Admission to ONU

High School Requirements

The basic requirements for admission to ONU include completion of 16 units of high school credits of which 12 must be in academic areas. The academic unit requirements vary amongst colleges at ONU.

College of Arts & Sciences
  • 4 units in English
  • 2 units in mathematics
  • 6 units in history, social studies, languages or natural sciences
College of Business Administration
  • 4 units in English
  • 3 units in mathematics (including algebra and geometry)
  • 6 units in history, social studies, languages or natural sciences
College of Engineering
  • 4 units in English
  • 4 units in mathematics (including geometry, trigonometry and 2 units of algebra)
  • 2 units in science (including physics and preferably chemistry)
  • 6 units in history, social studies, languages or natural sciences
College of Pharmacy
  • 4 units in English
  • 4 units in mathematics (including Algebra I and II, plane geometry, trigonometry, pre-calculus or calculus)
  • 4 units in science (including biology, chemistry and physics)
  • 6 units in history, social studies or languages

Ohio Northern admits students prepared to benefit from the resources given by the academic and student life programs of the University. Acceptance for admission is offered on the basis of academic achievement during the high school years, individual talent and personal character.

The potential for successful completion of the student’s chosen degree program and the promise of personal growth during the undergraduate years are the primary considerations for the granting of admission into the University.

AP Credit

The University grants placement and credit for Advanced Placement Tests to those students achieving at least the minimum score established by the department in which credit is being sought (minimum score varies according to department policy).

  • Test results should be sent to the University Registrar.
  • Final decision rests with the chairperson of the department.

For detailed information on how your AP test results will transfer to ONU visit the link: www.onu.edu/registrar/ap.htm

Post Secondary Education

ONU accepts Post Secondary Education credits in the same manner we accept transfer credits. High school students bringing in college credits must have official transcripts from the attending university sent directly to the ONU Admissions Office prior to registering for freshman classes. Students participating in Post Secondary Education will still be admitted to the university as a freshman, no matter the number of credits.

Applying To Northern

Completing the “Application for Undergraduate Admission” is the first step towards realizing the benefits offered by Ohio Northern University. Application must be made to one of ONU’s four undergraduate colleges.

For the Colleges of Arts & Sciences, Business Administration & Engineering

The colleges operate on a rolling admissions basis which means that each applicant is considered immediately upon receipt of all necessary credentials.

Your application file will be considered complete when it contains:

  • Application for Undergraduate Admission
  • $30 application fee
  • Official high school transcript(s) including GPA and class rank (guidance counselors must send notice with transcript if school does not rank)
  • ACT and / or SAT scores
  • Applicants are notified promptly regarding their acceptance status. (approximately 2-4 weeks).
  • For Maximum scholarship consideration, please apply by December 1 of your senior year.
College of Pharmacy (Pharmacy 0-6)

The College of Pharmacy application deadline is November 1st for entering freshmen.

Your application file will be considered complete when it contains:

  • Application for Undergraduate Admission
  • $30 application fee
  • Official high school transcript(s) including GPA and class rank (guidance counselors must send notice with transcript if school does not rank)
  • ACT and / or SAT scores

Letters of reference are recommended but not required. We strongly recommend that a campus visit is made during the application process. Files will be reviewed following November 1 and selected applicants will be invited to campus for a personal interview which is required for admission consideration. Interviews will take place in mid-December. Final admission decisions are expected to be made by the end of December

Please see the Pharmacy Admissions page.

Transfer Admission

Students interested in transferring to Ohio Northern University must submit official transcripts from all colleges previously attended, as well as a final high school transcript. These documents must be sent directly from your previous college(s)/high school to Ohio Northern University. Credits to be transferred must be graded a C (2.00) or higher and must apply toward the course of study the student intends to pursue. The application deadline for the College of Pharmacy is February 1st for transfer students.

Other Information

A $200.00 deposit (refundable until May 1) is encouraged of accepted students and signifies the student's intention to enroll in the University.

Ohio Northern University is a member of the Tuition Exchange, Inc. group and welcomes applications from students with Tuition Exchange certification.

The programs of Ohio Northern University are open to all without regard to race, religion, national or ethnic origin, gender, age, or disability. Most academic and athletic facilities are accessible to the physically disabled, as are some residence halls.