, including the nationally recognized College Level Examination Program (CLEP), DSST credit by exams, and the Franklin University Proficiency Examinations (FUPE).

Disciplines include:

Accounting: Financial accounting, managerial accounting
Business: Introduction to business, business law, principles of management, business ethics
Communication: College composition, public speaking, technical writing
Computer Science: Spreadsheets, databases, introduction to computer science & object-oriented programming, principles of computer organization, principles of computer networks, database management systems
Finance: Principles of finance, money and banking
Economics: Microeconomics, macroeconomics
General Education: Humanities, history, science
Human Resources: Human resources management
Mathematics: Algebra, statistics, discrete mathematics, applied calculus, probability and statistics

Time

Cost

Completion

Notes & Tips

How long will it take?

Placement tests are typically scheduled within 3 days of contacting the testing facility. You can expect to complete each test in 1-3 hours.
Time needed to secure finances is dependent on your method of payment. If you've met the priority deadline for the trimester, you can expect federal financial aid to be completed within a few days after you've submitted your FAFSA application.
Verifying work experience for transfer credit may require additional time. Be sure to have conversations with your admissions advisor to determine your best course of action.
Credit By Exam test times vary by examination. Time limits typically range from 90 minutes to 3 hours.

How much will it cost?

There are no costs or fees associated with finalizing financing or technical credit.
Credit By Exam fees vary by examination provider, although fees usually range from $40 per credit hour to $100 per examination.

How will I know it’s complete?

Results of your placement tests are available shortly after completion. You also can log into our MyTools applicant system to see which tests you still need to complete.
Knowing when you've secured financing will depend on how you decide to pay for your education. If you applied for financial aid, receiving your financial aid award letter will mean you've completed the process.
Knowing when you've completed the technical credit requirements for a select program is dependent on your specific work and training experience. Be sure to have conversations with your admissions advisor to ensure you’ve completed this step.
For many Credit By Exam tests, you’ll receive your score report immediately following the exam. Others may take longer since they may require manual grading.

Notes & Tips
If you need to take placement tests, be sure to prepare. Placement tests can be difficult, and a poor performance could delay the time it takes for you to begin your coursework. Fortunately, our testing center provides descriptions and study guides for each exam so be sure to take advantage of these study resources.

Plan ahead. Be sure to talk to your academic advisor to incorporate the Credit By Exam tests into your academic plan.

Study guides and exam prep materials for Credit By Exam tests are available for every exam. Be sure to prepare as poor performance may result in a delay in your academic progress. Depending on the test vendor, a repeat test may not be available to you for 90 to 180 days.

Register For Classes

We'll help you get started.

Your registration appointment is a critical step in the process, giving you the opportunity to select the courses you would like to take during your first term, get final questions answered, and start your Franklin experience in the best possible way. If you live close to our downtown Columbus campus, you can attend your registration appointment in person. Or, if you prefer, you may have your appointment over the phone.

We know you're busy and need flexible scheduling options. That's why our admissions advisors are available over lunch, during the evenings, and even some Saturdays.

During your appointment, your admissions advisor will help you register for classes. Once complete, you’ll have a clear picture of your first-term schedule. You’ll also receive your registration statement detailing the courses you've chosen, payment balance, as well as your Franklin email address, and the login information to our online student portal.

Time

Cost

Completion

Notes & Tips

How long will it take?
Once you're accepted, your registration appointment will be scheduled as soon as possible. Appointments are typically scheduled a few days after you've completed the steps needed to register for classes. The appointment usually lasts about an hour.

How much will it cost?
There is a $25 fee when you register for classes, but this can be waived by attending one of our Open Houses. This fee is added to your tuition payment invoice.

How will I know it’s complete?
By the end of your appointment, you will be assigned an academic advisor who will serve as your personal resource throughout your entire duration as a Franklin student. Your academic advisor can provide you with additional information about the program you selected, University policies and other helpful details.

Notes & Tips
Get prepared for your registration appointment by making sure that your financing is secured. We also recommend that you make a list of any last-minute questions you may have.

Complete Orientation

Log in and get started. We'll help navigate.

We pride ourselves on providing innovative ways to help you reach your goals. Our online New Student Orientation takes just an hour to complete and is packed with information to help familiarize you with processes, policies and guidelines to be a successful student at Franklin.

Your orientation session will help you understand our unique approach to learning, as well as provide you with important resources and information to prepare you for your Franklin experience. Your admissions advisor will give you log in details following your registration appointment. You can access your orientation session 24 hours after your registration is processed.

Time

Cost

Completion

Notes

How long will it take?
Most students complete online orientation in about an hour.

How much will it cost?
There are no costs or fees associated with orientation.

How will I know it’s complete?
At the end of your orientation session, you’ll complete a simple quiz to make sure you clearly understand the information presented. Once you've completed the quiz, you’ve completed orientation.

Notes & Tips

New Student Orientation may be helpful for any undergraduate student who is new to the University, or is returning after an absence of a year or more.
We recommend that you complete your online orientation before the start of your first class.

Bachelor's Degrees

Hear What Our Bachelor's Degrees Graduates Are Saying

Kevin S.

B.S. Human Resources Management '16

"It was important for me to feel supported during my education. The 3+1 transfer program exceeded by expectations."

Tiphanie B.

B.S. Business Administration '20

“Achieving my degree is a goal I set many years ago. I am proud and excited to see the new opportunities this will lead me to on a new career journey.”

Juan B.

B.S. Business Administration '11

"Franklin taught me how to be a more effective leader. I learned I don't always have to be out in front and in charge to be a leader. Effective leaders identify the strengths of every person to advance the team."

Steve N.

B.S. Business Administration '20

“I am so happy and proud of this accomplishment. I am a first-generation college graduate."

Alexandra R.

B.S. Business Administration '20

“I feel like I now have the tools to being successful in everything that I do.”

Shelby S.

B.S. Middle Childhood Education '20

“I have grown so much as a person during my time with Franklin University.”

Michelle O.

B.S. Human Resources Management '15

"Franklin's course format helped me because the assignments were laid out for me and organized. I knew what I needed to complete and by when. It helped me with my time management and helped me to be successful."

Taylor A.

B.S. Human Resources Management '20

"This accomplishment has brought a sense of pride as well as confidence that I can do anything I set my mind to."

Sarah D.

B.S. Business Administration '20

“This accomplishment means everything to me. Being a single mom, working full time, and going to school definitely required a lot of faith, strength and dedication - but I did it!”

Andrea M.

B.S. Human Resources Management '20

“Receiving my degree is one of the happiest moments of my life, as it solidifies the hard work and time dedicated to achieving this throughout these years. I now look forward to the future and opportunities ahead of me.”

Chris R.

B.S. Human Resource Management

"Having this education from Franklin has really allowed me to be the successful, professional I am today and without it, I would not be where I am today for sure."

Find The Path To Your Undergraduate Degree

Institutionally Accredited

Competitive Cost

Convenient Classes

Apply Online

Transfer Your Credits

Going back to school doesn't mean starting over.

Identify Your Financing Options

Minimize the out-of-pocket expense of your degree.

Complete the Admission Process

Prepare for your success as a Franklin student.

Register For Classes

We'll help you get started.

Complete Orientation

Log in and get started. We'll help navigate.

Bachelor's Degrees

Hear What Our Bachelor's Degrees Graduates Are Saying

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