Prospective undergraduate students are required to submit a completed application, high school or college transcripts, a personal essay, an application fee or a request for fee waiver, and a letter of recommendation. Utica University is Test Optional, so the submission of SAT 1 or ACT scores is optional for all programs. Joint Health Professions Programs may require test scores per the requirements of the selected medical school, and individual major programs may require additional information. Applicants are strongly encouraged to visit the campus for a personal interview with the admissions staff.
Admissions decisions are based on a comprehensive evaluation of submitted criteria: past academic performance, including course of study; GPA; rank in class; co-curricular involvement; personal characteristics; writing ability; and the applicant’s potential for academic and personal success at the University. Utica University values diversity and encourages applications from students of different heritages, beliefs, and backgrounds.
To apply to Utica University visit www.utica.edu/apply. Questions regarding Utica can be sent to Admiss@utica.edu. Interviews and campus visits may be scheduled at www.utica.edu/visit or by contacting the office at (315) 792-3006 or at 1-800-782-8884. Appointments are available Monday through Friday throughout the year and selected Saturdays during the school year. More information can be found at http://www.utica.edu/events
Information and applications for graduate study are available from the Office of Graduate Admissions, Utica University, 1600 Burrstone Road, Utica, NY 13502-4892, by e-mail at admiss@utica.edu, or by calling (315) 792-3010.
Admission Requirements
First year applicants should complete at least 16 units of secondary school credit and receive a diploma from an accredited secondary school. It is recommended that students follow a college preparatory program that includes at least four units of study in English, three units in social studies, three units in mathematics, three units in science, and two in a foreign language. Applicants submitting a high school equivalency diploma are not required to have completed 16 secondary school units; however, they must have earned equivalency scores that indicate adequate preparation for college-level work.
Gaining admission into, or continuation in, pre‐professional and professional programs requires that students exhibit behavior(s) appropriate to practice in a specific profession. Evidence of moral turpitude, inappropriate behavior, failure to abide by the Student Code of Conduct, failure to abide by the relevant profession’s code of conduct, or other acts deemed unbecoming of a profession by the Administration of Utica University will result in denial of entry into a program or denial of continuation in a program. Certain programs may have admissions requirements over and above those for the University. Please see the catalog pages for specific programs for further details.
Admission Process
Utica University conducts a rolling admissions program. The earlier an application is filed, the sooner a decision is made. It is recommended that students apply early in their senior year of high school. Application review begins on October 1 and extends until the class is filled. Individual majors that are especially competitive may be fully enrolled as early as January. The Office of Admissions prefers that applicants for the physical therapy program, the occupational therapy program, Joint Health Professions Programs , the nursing program, and academic scholarships complete their applications by January 15. For those applying to the Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP) , the application deadline is March 1.
Utica University has adopted a test-optional admission policy. Standardized tests accurately measure success in many areas and for many students, however, we recognize that test scores may not reflect all students’ academic achievements and/or talents. The admissions committee will delve even deeper into the applications for students who choose to be considered under the test-optional process. Additional consideration will be given to class rank, leadership, curriculum, a promise of future contribution, and writing ability.
First Year Admissions Dates and Deadlines Fall 2025 Admission
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Application Type
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Application Deadline
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Financial Aid Deadline
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Notification Date
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Response Deadline
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Interview Deadline
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Early Decision
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November 1
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November 15
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December 15
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January 6
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Early Action
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November 15
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January 15
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December 15
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May 1
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Early Action II
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December 15
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January 15
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January 1
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May 1
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Priority Regular Decision
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January 15
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February 1
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February 1 - March 1
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May 1
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HEOP
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January 15
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February 1
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Begin in March
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May 1
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March 1
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International
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July 15
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Rolling Admission
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Applications will be accepted until programs are filled. We encourage all applicants to apply as soon as possible. Decisions are mailed within 2-3 weeks of a completed application for admission.
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May 1 or 20 days from the date of admission, whichever is later
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To apply for Early Admission, students should follow the standard first year application process. In addition, they must submit letters from their parents and guidance counselor supporting their candidacy, and a reference from the teacher of an academic subject with whom they have studied indicating their readiness for college study. A personal interview on campus is required.
International Student Admissions
Utica University welcomes applications from international students and seeks to enroll those who have demonstrated academic potential in their home countries. International students enhance the cultural richness and diversity of a campus community. Students whose native language is not English are required to submit proof of their proficiency in English. The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) scores of 550 written, 213 computer-based, 79-80 internet-based will be accepted. International students may also be required to take additional English courses (ENG 100 /ENG 101 /ENG 102 ) to prepare them for future writing-intensive courses and assignments at Utica University.
International students may complete the Utica University application or the Common Application. The International Student Certification of Finances Form, along with third-party verification, must accompany the application. The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement requires this documentation. While an admission decision can be made without this, the I-20 form cannot be issued until this document and third-party verification of funding are received.
Entering students who score satisfactorily on the Advanced Placement tests, the International Baccalaureate examinations, or an equivalent examination may be awarded advanced placement and credit for their academic work.
Prior to enrolling in any program at Utica University, prospective students who intend to work outside the United States should confirm with the appropriate agency whether the successful completion of their intended degree program at Utica will meet the credentialing requirements of the country in which they intend to seek employment. Utica University shall not be liable if the student is unable to qualify for licensure or certification.
International transfer students are welcome at Utica University and will receive credit for their past academic work from accredited colleges and universities. Transcripts submitted for consideration of transfer credits must have an official translation into English. We recommend that you submit your transcripts to a recognized professional credential evaluation service.
Non-matriculated Students
Individuals may register for undergraduate classes as non-matriculated for a total of 15 credit hours per term, on a space-available basis, provided their total accrued number of credits does not exceed 30. After this point, students are required to matriculate so that they may be assigned an academic advisor.
Non-matriculated students interested in taking graduate courses are limited to a total of 6 credit hours unless otherwise prescribed by the graduate program. (See graduate catalog for additional requirements.) Students seeking to take additional credit hours may apply for a waiver of this policy by submitting a written request to the Office of Graduate Studies.
If a student has been a matriculated student anytime in the past, has stopped out for at least a semester, and wishes to return they must apply through the Office of the Registrar for readmission. Students who have attended another institution(s) in the interim are required to have a copy of the official transcript(s) sent to the Office of the Registrar. The student can apply for a particular program but may or may not be readmitted to that program.
Applications for Readmission are to be submitted at least 10 business days prior to the beginning of the semester. This process is available in electronic form via the Registrar’s website:
https://www.utica.edu/academic/registrar/readmission.cfm
Students who are readmitted are required to meet the requirements for graduation that are found in the catalog for the term in which the student is readmitted. Upon readmission, students should consult with their advisor or success coach to determine the requirements for graduation, or run a degree evaluation.
- A student who has earned a bachelor’s degree from Utica University and now wishes to get a second bachelor’s degree must go through Admissions, be admitted as a second-degree student, and be assigned to a new cohort.
- A student who was matriculated into the University, has since gained a bachelor’s degree elsewhere, and now wishes to return to the College for another degree must go through Admissions. This student is being admitted, not readmitted.
- Students who leave due to military duty do NOT have to apply for readmission when they wish to return. They simply notify the Office of the Registrar when they are able to return and they become active students. In order to take advantage of this, they must provide us a copy of their military orders prior to leaving school.
Applying for readmission into a specific program may result in a review by the program director who may decline to accept the student.
Gaining admission into, or continuation in, pre‐professional and professional programs requires that students exhibit behavior(s) appropriate to practice in a specific profession. Evidence of moral turpitude, inappropriate behavior, failure to abide by the Student Code of Conduct, failure to abide by the relevant profession’s code of conduct or other acts deemed unbecoming of a profession by the Administration of Utica University may result in denial of entry into a program or denial of continuation in a program.
Prospective Utica University Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP) students must meet academic and financial eligibility requirements established by the New York State Department of Education and demonstrate potential for academic success.
The Collegiate Science and Technology Entry Program (CSTEP) is also a New York state-sponsored program that provides support and assistance to New York State residents. Students must be members of CSTEP-targeted student populations (African American, Latino, Native American, or low-income* Caucasian or Asian American) and pursuing degrees in CSTEP-targeted professions (Accounting-CPA, biology/pre-med, math/science teaching, nursing, occupational therapy, physical therapy, pre-law, and psychology-child life). The program is open to new as well as continuing students. However, continuing students must have earned the required cumulative grade point average of 2.5 and meet other criteria to be eligible for consideration.
*As documented by the New York State Education Department’s income guidelines.
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Joint Health Professions Programs
Optometry, Podiatry, Osteopathic Medicine, and Dentistry
- At the time of application for admission to Utica University, students may apply for admission to joint health professions programs the University maintains with Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (medical, dental, and pharmacy), or SUNY College of Optometry. These schools have early acceptance programs through which a student may obtain a guaranteed spot provided they maintain a certain GPA and take the required prerequisite courses while at Utica University.
- While in their junior year at Utica University, students may apply for admission to joint health professions programs the University maintains with the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine, Kent State University College of Podiatric Medicine, University at Buffalo School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Albany School of Pharmacy, and Northeast College of Health Sciences (chiropractic). These schools offer Utica University students a benefit in the form or a guaranteed interview or an accelerated (3+4) track.
- These are seven-year or eight-year programs in which the student studies at Utica University for three or four years and four years at the professional school. For programs offering an accelerated (3+4) track, a bachelor’s degree is awarded after the first year of professional school. Admission to the professional school is made at the discretion of the professional school and is not guaranteed. More detailed information concerning these degrees is available from the Office of Admissions and the pre-medical advisor.
Applicants for all bachelor’s degree programs may qualify for the Three-Year Study Option. Students in this program earn up to 30 hours of credit through the College Level Examination Program, General Exam. This credit applies to the University’s general education requirements.
Information about these examinations can be found under Competency and Experience Credit in “The Undergraduate Program” section of this catalog.
Transfer students who have taken these examinations for credit at other institutions also may qualify. For complete instructions regarding admission to the Three-Year Study Option, write to the Office of Admissions.
Veterans of the Armed Services are encouraged to apply for admission to Utica University. Counselors are available on campus to assist veterans with admission, academic planning, and financing of their education. In many cases, test requirements may be waived and credits for service training and experience may be granted. Opportunities to pursue study on a part-time basis through the Office of Graduate Studies should be investigated, as well as advanced course status in ROTC. Veterans are eligible to receive a monthly training allowance from the Veterans Administration provided they make a timely application to the VA and select an appropriate training program. Deadline dates for the application do not apply to veterans. Address all inquiries to the Assistant Vice President for Undergraduate Admissions, Utica University, 1600 Burrstone Road, Utica, NY 13502-4892.
Transfer Student Admissions
Transfer students follow the same basic application process as first year applicants. However, transfer applicants who have completed 30 semester hours of college study can be evaluated on the basis of their college transcripts. To qualify for Federal and state financial aid, Transfer students must submit an official high school transcript or proof of degree (Associate’s or higher) to the Office of Admissions.
Transfer credit is generally awarded for courses from regionally accredited institutions that are comparable to those offered at Utica University, provided the student has earned a grade of C or better. Additional factors considered in the review of transfer and experiential learning include: national accreditation by an accrediting agency recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), academic work reviewed by the American Council on Education (ACE), review by the relevant academic department at Utica University, and review by individual Utica University faculty or by the Academic Standards Committee.
Candidates for the baccalaureate degree must satisfactorily complete a minimum of 30 credit hours of study at Utica University. A maximum of 90-98 credits may be transferred from four-year institutions, and 60-64 from two-year institutions, depending on one’s academic major. Transfer students who matriculate with 60 or more credits need to declare a major upon entering Utica University.
Due to the disruption caused by COVID-19 to higher education, any otherwise transferable coursework completed during the spring, summer, and fall 2020 terms and the spring 2021 term with a grade of Pass (P), Satisfactory (S), credit (CR), or other similar mark of satisfactory completion will be accepted for transfer credit as well as admission requirements.
General Education Exemption
Transfer Students with 45 or more credits from a 4-year college but without a Bachelor’s Degree
Transfer students entering with an associate’s degree, 45 credits from a four-year accredited institution(s), or 57 credits combined from two- and four-year accredited institutions with at least 36 from a four-year institution(s) have met the University’s general education requirements. They will still need to complete the requirements of their major, including the total credit hours for the degree, a DEI course requirement, and the New York State required minimum number of credit hours in the liberal arts and sciences.
Partial General Education Exemption
Transfer students matriculating with courses from another institution that transfer into Utica University as required courses that complete Goals 1-7 of General Education have met the corresponding requirements in the General Education program.
Students seeking an exemption from the written communication requirements in Goal 1 should apply to the Basic Studies Committee of the English department in their first semester at Utica University.
Utica University maintains contractual transfer agreements with a number of community colleges which detail specific transfer policies for students holding associate’s degrees from those institutions and articulation agreements with several junior colleges. More detailed information is available in the Utica University Office of Admissions.
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