Belong. Become. Be a Blue Streak.

Your John Carroll Journey

It's time to start your application to John Carroll University. On our campus you'll find a sense of belonging and become something greater than yourself. Our vibrant and connected community is a hub for curiosity, discovery, and transformation as you pursue an Inspired Future.

First-year students interested in John Carroll can apply through the Common Application or the Coalition Application. Regardless of which option you choose, our review process remains the same! John Carroll is test-optional for Fall 2025 applicants. Read our Test Optional FAQ for more information.

All admitted John Carroll students receive a generous merit scholarship based on their academic achievements in high school. We also award a variety of regional and alumni scholarship opportunities.

Submit your application and make an official visit to JCU by December 1, 2024 to receive your $2,000 Discovery Visit and Apply Grant.

*Only your application needs to be submitted by December 1—transcripts and other materials are not required by this date. An official visit to JCU includes any in-person visit or event hosted by the JCU Office of Admission.

Eligibility: Only students who are admitted to John Carroll University as incoming first-year students for the fall 2025 are eligible for this award. If you are admitted to JCU and meet the criteria, you will receive this grant as part of your JCU financial aid offer.

Students who are awarded one or more of the following financial assistance opportunities are not eligible to receive this grant:
- JCU Faculty and Staff Tuition Grant
- Tuition Exchange Programs, including FACHEX, TEP, and CIC-TEP
- Student Veterans or dependents receiving full benefits
- ROTC Scholarships

For fall 2025 admission, please follow these application steps:
1. Submit the Common Application or the Coalition Application online.
2. Ask your school counselor to send us your high school transcript.
3. Send a letter of recommendation.
4. Students wishing to submit test scores from either the ACT or SAT can have their results sent directly to John Carroll from the testing agencies.

November 1
Early Action (non-binding) deadline. If you apply by this date, you will receive your admission decision before winter break.

February 1*
Regular admission deadline. Apply by this date for full access to financial aid opportunities.

*Applications will continue to be reviewed on a rolling basis after Feb. 1.

Admission Requirements

Admission Criteria

Our staff engages in a holistic review process, meaning we review everything that is submitted as part of your application so that we get a well-rounded view of you and your accomplishments. We consider your:

High school record
Extracurricular involvement
Essay
Letter(s) of recommendation
ACT/SAT test scores (if submitted)

Have a unique situation or circumstance? Please be sure to tell your admission counselor or include it in your application.

girl sitting at the desk in her dorm room

students learning and listening to professor in class

High School Curriculum

The following high school curriculum is recommended:

English: Minimum of four units
Math (College Preparatory): Minimum of three units; four units recommended
Science (with labs preferred): Minimum of two units; three units recommended
Social Studies: Minimum of two units; four units recommended
Foreign Language: Minimum of two units; three units recommended
Academic Electives: Minimum of three units
Total Units: Minimum of 16; 21 recommended

Course Credit

If you have taken Advanced Placement (AP) coursework, taken courses in an International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum, or completed some college courses while in high school, please visit our credit evaluation page to find out how your credits will transfer to JCU.

student smiling while sitting in dorm room

Affording a Jesuit Education

For more than a century, families have valued the strength of a Jesuit education from John Carroll University. Our alumni will tell you that a degree from John Carroll is the launch pad for a dynamic career and a life of purpose. The cost to attend John Carroll is different for every student, but all JCU students have two things in common when it comes to cost: None of them pay the full list cost (total cost of room, board, and tuition), and all of them agree that their investment is worth it. Learn more about our scholarship opportunities.

Information for Applicants

Find more information about our merit scholarships and additional scholarship opportunities by visiting our scholarships page.

As required by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, as well as the affiliated federal regulations in 34 CFR Part 106, John Carroll University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in any educational program or activity. This extends to the University's admission decisions for any educational program or activity. The University's full policy is available for review at jcu.edu/title-ix.

Questions regarding the University's compliance with Title IX should be referred to: Eric T. Butler, J.D. Title IX Coordinator John Carroll University Administration Building, Room 127 1 John Carroll Blvd. University Heights, OH 44118 (216) 397-1559 etbutler@jcu.edu Additional questions and concerns regarding the University's compliance with Title IX also may be referred to the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights by contacting: Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Lyndon Baines Johnson (LBJ) Department of Education Building 400 Maryland Ave, SW Washington, DC 20202 1-800-421-3481 OCR@ed.gov

Since some students in homeschool programs do not follow a traditional high school curriculum, we ask that all homeschool students provide us with complete and detailed documentation of their high school coursework and evaluations of progress from an approved homeschool evaluator or supervisor.

Verification of high school graduation must be submitted prior to enrollment at John Carroll and can be presented through any of the following forms:
- A diploma from a homeschool agency governed by a State Board of Education;
- A letter from a local school district verifying graduation; or
- A copy of the Graduate Equivalency Diploma (GED) transcript.

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