Admission Information

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Through the admissions process, Notre Dame of Maryland University attempts to determine the intellectual potential and growth of each student. A student’s academic record, high school and/or college curriculum, and standardized test scores are good indicators of these qualities. However, the process also includes a close review of the student’s special interests, talents, letter of recommendation, the admission essay or writing sample, and information from the personal interview.

Traditional Undergraduate College or College of Adult Undergraduate Studies?

Although many degrees and Majors are offered through both the Traditional Undergraduate College and the College of Adult Undergraduate Studies (CAUS), there are significant differences in their populations and scheduling. To determine whether the Traditional Undergraduate College or CAUS is the most appropriate for you, see the college descriptions under Academic Information.

Applying to the Traditional Undergraduate College

A strong college preparatory program in high school is the best preparation for success at Notre Dame of Maryland University. Therefore, the Admissions Committee places the greatest emphasis on the type and strength of courses completed and the grades earned. Accepted students usually rank in the top half of their class. Applicants are required to be prospective graduates of a high school accredited by the regional association of the College Board or of an approved home school program. A minimum of 18 academic units distributed as follows is required:

English - 4 units
Foreign Language - 2 units
Mathematics, College Preparatory - 3 units
Science - 3 units
History - 2 units
Electives - 4 units

The Admissions Committee may accept a student who lacks one or more of the stated requirements, but whose high school record and standardized testing show academic ability.

For more specific information regarding admission to the Traditional Undergraduate College, go to our page Applying to the Traditional Undergraduate College.

Transfer/Adult Learners: Applying to the Traditional Undergraduate College or College of Adult Undergraduate Studies

Notre Dame of Maryland University welcomes applications from qualified transfer students and first-time and returning adult learners. Notre Dame of Maryland University will recognize and accept transfer credit and conferred degrees from colleges and universities who are accredited by the following Accrediting Bodies:

Middle States Commission on Higher Education
New England Association of Schools and Colleges
Higher Learning Commission
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
Western Association of Schools and Colleges
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission

Courses evaluated by NDMU for credit earned from regionally accredited institutions will carry the grade earned at the institution where the courses were taken if the grading system used is comparable to NDMU's grading system. However, credits earned from foreign colleges and universities will carry the grade of "P." Technical and vocational credits are not accepted; credits for varsity sports are not accepted; credits from non-accredited institutions are not accepted; and credits from institutions that only have nationally recognized accreditation (meaning institutions that do not also hold accreditation from one of the six(6) accrediting bodies) are not accepted. The office of Academic Affairs, the University Registrar, and the Vice President for Enrollment Services share responsibility for the admission of transfer students and the acceptance of transfer credit as applicable toward the degree at NDMU.

Adult learners applying as first-time College students should possess a strong college preparatory high school record. This record will be reviewed along with a written essay to assess ability to succeed at NDMU. Adult students entering with no college credits may be required to take a placement exam. An interview with a transfer counselor (Traditional Undergraduate College) or an enrollment manager (College of Adult Undergraduate Studies) is highly recommended to assist prospective students through the application/acceptance process. Students holding a GED Certificate also are considered for admission (see minimum test scores in chart below). If applying with a GED, a score of 145 or higher on the GED is needed (Performance Level 2: Pass/High School Equivalency). Older GED scores will be reviewed individually.

Students applying to NDMU as transfer students must submit official transcripts of all college work completed. This academic record, along with a letter of recommendation (where required), resume (where required), and a written essay or writing sample, will be reviewed. (See Application Materials/Deadlines for details on admissions application requirements.)

Students applying as transfer students with fewer than 30 college credits will be asked to submit a high school transcript (students applying to the Traditional Undergraduate College will also be asked to submit SAT/ACT scores). A transfer applicant who holds an Associate Degree, or has more than 30 college credits with a minimum 2.5 Cumulative Grade Point Average, is typically granted admission. Students applying with a GED with a minimum score of 145 on each of the four subtests are also typically granted admission.

The Admissions Committee will evaluate the record of any applicant who presents a 2.0 to 2.49 Cumulative Grade Point Average for all college or high school work. The Committee evaluates a student’s record and all corresponding documents to determine academic potential and success at NDMU. A student with a Cumulative Grade Point Average below 2.0 or GED scores below 145 on any of the four subtests (GED 2014) will not be considered for admission.

As part of the application process, prospective transfer students have the opportunity for review of their courses for transfer equivalency and credit. This unofficial evaluation clarifies the coursework needed to complete degree requirements (an official evaluation is completed by the student's academic advisor upon entrance).

Students applying to the Traditional Undergraduate College dual-degree programs in engineering should refer to their respective Program of Study pages for additional admissions criteria. The Programs require students to complete the four-year degree in a three-year intensive Program of Study. Therefore, transfer students may enter these Programs of study up to, but not later than, the first semester of their sophomore year (completion of approximately 30 credits) and should confer with the Coordinator of these Programs of Study at the time of admission. Additional admissions criteria also exist for the Bachelor of Science in Radiological Science Program of Study.

All students seeking formal admission to the School of Education to become certified teachers are also subject to providing additional criteria (e.g., Praxis Exam, letters of reference, application, GPA of 3.2, formal interview/screening of writing and oral communications skills, e-portfolio review).

Transfer students are NOT eligible for participation in the 3+4 BA/Pharm.D. Program. This Program of Study is only open to students entering NDMU as freshmen. Transfer students interested in pursuing Pharmacy can discuss their options with their admissions counselor (e.g. finishing a bachelor degree and then applying to Pharmacy or completing the minimum pre-requisites to allow for admissions directly to the Pharmacy Program of Study).

For more specific information regarding admission as a Transfer or Adult Learner, go to our page Applying to the College of Adult Undergraduate Studies.

Applying as an International Student

The University values the contribution international students make to the NDMU community. International students should make preparations to apply for admission at least four months in advance of application deadlines. Due to the part-time nature of the College of Adult Undergraduate Studies, international students requiring an F-1 visa are not eligible for admission to this program.

International students must meet all requirements for admission to the University. (See Application Materials/Deadlines). In addition, international students must submit Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) scores (minimum score needed for admission is 550 on the written test and 173 on the computerized test or 80 on the IBT) and required financial documents which indicates ability to finance the student’s NDMU education.

An I-20 is issued only after the student has been accepted for admission. Students on an F-1 (student) visa are required, by Department of Homeland Security regulations, to take a minimum of 12 credits (full-time status) each semester. Federal financial aid programs are restricted to U.S. citizens and permanent residents. International students may compete for academic and achievement scholarships awarded on the basis of academic performance and merit (excluding athletic ability/participation). To qualify for academic scholarships, international students must take the SAT Reasoning Test (SAT) or the American College Test (ACT) in addition to the TOEFL (see test information).

A Student Visa (F-1 status) is required of most students who wish to study in the United States. Students should not enter the United States on a Tourist Visa hoping to change their visas to an F-1 while here.

For more specific information regarding admission as an International Student, go to our page for International Students.

Becoming A Notre Dame Student

Upon acceptance to NDMU, Traditional Undergraduate College applicants (full-time students) will receive information on possible scholarships and once the FAFSA is filed (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), all students receive information on their financial aid package which shows need-based financial aid if the student has filed all necessary financial aid documents.

Once a decision has been made to attend NDMU, students in the Traditional Undergraduate College will be asked to submit a non-refundable deposit. Students in the Traditional Undergraduate College should be advised spaces in the incoming class are not guaranteed until the deposit is received. Enrollment places are reserved chronologically, according to deposit date. The deposit is $300. NDMU abides by the National Candidate’s Reply Date of May 1.

Once admitted to the College of Adult Undergraduate Studies, students will be assigned an academic advisor. Student should meet with their academic advisor (faculty in the department or professional advisor) to discuss their Program of Study and transfer credits (if applicable) as well as register for courses. If students will not begin studies in the semester following admission, they should contact the CAUS Office as to their academic plans and their actual start date.

Notre Dame of Maryland University endeavors to enroll students who show academic promise and support our mission. Successful students will achieve academic growth while contributing to our inclusive and compassionate community through active participation. The Office of Admissions reserves the right to rescind an offer of admission if:

a student's academic performance diminishes in high school or the college from which they are transferring; or
a student engages in social behavior in or out of school that the University deems inappropriate or counter to our stated mission or values.

All new students are required to participate in an orientation program prior to the start of classes. This Program enables students to meet one another; meet their academic advisor; learn about academic policies, support services and degree programs; complete all practical matters pertaining to the start of classes; and learn about all aspects of life at NDMU. Information on the Orientation Programs is sent to students during the admissions process.

Matriculant and Non-Matriculant Status

A matriculant is a student who is officially admitted to the University as a candidate for a degree or academic credential in a particular Program of Study. Formal admission to the University is required to become a matriculant. Full-time students in the Traditional Undergraduate College must maintain continuous study in order to retain their matriculant status, unless they obtain an official Leave of Absence. Part-time students in the Traditional Undergraduate College or the College of Adult Undergraduate Studies (CAUS) must complete a minimum of one course each academic year to maintain their matriculant status. (See Academic Regulations for policies on Leave of Absence or Withdrawal.)

Non-matriculants are students who have not been formally admitted as degree candidates but who are registered for courses either full-time or part-time, for academic credit or audit. Adult students in the Traditional Undergraduate College and students in CAUS may enter Notre Dame as non-matriculants. The same tuition and fees apply to non-matriculants as to matriculants. Non-matriculants are not eligible for financial aid and must apply for admission to the University upon completion of no more than 18 credits.

The Catalog in effect at the time the student is formally admitted (matriculated) to NDMU contains the Academic Policies and Program of Study requirements under which the student will graduate.

Full-time/Part-time Student Status

Traditional Undergraduate College students enrolled in 12 or more credits are considered full-time and must pay full-time tuition and fees. Traditional Undergraduate College students enrolled in 11 credits or fewer are considered part-time and will pay the part-time, per credit fees as listed under Tuition and Fees. Students in the Traditional Undergraduate College may attend either on a full-time or part-time basis.

The College of Adult Undergraduate Studies is designed as a part-time program and is not normally designed to accommodate a full-time credit load. Students enrolled in 11 credits or fewer are considered part-time and will pay the part-time, per-credit fee as listed under Tuition and Fees. Under unusual circumstances, CAUS students may carry a load of more than 11 credits.

Conditional Admission

Applicants whose files lack official transcripts or official international course evaluations may be considered for conditional admission to Notre Dame of Maryland University by submitting unofficial documents at the time of application.

Students who have their final coursework in progress to complete a required degree for admission may also apply to be conditionally admitted. These students would need to submit unofficial or official transcripts showing final coursework in progress at the time of application. Prior to beginning their first term they would have to show final official transcripts with a degree conferral date or a letter from the registrar of their previous institution. This letter must include the students full name, course of study, final cumulative gpa, and degree conferral date.

All conditionally admitted students will also be required to maintain satisfactory academic progress requirements (https://ndm.edu/admissions-aid/financial-aid/how-keep-it/policies/satisfactory-academic-progress) during their first term, and submit any outstanding official documents prior to the end of their first term. Until all required official documents have been received, an administrative hold will be placed on the students account. This hold will block future registration beyond their first term.

Readmission

Notre Dame of Maryland University does not automatically readmit a student who has Withdrawn or has not taken at least one course within an academic year. The student must file an Application for Readmission along with the application fee. The student must submit an official transcript reflecting work taken at other institutions of higher education since leaving NDMU, as well as Catalog information on those courses.

All scholarships, awards, and Notre Dame grant funding originally offered to student seeking readmission are no longer valid. The Catalog in effect at the time the student is readmitted contains the policies and requirements under which the student will graduate.

Veteran Student Readmissions Policy

Notre Dame of Maryland University complies with requirements for readmission of veterans as defined in the “Higher Education Opportunity Act.”

In part, the Act states that:

“A person who is a member of, applies to be a member of, performs, has performed, applies to perform, or has an obligation to perform, service in the uniformed services shall not be denied readmission to an institution of higher education on the basis of that membership, application for membership, performance of service, application for service, or obligation.”

IN GENERAL — Any student whose absence from an institution of higher education is necessitated by reason of service in the uniformed services shall be entitled to readmission to the institution of higher education if:

the student (or an appropriate officer of the Armed Forces or official of the Department of Defense) gives advance written or verbal notice of such service to the appropriate official (registrar or VA coordinator) at the institution of higher education;
the cumulative length of the absence and of all previous absences from that institution of higher education by reason of service in the uniformed services does not exceed five years; and
“except as otherwise provided” in the Act, “the student submits a notification of intent to re-enroll in the institution of higher education. This intent to enroll should be sent directly to the VA Coordinator (registrar’s office).”
Any student providing the requisite documentation of eligibility and readmitted to Notre Dame under the terms of the statute will return with the same academic status as when last in attendance."

Service members separating from the military under certain conditions are not eligible for readmission under the terms of the Higher Education Opportunity Act. Those individuals may seek return to the University under the academic policies applicable to all students.

Veterans wishing to be readmitted should complete readmission (available through the Admissions Office), submit official transcripts from any educational institution at which courses were taken since last enrolled at NDMU, and contact the Veteran’s Coordinator in the Registrar’s Office by submitting an intent to enroll form.