Addendum - Admissions
[Revised language to multiple subsections of Admissions, published 2020.10.30, updated 2021.01.05]
ADMISSIONS
Presentation College is known for its distinctive and outstanding academics, focusing on health and medical-related programs, professional staff and faculty, and individualized learning. The academic programs include classroom work and on-the-job experience gained through internships, externships, or supervised clinical practice.
Students will find a friendly and caring institution of higher learning. From the Board of Trustees to faculty members and staff, it is everyone’s goal to make the experience at Presentation College the best possible. Presentation College offers a dynamic and challenging atmosphere that fosters learning and growth at many levels: intellectual, personal, professional, and spiritual.
No student is denied admission to the College on the basis of gender, race, age, religion, marital or veteran status, national or ethnic origin, or disability. However, admission may be denied or withdrawn if admission requirements are not met, if false information is knowingly submitted, or if facts requested in the application process are intentionally concealed or withheld.
ADMISSION TO THE COLLEGE - UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMS
The following criteria are used to determine admission for various categories of students including First-Time Freshman, Home-School, Readmit, Transfer, Degree Completion, Unclassified, and International Students. Certain programs have additional specific criteria for admission. Refer to the respective section in this catalog for any additional requirements.
UNDERGRADUATE ADMISSION PROCESS AND REQUIREMENTS
New First-Time Freshmen
First-Time Freshmen must meet one of the following requirements:
- Completion of high school diploma.**
- Completion of General Educational Development (GED) and be 18 years of age or older to meet the compulsory school attendance requirement in South Dakota.
First-Time Freshmen must follow these steps to complete the process:
- Submit an application for admission found at www.presentation.edu/admission/apply/
- Request an official* high school transcript with a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.00 on a 4.00 scale, or an official* GED certificate with minimum cumulative score of 450.
- If the student is still attending high school, the transcript must include courses completed and courses in progress. Students must also arrange for a final transcript to be sent after graduation from high school with the graduation date posted.
- Students must request official ACT or SAT score(s), unless included on high school transcripts (ACT school code = 3918, SAT school code = 6582). Minimum test score requirements: an ACT composite score of 18 or above or a 970 minimum redesigned SAT score (testing date of March 2016 or later; combination of Reading/Writing and Math) or an 860 minimum old SAT score (testing date prior to March 2016; minimum scores of 440 in the critical reading section and 420 in the math section. Students who are unable to take the ACT or SAT due to COVID-19, please see test-optional admission addendum. In assessing ACT/SAT scores, the College uses the highest sub scores taken from multiple test dates and recalculates a new composite super score. This super score is used only for admission to the College and does not pertain to other institutional policies. Individuals who are 24 years of age or older are not required to take the ACT/SAT for admission. An ACT/SAT score may be a requirement for admission to individual programs.
- Submit the non-refundable application fee of $25
*Options for official transcript submission:
- Paper transcripts can be accepted as official provided they are either mailed or personally delivered to the Admissions Office in the original, sealed envelope from the school.
- Electronic transcripts can be accepted as official provided they are emailed directly from the school or are submitted via an electronic transcript service to the Admissions Office via the domain @presentation.edu
All records submitted, filed, and accumulated in the Admissions and Registrar's Offices become the property of the College.
Upon receipt of these items, the Admissions Office will notify applicants of acceptance, provisional acceptance, probationary acceptance, or denial of acceptance into the College.
[Updated 2021.01.05]: **The Admissions department may review the transcript for validity at their discretion. The Admissions department will consult with the Department of Education website for that particular state to ensure that the student graduated from an accredited high school.
Home-Schooled Students
Home-Schooled Students must meet one of the following requirements:
- Completion of high school diploma.**
- Completion of General Educational Development (GED) and be 18 years of age or older to meet the compulsory school attendance requirement in South Dakota.
Home-Schooled Students must follow these steps to complete the process:
- Submit an application for admission found at www.presentation.edu/admission/apply/
- Submit official* high school transcripts from the local home schooling guild or association school. If not available, primary educator-prepared transcripts, which detail course descriptions, proficiency levels, and textbooks used, are acceptable. Home-Schooled Students must have a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.00 on a 4.00 scale, or an official* GED certificate with minimum cumulative score of 450.
- If the student is still attending high school, the transcript must include courses completed and courses in progress. Students must also arrange for a final transcript to be sent after graduation from high school with the graduation date posted.
- Students must request official ACT or SAT score(s), unless included on high school transcripts (ACT school code = 3918, SAT school code = 6582). Minimum test score requirements: an ACT composite score of 18 or above or a 970 minimum redesigned SAT score (testing date of March 2016 or later; combination of Reading/Writing and Math) or an 860 minimum old SAT score (testing date prior to March 2016; minimum scores of 440 in the critical reading section and 420 in the math section. Students who are unable to take the ACT or SAT due to COVID-19 please see test-optional admission addendum. In assessing ACT/SAT scores, the College uses the highest sub scores taken from multiple test dates and recalculates a new composite super score. This super score is used only for admission to the College and does not pertain to other institutional policies. Individuals who are 24 years of age or older are not required to take the ACT/SAT for admission. An ACT/SAT score may be a requirement for admission to individual programs.
- Submit the non-refundable application fee of $25
*Options for official transcript submission:
- Paper transcripts can be accepted as official provided they are either mailed or personally delivered to the Admissions Office in the original, sealed envelope from the school.
- Electronic transcripts can be accepted as official provided they are emailed directly from the school or are submitted via an electronic transcript service to the Admissions Office via the domain @presentation.edu
All records submitted, filed, and accumulated in the Admissions and Registrar's Offices become the property of the College.
Upon receipt of these items, the Admissions Office will notify applicants of acceptance, provisional acceptance, probationary acceptance, or denial of acceptance into the College.
[Updated 2021.01.05]: **The Admissions department may review the transcript for validity at their discretion. The Admissions department will consult with the Department of Education website for that particular state to ensure that the student graduated from an accredited high school.
Readmit Students
Readmit Students must meet the following requirement:
- Seeking reentry to the college after one or more semester absent.
- Readmit students are subject to entrance requirements and major requirements as stated in the College Catalog in service at the time of reentry. Students who graduate from Presentation College with a prior degree or certificate and reenter the following semester are also required to reapply for admission to the College.
Readmit Students must follow these steps to complete the process:
- Submit an application for admission found at www.presentation.edu/admission/apply/
- Submit any official* college or university transcripts since last admission, whether or not credit was received. Readmit Students must have a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.00 on a 4.00 scale from their previous Presentation College transcript.
- Submit the non-refundable application fee of $25.
- Other requirements, if applicable.
*Options for official transcript submission:
- Paper transcripts can be accepted as official provided they are either mailed or personally delivered to the Admissions Office in the original, sealed envelope from the school.
- Electronic transcripts can be accepted as official provided they are emailed directly from the school or are submitted via an electronic transcript service to the Admissions Office via the domain @presentation.edu
All records submitted, filed, and accumulated in the Admissions and Registrar's Offices become the property of the College.
Upon receipt of these items, the Admissions Office will notify applicants of acceptance, provisional acceptance, probationary acceptance, or denial of acceptance into the College.
Transfer Students
Transfer Students must meet the following requirement:
- Have completed 24 or more college level credits at a previous college or university. College level credits do not include basic or remedial coursework.
- If a transfer student does not have 24 or more college credits they will be admitted as a first-time freshman, but have transfer status.
Transfer Students must follow these steps to complete the process:
- Submit an application for admission found at www.presentation.edu/admission/apply/
- Submit all official* college or university transcripts. Transfer Students must have a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.00 on a 4.00 scale once all transcripts are received.
- Submit the non-refundable application fee of $25
If students are currently enrolled at another institution, partial transcripts may be submitted and considered for provisional admission until the final official transcripts arrive. Please contact the Admissions Office regarding transcript evaluations. All credits attempted (except remedial courses) will be calculated into the admission GPA.
*Options for official transcript submission:
- Paper transcripts can be accepted as official provided they are either mailed or personally delivered to the Admissions Office in the original, sealed envelope from the school.
- Electronic transcripts can be accepted as official provided they are emailed directly from the school or are submitted via an electronic transcript service to the Admissions Office via the domain @presentation.edu
All records submitted, filed, and accumulated in the Admissions and Registrar's Offices become the property of the College.
Upon receipt of these items, the Admissions Office will notify applicants of acceptance, provisional acceptance, probationary acceptance, or denial of acceptance into the College.
Degree Completion Students
Degree Completion Students must meet the following requirement:
- Have completed an Associate’s degree or higher, and seeking to enter a baccalaureate program at Presentation College.
Degree Completion Students must follow these steps to complete the process:
- Submit an application for admission found at www.presentation.edu/admission/apply/
- Submit all official* college or university transcripts. Transfer Students must have a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.00 on a 4.00 scale once all transcripts are received.
- Submit the non-refundable application fee of $25
If students are currently enrolled at another institution, partial transcripts may be submitted and considered for provisional admission until the final official transcripts arrive. Please contact the Admissions Office regarding transcript evaluations. All credits attempted (except remedial courses) will be calculated into the admission GPA.
*Options for official transcript submission:
- Paper transcripts can be accepted as official provided they are either mailed or personally delivered to the Admissions Office in the original, sealed envelope from the school.
- Electronic transcripts can be accepted as official provided they are emailed directly from the school or are submitted via an electronic transcript service to the Admissions Office via the domain @presentation.edu
All records submitted, filed, and accumulated in the Admissions and Registrar's Offices become the property of the College.
Upon receipt of these items, the Admissions Office will notify applicants of acceptance, provisional acceptance, probationary acceptance, or denial of acceptance into the College.
Unclassified Students
Students who wish to enroll without pursuing a program or degree from Presentation College are considered unclassified. The Registrar will advise and register unclassified students. A maximum of 6 credit hours per semester is permitted on a space available basis with a total maximum of 12 credit hours taken as an unclassified student while at Presentation College. Courses taken by unclassified students may include general or select department coursework. Unclassified students do not qualify for federal, state, or institutional financial aid.
If unclassified students later wish to become degree-seeking, the entire College admission process must be completed.
International Students
Presentation College invites and encourages international students to apply for admission. The College is authorized under Federal law to enroll non-immigrant alien students. International applicants must also provide the Admissions Office with the following:
- High school diploma. International transcripts must be evaluated by an approved international accrediting agency. PC requires a minimum of at least a 2.00 grade point average (GPA), on a 4.00 scale with proven high school diploma or high school graduation date, and proven English proficiency (see below).
- A completed application form due by July 1 for fall semester; November 1 for spring semester.
- Non-refundable application fee of $25.
- Meet minimum English proficiency standards. Methods for demonstrating minimum English proficiency standards are listed below.
- Completed Declaration of Finances form and an official bank statement.
College or University Transfer
To be considered for admissions to PC as an international transfer student, a minimum of 24 completed semester credits at a cumulative 2.00 grade point average (GPA), on a 4.00 scale, and proven English proficiency (see below).
International applicants are advised to begin application procedures at least six months in advance of anticipated enrollment. International applicants entering after completion of secondary education must submit official copies of the school's transcripts. Transcripts provided in English are not required to undergo an international evaluation; however Presentation College reserves the right to require an international evaluation should it be necessary for purposes of determining grade point averages, with the cost of the evaluation being the responsibility of the student. Presentation College will determine admission based on the criteria set forth for new first-time students.
Applicants who have postsecondary transcripts from an international institution and request consideration of credits earned for acceptance to Presentation College must submit the transcripts to a translation company in the United States for an academic evaluation. The cost of the evaluation is the responsibility of the students. An evaluation is subject to policies as printed in this catalog.
Declaration of Finances
Since financial assistance for international students is extremely limited, applicants must demonstrate evidence of ability to meet the costs of the chosen program by completing a Declaration of Finances form. Students will be required to utilize their home banking institution to certify available funding. Once adequate financial resources are confirmed, an application is completed, and all other requirements are on file, applicants will be considered for admission. If accepted, an official I-20 form will be mailed to the student. Arrangements for obtaining a passport and visa may then be made by the accepted student at the American Embassy or Consulate in the student's home country.
All required application materials must be received by July 15 for fall semester and November 15 for spring semester.
IMPORTANT: All fees, deposits, tuition, housing charges, etc., are payable in U.S. funds.
Non-Resident Alien and ESL Students
Non-resident alien students or students whose native language is not English must provide the Admissions Office with the following:
- A completed application form.
- Non-refundable application fee of $25.
- Meet minimum English proficiency standards. Methods for demonstrating minimum English proficiency standards are listed below.
- Students who have completed high school in the United States must meet the minimum ACT or SAT exam requirements.
English Proficiency Standards
There are two ways to meet Presentation College’s English language proficiency requirement:
- English Proficiency Exams:
Presentation College accepts scores from the following exams. Scores must be sent directly to Presentation College from the testing agency in order to be counted as official. Score reports can be sent electronically or by postal mail to our office. Scores must be less than two years old to be considered for admissions.
- TOEFL score (Test of English as a Foreign Language): 65 web based, 525 paper and pencil (PC's TOEFL code: 6582)
- IELTS International English Language Testing System: 5.5
- SAT: 490 Evidenced-Based Reading and Writing sub score
- ACT: 18 English sub score
- Language Waivers: There are several ways to qualify for a waiver. Students will not need to provide an exam score if they meet any of the following criteria:
- Waiver Option A – If the student has attended a U.S. high school or an international high school that is regionally accredited in the United States for two or more years
- Waiver Option B – If the student has an associate of arts or sciences degree or a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited university with a cumulative 2.00 GPA
- Waiver Option C – If the student has attended a U.S. regionally accredited college or university, has completed the transferable equivalents of PC’s English Composition 113 with a 2.00 or above grade point average for each course at the time of application, and has 24 semester college level admission credits completed by the beginning of classes for the term they are applying
- Waiver Option D – If the student has taken the ACCUPLACER and received the minimum score requirement for PC’s English Composition 113
- Waiver Option E – If the student is a citizen from one of the following countries AND their primary language is English: Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, British Guyana, Canada, Great Britain, Ireland, Jamaica, Liberia, New Zealand, Trinidad and Tobago, or Zambia (provide proof of citizenship to have waiver applied)
- Waiver Option F – If the student was schooled outside the United States at a school where the language of instruction was English (student must provide an official letter from the school stating English was the language of instruction while they attended)
- Waiver Option G – If none of the above waivers applies, and the student was unable to take the ACT, SAT, TOEFL, or IELTS due to temporary test restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a committee will speak with the student on the phone and ask a series of questions, gathering English Proficiency skills based on a phone interview.
Deposits
A $100 tuition deposit is required prior to registration for classes. The deposit is non-refundable.
GRADUATE ADMISSION PROCESS AND REQUIREMENTS
The following criteria are used to determine admission for graduate level students. Certain programs have additional specific criteria for admission. Refer to the respective section in this catalog for any additional requirements.
Graduate Students must meet the following requirement:
- Have completed a baccalaureate degree or higher, and seeking to enter a graduate program at Presentation College.
Graduate Students must follow these steps to complete the process:
- Submit an application for admission found at www.presentation.edu/admission/apply/
- Submit all official* college or university transcripts. Graduate Students must have a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale once all transcripts are received.
- Submit the non-refundable application fee of $35.
- Submit two professional letters of reference (one from a supervisor/manager, one from a professional such as teacher or professor).
- Submit a statement of purpose (discuss intellectual interests, relevant clinical experience, and reasons for pursuing a graduate degree at Presentation College)
If students are currently enrolled at another institution, partial transcripts may be submitted and considered for provisional admission until the final official transcripts arrive. Please contact the Admissions Office regarding transcript evaluations. All credits attempted (except remedial courses) will be calculated into the admission GPA.
*Options for official transcript submission:
- Paper transcripts can be accepted as official provided they are either mailed or personally delivered to the Admissions Office in the original, sealed envelope from the school.
- Electronic transcripts can be accepted as official provided they are emailed directly from the school or are submitted via an electronic transcript service to the Admissions Office via the domain @presentation.edu
All records submitted, filed, and accumulated in the Admissions and Registrar's Offices become the property of the College.
Upon receipt of these items, the Admissions Office will notify the graduate committee of the completed application, and then will inform the applicants of acceptance, provisional acceptance, probationary acceptance, or denial of acceptance into the College.
PROBATIONARY ACCEPTANCE
Applications from individuals who do not meet the minimum admission requirements or are seeking readmission to the College as a classified student after one semester of suspension are eligible to be reviewed by the Admissions Appeal Committee. The Committee will review the status of prospective probationary students who appeal in writing by submitting two letters of recommendation and completing a short questionnaire before being reviewed by the Admissions Appeal Committee.
Presentation College Success Academy
Presentation College is committed to the academic success of all students. The College recognizes that not all students may have had the opportunity to adequately prepare for the demands of college-level study. Presentation College's Success Academy assists students who have a need for academic support to meet their educational and personal goals through academic advising, preparatory course work, tutoring, study groups, and supplemental instruction labs. All students accepted under probationary status will be enrolled into Presentation College's Success Academy and required to sign a contract agreeing to regular class attendance, assignment completion, study hours, advisor meetings, and instructor contact.
First-time freshmen entering on probation must enroll in and successfully complete GE011 Success Academy Lab. New transfer students entering on probation must enroll in and successfully complete GE021 Success Academy Lab II. These one-credit courses are designed to address issues which may have contributed to academic struggles in the past. Students will be expected to ask for help regularly from the course instructors and from tutors. The courses are designed to also fulfill certain components of the student's Success Academy contract including weekly advisor meetings and required study time.
Success Academy students work closely with their advisor to be placed into courses where they are most likely to achieve success. Success Academy students will be enrolled in no more than 14 credits. Registration exceptions may be made based on the individual needs of students. Success Academy students will be advised by the Career and Learning Center staff, who will also monitor class attendance and study hours. Success Academy students not abiding by the terms of the contract will have a progress review. Continued violations will lead to contact with the Vice President for Academics and possible dismissal from Presentation College.
Success Academy students who achieve a minimum first semester Presentation College GPA of 2.00 may elect to continue using the services made available to them as Success Academy students, but are not required to sign a contract. Career and Learning Center staff will transition Success Academy students to new advisors based on program interests and instructor availability.
PLACEMENT TESTING
The Career and Learning Center administers the ACCUPLACER test in math and English for students requesting placement in higher level courses than indicated by ACT scores. Presentation College offers students the math and English ACCUPLACER tests one time at no charge; successive attempts are at the expense of the student. Contact the Career and Learning Center for costs associated with this testing.
For students who do not have ACT/SAT scores to report, the Career and Learning Center offers a complete ACT Residual Test that can be taken at the student’s expense. This test includes English, Math, Reading, and Science Reasoning. ACT Residual Testing is strictly limited to students who have enrolled, have been admitted, or have officially applied to Presentation College. Scores from Residual Tests are reported only to PC for admission and advising purposes. Individuals who are 24 years of age or older are not required to take the ACT for admission; however, an ACT score may be required for acceptance to individual programs. Students are eligible to retake the ACT 60 days after the previous test date. Please contact the Career and Learning Center for more information.
Presentation College does not make available alternate placement tests. Students who are unable to take the COMPASS may accept placement via the relevant ACT subscore(s). Please contact the Career and Learning Center for more information.
Registration for courses is based on placement scores below:
EN113 College Composition I
- ACT English subscore of at least 18 AND Reading subscore of at least 18 OR
- Old SAT (testing date prior to March 2016) Critical Reading subscore greater than or equal to 441 OR
- Redesigned SAT (testing date of March 2016 or later) Reading and Writing subscore greater or equal to 480 OR
- ACCUPLACER scores of at least 80 in Sentence Skills AND at least 78 in Reading OR
- Next Generation scores of 263 or greater in Writing AND 253 or greater in Reading
EN114 College Composition Ib
- ACT English subscore less than 18 OR Reading subscore less than 18 OR
- Old SAT (testing date prior to March 2016) Critical Reading subscore less than 441 OR
- Redesigned SAT (testing date of March 2016 or later) Reading and Writing subscore less than 480 OR
- ACCUPLACER score of 79 or less in Sentence Skills OR 77 or less in Reading OR
- Next Generation score of 262 or less in Writing OR 252 or less in Reading
MA114 Customized Intermediate Algebra
- ACT Math subscore: 0 – 19
- Old SAT (testing date prior to March 2016) Math subscore: less than 480 OR
- Redesigned SAT (testing date of March 2016 or later) Math subscore: less than 515 OR
- ACCUPLACER Elementary Algebra: 0 – 75 OR
- Next Generation score of 230-254 in Quantitative Reasoning, Algebra and Statistics
MA153 College Algebra and MA243 Statistics
- ACT Math subscore: 20 or higher
- Old SAT (testing date prior to March 2016) Math subscore: 480 or higher OR
- Redesigned SAT (testing date of March 2016 or later) Math subscore: 515 or higher OR
- ACCUPLACER Elementary Algebra: 76 or higher OR
- Next Generation score of 255 or greater in Quantitative Reasoning, Algebra and Statistics
HIGH SCHOOL/COLLEGE DUAL CREDIT
Presentation College provides high school juniors and seniors, whose academic performance is exemplary, the opportunity to enroll in college coursework while still attending high school. High school juniors and seniors are accepted into designated college courses on the basis of a recommendation from a high school official, applicable test scores or prerequisites required, and on a space available basis. A maximum of 6 credit hours per semester is permitted with a total maximum of 12 credit hours taken at the high school rate. Credits taken beyond the 12 credit maximum will be limited to 6 credits per semester at the general part-time tuition rate in effect for the designated semester. Information on cost can be found at www.presentation.edu/tuition-aid/ Limited space is available and designated enrollment deadlines apply. For more information on designated schools participating in this dual credit opportunity, contact the Registrar's Office at 605-229-8424.
VETERANS
Veterans who are admitted should consult with the Veterans Administration, as well as with the Registrar's Office, concerning their privileges and responsibilities under federal regulations. The Registrar's Office will assist veterans in completing the necessary forms for veteran's financial assistance.
SENIOR CITIZENS
Senior citizens (65 years or older) are charged tuition at the senior citizen/audit rate on a space-available basis. Other course fees are the same as those for regularly enrolled students.
AUDITING A CLASS
Students may audit a course if space is available in the class. Course prerequisites are the same for audit as for credit. Persons who audit a class will not receive college credit nor may they take credit examinations for the course audited. Audited courses are not considered in establishing student enrollment status for financial aid purposes or for establishing eligibility to compete in intercollegiate contests. Veterans and dependents may not receive educational benefits for audited courses. A change from audit to credit or credit to audit must be made before the end of the add/drop period for a semester.
ACADEMIC ADVISING
The academic advising structure at Presentation College is as follows:
- First-time students seeking a Bachelor's degree may be accepted directly into a major and assigned an academic advisor within their respective major.
- First-time students seeking a Bachelor's degree may be assigned a general academic advisor prior to admission to a specific major. Upon successful completion of the first year of study, the advisee file will be forwarded to the respective division. The Dean will assign an academic advisor within the respective area.
- Associate degree-seeking students are assigned an academic advisor within the major.
- Transfer students with proper academic credit history may be assigned an academic advisor within their respective major or may be assigned a general academic advisor, dependent upon transfer evaluation results. In the event of denial of acceptance into a major, students may be accepted into the College to enable them to take general studies courses until they can meet the specific criteria of a major.
- Success Academy students are advised by the Career and Learning Center staff.
- PC Virtual nursing students are assigned an advisor from the nursing staff.
PRIVACY OF INFORMATION STATEMENT
Pursuant to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, Section 513 of the Education Amendments of 1974, Presentation College considers the following information as "Directory Information": Student's name, address, telephone listing, date and place of birth, major field of study, dates of attendance, degrees and awards received, e-mail address, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and height of members of athletic teams, grade level, enrollment status, photograph, and the most recent previous educational agency or institution attended by the student.
Students who do not wish to have the above information available for release must sign a waiver in the Registrar's Office.
AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT
Presentation College is committed to ensuring equal learning opportunities for all students, and provides students with disabilities reasonable accommodations in accordance with the College's procedures. Students requiring accommodations or services should contact the Office of Disability Services, located in the Career and Learning Center, Aberdeen campus. Available to all campus locations, students who believe they qualify for disability services should contact the Disabilities Services Coordinator/CLC Director as soon as possible to arrange a meeting, in person or via phone or email.
ABILITY TO BENEFIT
Ability-to-Benefit (ATB) test: new, transfer or continuing students who first attended an eligible Title IV institution after July 1, 2012, must have a high school diploma, an equivalent such as a GED, or must have completed secondary school in a homeschool setting to be eligible for Title IV funds. Such students can no longer become eligible by passing an approved ability-to-benefit (ATB) test or by satisfactorily completing a minimum of six eligible college credit hours.
Students who were enrolled in an eligible educational program of study before July 1, 2012, may be considered Title IV eligible if they meet one of the following ATB conditions:
- pass an independently administered, Department of Education approved ATB test; or
- complete at least six credit hours, or the equivalent coursework (225 clock hours), that are applicable toward a degree or certificate offered by the postsecondary institution.
Contact the Financial Aid Office for more information on establishing ATB eligibility if you do not have a high school diploma or its equivalent and you were enrolled in an eligible Title IV program prior to July 1, 2012.