Admissions

Northern Vermont University has a “rolling admissions” policy. We review applications throughout the year and, within two or three weeks of receiving the application and supporting credentials, an admissions decision will be made. We encourage students to apply by our priority date of February 1 to receive best consideration for admission and scholarships. In considering students for admission to NVU, the Admissions Office looks at a wide range of factors. We start by carefully evaluating each candidate’s academic preparation, as reflected in transcripts, course selection, letters of recommendation, and personal essay.

We recommend that students complete a college preparatory curriculum that includes:

• 4 years of English;
• 2 years of college-preparatory mathematics (3 years of college-preparatory mathematics including Algebra I, Geometry and Algebra II are strongly recommended);
• 3 years of social sciences;
• 2 years of science (one course with a lab).

Atmospheric Sciences and Exercise Sciences applicants are recommended to have taken pre-calculus and physics prior to enrolling at NVU.

First-Year Students

All candidates for admission who have not attended a college or university are considered to be First-Year students. To be considered for admission to NVU, First-Year students can apply electronically by using the Common Application at www.commonapp.org or via the NVU application at NorthernVermont.edu/Apply; a $50 application fee is also required. 

To be considered for admission, students must complete an application and submit the following materials:

• An official high school transcript or GED test scores;
• SAT or ACT test scores (optional);
• $50 non-refundable application fee;
• A 300- to 500-word essay;
• One letter of recommendation (preferably from a guidance counselor).

NVU considers each applicant on three main criteria: ability, character, and motivation. Therefore, the application process is holistic, with an emphasis on the candidate’s ability to perform college-level work and to be successful at NVU.

Home-Schooled Students

To be considered for admission to NVU, Home-Schooled students must apply electronically by using the Common Application at www.commonapp.org or via the NVU application at NorthernVermont.edu/Apply; a $50 application fee is also required. If applying online, the application fee can be paid with a credit card or electronic check through the secure Common Application online system.

All candidates for admission who have participated in a home schooling program must complete an application and submit the following materials.

• A Proof of Graduation*;
• SAT or ACT test scores (optional);
• $50 non-refundable application fee;
• A 300- to 500-word essay;
• One letter of recommendation (from someone other than a family member).

* Acceptable “Proofs of Graduation” include:

• Official GED test scores;
• A Certificate of Completion if the home schooling program is recognized by your home state;
• Report of annual approval of your program as required within your home state (an official transcript of any course work taken at a local high school is also required);
• High School Diploma (if area high school offers a diploma for home-schooled students).

NVU relies on the guidelines on home schooling put forth by the state in which the resident applies.

Students offered admission are required to deposit $200 by the preferred date of May 1. After May 1, this deposit is non-refundable.

Transfer Students

Transfer students should have a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least a 2.0. We accept credits from courses taken at regionally accredited institutions with a grade of C- or better. To be considered for admission, transfer students must complete an application at NorthernVermont.edu/Apply and submit the following materials:

• Official transcript(s) from all colleges previously attended with current Semester Progress Report;
• Official high school transcript or GED scores (waived for students transferring 18 or more credits);
• $50 non-refundable application fee (waived for students transferring from another VSC institution or who have at least 12 credits within the VSC)
• A 300- to 500-word essay;
• One letter of recommendation (preferably from an academic advisor or professor);
• College Official’s Report (included in application packet).

United States Armed Forces Institute (USAFI) courses and study completed at service schools will be credited as recommended by the American Council on Education in disciplines taught at NVU.

Non-Traditional Students

NVU is proud of its long tradition at its Johnson and Lyndon campuses of serving the adult and the non-traditional student.

An applicant who has been away from formal education for a year or more is considered a non-traditional student. Recognizing the diversity of academic and life experiences that such a student brings, the application process is highly individualized. Non-traditional students also must complete an application at NorthernVermont.edu/Apply and submit the following:

• Official high school transcript or GED test scores;
• $50 non-refundable application fee (waived for online applications);
• A 300- to 500-word essay;
• One letter of recommendation from a person who can speak to the applicant’s motivation and academic potential;
• Highly recommend: Personal interview with an admissions counselor.

Please note that employment experience, volunteer work, vocational or professional training can provide a substantial body of knowledge that may complement or substitute for formal college study. Therefore, students who are starting or returning to college after years of career and/or family life might be able to receive credit for prior learning and life experience through the Assessment of Prior Learning option offered at the Community College of Vermont (CCV). In cooperation with the Office of External Programs of the Vermont State Colleges, NVU awards credit for demonstrated competency from prior learning and life experience. Students enroll at the Community College of Vermont for the course Educational Assessment and Portfolio Preparation (EDU 12A40) where they document all activities related to college-level work. Please talk with an admissions counselor about any of these programs for non-traditional students.

Part-Time Students

Applicants for degree programs may enroll as part-time students in the regular session with fewer than 12 credit hours per semester. While NVU has no special rules regarding part-time degree candidates, financial aid (institutional, federal, and state) may be reduced when students take on less than full time schedules.

NVU Online

Northern Vermont University offers five 100% online degrees and one 90% online degree (that requires one meeting on campus) to help students reach their personal and professional goals in a flexible, affordable way. Academic advisors work with NVU Online students through either face-to-face or online advising. NVU Online students who live in or near Vermont and who enter the program with 60 or more college credits have the option to work with an advisor in person, at one of our regional Community College of Vermont centers. NVU Online also offers virtual advising for students such as those with fewer than 60 credits or who live outside the area. Regardless of the advising model students select, our NVU Online advisors will work closely with students to help map out a path to reach their educational goals.

Admission to the NVU Online Program offers multiple start dates for fall and spring semesters, which include two 7-week accelerated course modules. All NVU Online applicants must submit an application for admission, found at the NVU website at NorthernVermont.edu/Apply.  Along with the application, the following materials must be submitted for the application to be reviewed:

• Official transcripts from all colleges/ universities you have attended;
• High school transcript (If less than 18 college credits earned)
• If awarded credits for life experience, an official transcript from the Vermont State Colleges Office of External Programs;
• Resume (optional)

Most students enrolled in our 100% online degree programs pay in-state rates.

The in-state rate does not apply to courses that NVU Online students take from other Vermont State College institutions, or for non-Vermont students utilizing the face-to-face advising model or pursuing the hybrid B.S. in Early Childhood Education degree. The out-of-state rate is $1,011 per credit, $12,132 per semester.

Advanced Placement

Northern Vermont University will grant course credit to students who have completed examinations through the College Board’s Advanced Placement (AP) Program. A grade of 3 or higher must be achieved to receive credit for the corresponding academic course.

College-Level Examination Program

Northern Vermont University considers for credit the scores received on the College Level Examination Program (CLEP). Six credits may be given for each area of the General Examination on which a student scores satisfactorily. Three credits may be given for subject examinations on which a satisfactory score is achieved.

International Baccalaureate

Northern Vermont University recognizes the International Baccalaureate (IB) program and will award credit on an individual basis to students who pass with grades of 4 or above on higher-level exams (NVU does not award credit for standard level IB exams). It is not necessary to have completed the entire IB curriculum [the diploma] to qualify for transfer credit. Please submit an official IB transcript along with your application for admission.

Accepting the Offer of Admission

Students who have been accepted for the fall semester can reserve a space in the entering class and in the residence halls by submitting a $200 deposit by May 1 with an Intent to Enroll Form at NorthernVermont.edu/Pay-Your-Enrollment-Deposit. The deposit is non-refundable after May 1. Students applying for the fall semester who are accepted after May 1 should send in the deposit no later than two weeks after receiving notification of acceptance. Students accepted for the spring semester should send their deposit by December 1 or, if after December 1, no later than two weeks after receiving notification of acceptance and before registration. All admission deposits are credited to the student’s account for the semester of entrance to the University. Students who have paid the deposit will receive information regarding the next steps of enrollment process, including housing, class assignments, orientation, and student health documentation and insurance.

Housing Guidelines

Housing Guidelines: Unmarried students who are accepted to NVU as first-year students are required to live on campus for two academic years to the extent that campus housing is available. Those accepted as sophomores are required to live on campus for one academic year. Students whose permanent legal domiciles are within reasonable daily commuting distance or who are at least 23 years of age are exempted from living on campus. Exceptions due to extraordinary circumstances may be authorized by the Director of Residential Life. Any local student, or a student of junior or senior standing, who decides to live in a college residence must reside on campus for the full term of the housing contract, which is issued for a full academic year.

NVU Online students are not eligible to live on campus.

Good Neighbor and Regional (NEBHE) Awards

Northern Vermont University participates in two programs that offer a reduced tuition rate to eligible out-of-state students: the Good Neighbor Award and the Regional/NEBHE Award. Students eligible for either award save $6,500 on the out-of-state tuition rate. This award can also be combined with merit scholarships for students who demonstrate high academic achievement. Students can only receive one of these regional awards.

Good Neighbor Award

If you are an undergraduate student who is a resident of one of the following counties in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, or any province in Canada, you qualify for a tuition discount.

• Massachusetts: Berkshire, Franklin, Hampden, Hampshire
• New Hampshire: Belknap, Carroll, Cheshire, Coos, Grafton, Sullivan
• New York: (all counties)

Once enrolled, students receiving the Good Neighbor Award will continue to receive the discounted rate for up to eight semesters as long as they maintain continuous full-time enrollment during that time and remain in good academic standing.

New England Regional Student Program

This award provides a discount to students from specific states enrolled in specific majors, as noted below. These majors and the associated home states are determined by the New England Board of Higher Education. The most recent list of eligible majors and the home-state requirements for each follows. Note that this list changes periodically. Check with the Admissions Office to ensure your major is still eligible. Majors are campus specific. Campus is indicated next to degree name. Further information can be found at www.NEBHE.org.

Readmission to Northern Vermont University

Former students returning within one year of exiting need not reapply if an official Leave of Absence was granted by the Registrar’s Office. All other students seeking readmission are required to submit an application for readmission at NorthernVermont.edu/Apply.

The decision to re-admit a student is based on the circumstances of a student’s departure, which include a review of academic and financial standing with the institution. The Admissions Office will consider the recommendation of academic leaders and departments, and any financial and judicial actions.

International Students

Northern Vermont University is a welcoming and supportive community for students from all over the world. We’re happy that you are considering pursuing your college education with us, and we look forward to working with you.

Applying for Admission

Students from other countries may apply for admission into Associate’s and Bachelor’s degree programs at the university. To be considered for admission to Northern Vermont University, International students must apply electronically by using the Common Application at www.commonapp.org. There is a $50 application fee, which may be paid by credit card or electronic check through the secure Common Application online system.

In addition to the completed Common Application, international students must submit the following credentials in order to be considered for admission:

Academic Credentials

• Academic records in the original language and a certified English translation;
• Official secondary school transcripts and an official leaving certificate or diploma;
• Results of secondary external examinations, if applicable; and
• Official transcripts of any university-level studies already completed.

In order for NVU to consider accepting transfer credits from foreign institutions, students must have their post-secondary academic transcripts evaluated by an official foreign credential-evaluation service. Students are responsible for the credential evaluation and translation fees. A list of approved credential-evaluation services is available at www.edupass.org.

Proof of Proficiency in the English Language

Success at NVU, for all students, requires proficiency in reading, writing, and speaking English. For this reason, English Language Learner (ELL) students seeking admission to Northern Vermont University must demonstrate their proficiency by taking the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or Pearson tests.

Score Requirements for Undergraduate Applicants

• TOEFL score of 70 or better; IELTS score of 5.5 or better; or Pearson test score of 45 or better
• You may be required to expand your proficiency in English. Typically you will need to enroll in a two-semester sequence of ESL courses in writing, reading, grammar, listening, and speaking during your first year at NVU.
• Exceptions to the TOEFL requirement may be made for students who have had the opportunity to use spoken and written English for a sustained period of time either through life experiences or through post-secondary education.

Because of the time required to complete and process international student paperwork, students are recommended to apply by November 1 for the spring term and May 1 for the fall term.

For all students, success at Northern Vermont University requires proficiency in reading, writing and speaking English. For this reason, international students seeking admission must demonstrate their proficiency by taking the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or by taking the language proficiency test offered through the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Official TOEFL score or IELTS test scores must be sent directly to Northern Vermont University from the testing agency; photocopies of test results are not accepted. The TOEFL institutional code for Northern Vermont University is 3766. For information regarding the submission of IELTS scores, please contact the Admissions Office at Admissions@NVU.edu or 800-635-2356 (NVU-Johnson) or 800-225-1998 (NVU-Lyndon).

Applicants who score between 500 and 549 on the TOEFL paper-based test or 61 and 80 on the Internet-based TOEFL test, or whose IELTS scores are marginal, will need to improve their English proficiency if they are offered admission at NVU. Typically these students will be required to enroll in a sequence of ESL courses and/or tutorials for English language learners (ELLs) during their first year at NVU. These courses and tutorials focus on Academic English: the writing, reading, listening and speaking skills necessary for success in college.

Applicants who have had the opportunity to use spoken and written English for a sustained period of time either through life experiences or through post-secondary education may ask to be excused from taking the TOEFL or IELTS test. If these applicants are accepted at NVU, they may still be required to enroll in ESL coursework and/or ELL tutorials depending on their level of proficiency as determined by the ESL academic skills coordinator and the director of the Academic Advising & Career Center.

Financial Documentation

The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Bureau requires Northern Vermont University to obtain documentation from prospective international students demonstrating their ability to cover the cost of their NVU education. The cost of education includes tuition and fees, living expenses, and miscellaneous expenses such as books, supplies, health insurance, and other incidentals.

Each international student must demonstrate that he/she can meet these costs for the first year of study and, barring unforeseen circumstances, for subsequent years.

Demonstrating Your Ability to Pay for your NVU Education

• If you will be supported by your government or a sponsoring agency, you may submit an official copy of your sponsorship award letter.
• If you will be supported by a private benefactor (such as a relative or a business person), your sponsor must submit supporting documents demonstrating that sufficient funds are available to cover your educational expenses. Documents must bear an official seal or be printed on official letterhead. Examples of appropriate documents include:
  • A certified letter from a bank stating available funds
  • Official bank statements
  • Official tax documents
  • Official proof of personal or family savings

If support is to come from a sponsor within the United States, the sponsor should complete INS form I-134 (Affidavit of Support). You can find this form by going to www.uscis.gov/i-134.

Determining Your Ability to Pay

Use the following table to determine the amount for which you must demonstrate the ability to pay:

2018-19 Costs for Canadian & Other International Students

*Tuition for Canadian students is reduced through the “Good Neighbor” award program.

**All students at Northern Vermont University are required to have health insurance. If you can show proof of other health insurance, the cost of university insurance will be waived. This price is the cost for one year of health insurance during the academic year. It does not include coverage for dependents.

Northern Vermont University is required by federal law to verify the financial resources of all international students. International students must demonstrate that funds exist at least for the student’s first year of study and, barring unforeseen circumstances, that adequate funding will be available from the same or equally dependable sources for subsequent years. International applicants must complete the financial documentation form included in the International Application for Admission and supply official financial documents, on official letterhead or with an official seal, in support of the form.

Demonstrating Financial Support

International applicants may demonstrate financial support the following ways:

• If you will be supported by your government or sponsoring agency, you must submit an official copy of your sponsorship award letter.
• If you will be supported by private funds, your sponsor (e.g., parents, relatives, businesses or other benefactors) must complete the Foreign Student Certification of Finances and submit supporting documents demonstrating that sufficient funds are available to cover your expenses while studying in the U.S. If your sponsor is in the U.S., the sponsor also must complete INS form I-134 (Affidavit of Support), which is available at www.uscis.gov.

Appropriate documents for financial verification include:

• Official proof of personal or family savings;
• Bank-issued certified letters stating available funds;
• Official bank statements;
• Bank books; and
• Official tax documents.

Outside Sources of Funding

Northern Vermont University College encourages international students to seek financial assistance through outside sources and sponsors. The following websites provide detailed information on financial aid for foreign students:

• eduPASS: www.edupass.org;
• International Education Financial Aid: www.iefa.org;
• NAFSA: www.nafsa.org.

Letter of Recommendation

International applicants must submit a letter of recommendation from someone who is not related to them. A letter from an academic advisor or professor is preferred. The advisor or professor may complete the College Instructor Evaluation form of the Common Application or write a letter.

Writing Sample & Signature Page

International applicants need to submit a 300- to 500-word essay with their application. The essay might explain the applicant’s reason for choosing NVU, or it can address another subject of the applicant’s choosing. Finally, applicants must include a page with their signature and printed name with their application.

Priority Deadlines

Northern Vermont University accepts and reviews applications for undergraduate study from international students on a year-round basis. However, we recommend that applicants submit their application materials by the following priority deadlines to give themselves ample time to arrange for immigration paperwork to be processed:

• Fall semester (August-December): May 1
• Spring semester (January-May): November 1

Accepting the Offer of Admission

Applicants will be notified of our decision within three to four weeks of receipt of their completed application and supporting documentation. Upon acceptance to Northern Vermont University, a $1,500 deposit is required. NVU will issue INS Form I-20 (issued by the U.S. Immigration & Naturalization Services) upon receipt of the deposit. This form allows international students to apply to the U.S. embassy in their country for an F-1 student visa, which is needed to enter the U.S.

For More Information

More information about obtaining a student visa is available at www.uscis.gov. The U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services website at www.uscis.gov provides information about other immigration-related topics as well. The International Student Advisor in the NVU Admissions Office is available to assist as well and can be reached by emailing Admissions@NVU.edu or 800.635.2356 (NVU-Johnson) or 800.225.1998 (NVU-Lyndon).

Admission of English Language Learners from the U.S.

Northern Vermont University also encourages applications from U.S. residents whose first language is not English, because students from multicultural and international backgrounds and experiences enrich the campus academic community. In addition to completing the Common Application for admission to Northern Vermont University and following the instructions for applying (found in this Admissions section of the catalog), English Language Learners (ELLs) should be sure to request recommendation from their high school ESL teacher as well as their guidance counselor. Submission of TOEFL scores, while not required, is strongly encouraged.

Proof of Proficiency in the English Language

In order to succeed in college-level coursework and to participate fully in campus life, English Language Learners (ELLs) will need to continue to expand their proficiency in English upon admission to NVU. First-year ELLs are, therefore, typically required to enroll in a sequence of ESL courses and/or tutorials. These courses and tutorials focus on Academic English - the writing, reading, listening, and speaking skills necessary for students pursuing an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree. ELLs are assigned to this specialized, language-based coursework as determined by the ESL Academic Skills Coordinator and the Director of Advising on the NVU-Johnson campus.

Learning More about Northern Vermont University

In addition to completing a formal application to the University, prospective students are encouraged to schedule a visit to campus at www.NVU.edu/visit. Applicants who have any disability (physical or learning), or who have limited English proficiency, are encouraged to contact the Admissions Office so that special needs or accommodations can be made available where appropriate throughout the admissions process. Send questions by email to NVUadmissions@nvu.edu or call us at 800.635.2356 (NVU-Johnson) or 800.225.1998 (NVU-Lyndon).

Dual Enrollment Programs for High School Students

Northern Vermont University offers two programs for high school students who demonstrate the abilities and commitment to undertake college-level course work:  1) NVU Dual Enrollment Program and 2) Early College Program. Dual Enrollment options are designed for students who show significant talent in an academic area and who desire to challenge themselves on the post-secondary level. Typically, students in these programs will be permitted to register for first- or second-year college courses, on a seat-available basis.

Northern Vermont University Dual Enrollment Program

This program is available to juniors and seniors in high school, at least 16 years of age. Eligible students may take up to two free courses (8 college credits) between the end of their sophomore year and high school graduation. To be considered for admission to the Dual Enrollment Program, students must be enrolled full-time in high school or an approved home school program and must:

• Complete and submit the NVU Dual Enrollment Application;
• Submit at least one letter of recommendation from a guidance counselor, principal or teacher;
• Request to have a copy of the student’s high school or home school transcript sent to the program coordinator.

Early College Program

This program is designed for high school students at least 16 years of age, who wish to complete their senior year of high school and their first year of college simultaneously. Early College students may earn a maximum of 30 credits over two semesters, tuition-free. To be considered for admission in the Early College Program, students must be enrolled full time in high school or in an approved home school program and must:

• Complete the Early College Application, including the personal essay;
• Submit at least one letter of recommendation from their guidance counselor or home-school coordinator;
• Request to have a copy of their high school or home school transcript sent to the program coordinator;
• Submit the Assurance Form and Principal/Head Master Authorization Form; and
• Schedule an interview with the Early College Coordinator

Early College applicants must have the consent and cooperation of secondary school officials.