Undergraduate Admissions
Undergrad Admissions Process and Requirements
New First-Year Undergraduate Students
Fall 2026 New First-year Application Deadlines
| Applicant Status | Select on Application | Deadline | Decision Notification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Priority Applicant | Early Action | December 1 | On or before December 31 |
| Regular Applicant | Early Action II | February 1 | On or before February 28 |
| Rolling Applicant | Rolling Admission | Beginning February 2 | Within 4 weeks of app completion |
How to Apply
Step 1:
Complete and submit the Common Application or Cougar Application.
- Priority will be given to applications received by December 1.
- All applications will be automatically reviewed for merit scholarships.
- Standardized test scores are not required, though students who wish to be considered for the St. Thomas Aquinas Scholarships must submit SAT and/or ACT scores.
- A personal essay is not required, though it is strongly recommended.
- Two letters of recommendation are not required, though they are strongly recommended.
Step 2:
Submit your official high school transcript(s) for all high schools attended.
- Your high school counselor should upload your official transcript.
Step 3:
United States residents should file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at studentaid.gov as soon as possible after it becomes available on December 1. Caldwell Universityโs federal school code is 002598.
Step 4:
New Jersey residents should also apply for NJ Tuition Aid Grant (TAG).
New Transfer Undergraduate Students
Spring 2026 New Transfer Application Deadlines
| Applicant Status | Select on Application | Deadline | Decision Notification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular Applicant | Early Action | Rolling | Within 2 weeks of app completion |
Fall 2026 New Transfer Application Deadlines
| Applicant Status | Select on Application | Deadline | Decision Notification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Priority Applicant | Early Action | December 1 | On or before December 31 |
| Regular Applicant | Early Action II | February 1 | On or before February 28 |
| Rolling Applicant | Rolling Admission | Beginning February 2 | Within 2 weeks of app completion |
How to Apply
Step 1:
Complete and submit the Common Application or Cougar Application.
- All applications will be automatically reviewed for merit scholarships.
- A personal essay is not required, though it is strongly recommended.
- Two letters of recommendation are not required, though they are strongly
recommended.
Step 2:
Submit your official high school transcript(s) for all colleges attended
- Transfer students who have earned fewer than thirty (30) college credits must
also submit official high school transcript(s) from all high schools attended.
Step 3:
United States residents should file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at studentaid.gov as soon as possible after it becomes available on December 1. Caldwell Universityโs federal school code is 002598.
Step 4:
New Jersey residents should also apply for NJ Tuition Aid Grant (TAG).
International Students
How to Apply
International students should visit the International Application Requirements and Deadlines page.
Second Degree Nursing Students
Students who wish to apply for a second degree in Nursing must apply no later than February 1, 2026 to be considered for Fall 2026 admission.
How to Apply
Step 1:
Complete and submit the Caldwell University Application.
- Applications for fall admission must be submitted by February 1.
Step 2:
Submit your official college transcript(s) for all colleges attended to [email protected].@caldwell.edu.
Second Degree Undergraduate Students
Applications for a second degree in all programs with the exception of Nursing will be accepted on a rolling basis.
How to Apply
Step 1:
Complete and submit the Caldwell University Application. On the application, in
response to the question, โWhich best describes you?โ, be sure to select that you
are seeking a second bachelorโs degree.
Step 2:
Submit your official college transcript(s) for all colleges attended to [email protected].
Visiting and Non-Matriculating Students
Non-Matriculating Students
Individuals who want to enroll in courses for personal or professional development, without matriculating in any degree or certification program, may register as non-matriculating students. Enrollment on this basis does not imply acceptance in or eligibility for matriculation in any Caldwell University degree or certification program, regardless of the number of credits undertaken on this basis. Should non-matriculating students wish to change their matriculation status, they must request admission through the Office of Admissions and fulfill all the admission requirements. Nonmatriculating students may take up to 12 credits at Caldwell University.
Visiting Students
Students who are matriculating at another college or university, and wish to enroll at Caldwell University and transfer their Caldwell University credits to their home institution, may register as a visiting student.
Acceptance of these credits by the home institution is solely at the discretion of that institution.
Active Military & Veterans
Caldwell University has a long-standing tradition of offering accredited bachelorโs and masterโs degree programs as well as many non-degree career programs to active-duty military personnel, military veterans, and their dependents. Visit our Active Military and Veterans page for details.
Application Review
Caldwell University is a test-optional institution.
Sixteen units of work in college preparatory courses must be completed by graduation. These should include:
- 4 units of English
- 2 units of a foreign language
- 2 units of college prep math
- 2 units of science (1 must be a lab science)
- 1 unit of history
A student who has sixteen units but has not satisfied all the prerequisites may be admitted on the recommendation the the Admissions Committee provided evidence is given of ability to pursue college work.
Admission Decision
You will be notified of the decision on your Application for Admission once your application and required documents have been received by the Office of Admission and evaluated by the Admissions Committee.
All accepted students are considered for an academic scholarship as your admission decision is made. All scholarship awards will be included in your acceptance notification.
Enrollment Decision
Once you have made the decision to attend Caldwell University a tuition deposit is required to hold your place in the incoming class. Students wishing to reside on campus should make a $450.00 deposit payment and students who will be commuting should deposit $250.00. Deposits may be made by mail or online.
Upon receipt of your enrollment deposit important information regarding your Caldwell NetID and Caldwell University email account, Health Forms, Placement Tests, Orientation, and Housing will be sent via email. Please frequently check your email.
Click below to continue your enrollment process and become a Caldwell Cougar.
Special Programs
We offer internships, service projects, leadership opportunities, and extra support to help you succeed in and out of the classroom.
Qualified students have the opportunity to learn at an advanced level, conduct cutting-edge research, and receive one-on-one mentorship.
Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF)
EOF at Caldwell offers NJ students from disadvantaged backgrounds financial aid, tutoring, advising, and summer prep to support academic success and graduation.
Learning Differences Program (SOAR)
SOAR supports Caldwell students with learning differences through coaching, skill-building, and goal-setting to foster academic success and independence.
Accepted Students
Welcome to the Caldwell University Class of 2030! We are thrilled to welcome you to the campus community. As we progress through the coming months, you will want to stay connected to ensure that you donโt miss a thing.
What’s Next After Graduation?
Iโm going on to pursue my Ph.D. in microbiology and immunology on a full scholarship at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, and Iโm really excited about it.
Why did you decide on Caldwell University?
I was fascinated by American culture and the endless educational opportunities. The small school size and picturesque campus captivated me.
