UC Admissions - Parent FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the University of Charleston accredited?Is the University of Charleston ranked?
What is the student to teacher ratio?
What majors and academic programs are offered at UC?
Who is the ideal candidate for admission to UC?
When is the Office of Admissions open?
What does a typical campus visit include?
What does it cost to attend UC? Are tuition deposits refundable? I don't think I will quailfy for financial aid. Should I still apply? How do I apply for financial aid? Does the University of Charleston offer scholarships? How will an outside scholarship affect my financial aid package? If I am from West Virginia, can I apply for the Promise Scholarship? How? Is financial aid renewable each year? Does UC offer study-abroad opportunities? Does the University have any computer purchasing programs? What type of computer facilities and network access are available to students? Can students bring a car to campus? What is the campus safety policy? What are the residence hall options? Q: Is the University of Charleston accredited?A: Yes. UC is accredited by several notable organizations:
- UC is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
- The Education Program is fully accredited by the National Council of Accreditation for Teacher Education (NCATE).
- The Herbert Jones Division of Business is accredited by the International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education (IACBE).
- The Associate Degree Nursing program (ADN) is approved by the West Virginia State Board of Examiners for Registered Nurses and accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC).
- The Baccalaureate program in Nursing (BSN) has approval of the West Virginia State Board of Examiners for Registered Professional Nurses and is accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission through 2004
- The Department of Radiological Science is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiological Technology (JRCERT).
- The Department of Athletic Training is accredited by Commission on the Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).
Q: Is the University of Charleston ranked?
A: Yes, the University of Charleston is ranked as the # 1 Comprehensive College offering Bachelor’s Degrees in West Virginia and in the TOP 25 for Comprehensive Colleges in the South in the Best Colleges 2007 publication by U.S. News and World Report.
Q: What is the student to teacher ratio?
A: The student to teacher ratio is 13:1.
Q: What majors and academic programs are offered at UC?
A: UNDERGRADUATE MAJORS & CONCENTRATIONS/AREAS OF EMPHASIS
Accounting
Art
Athletic Administration
Athletic Training
Biology
General Biology
Environmental Science
Biology/Chemistry Dual Program
Business Administration
Marketing
Management
Entrepreneurship
Chemistry
Communications NEW
Broadcasting & Digital Communications
Advertising & Public Relations
English
Journalism and Writing
Computer Information Technology Systems NEW
Education
Certifications in:
Biology (9 – Adult)
Elementary (K – 6)
General Science (5 – Adult)
English (5 – Adult)
Physical Education, Health & Wellness (Pre-K – Adult) NEW
Social Studies (5 – Adult)
Special Education (Universal Design for Learning) NEW
Finance
Interior Design
Nursing (Two-Year and Four-Year programs)
Pre-Professional Programs
Pre-Medicine
Pre-Veterinary Medicine
Pre-Dentistry
Pre-Pharmacy (Scholars & Traditional Programs) NEW
Pre-Physical Therapy
Pre-Occupational Therapy
Pre-Law
Psychology
Public Policy NEW
History
Political Science
Leadership and Social Policy
Radiologic Science
Undecided (General Studies)
GRADUATE PROGRAMS
Masters in Business Administration – Accelerated Program (AMBA)
Masters in Business Administration – Executive Program (EMBA)
Pharmacy (Four-Year Doctoral program - Pharm.D.) NEW
Learn more about our academic programs here.
The University has three main academic divisions. More information about the three academic divisions may be found at:
http://www.ucwv.edu/academics/academicdivisions/academicdivisions.aspx
- Morris Harvey Division of Arts and Sciences – Humanities, Natural Sciences, Social Sciences
- Herbert Jones Division of Business – Business Administration, Accounting, Finance, Athletic Administration, MBA programs
- Bert Bradford Division of Health Sciences- Nursing, Radiologic Science, Athletic Training
The University has also recently added a School of Pharmacy to offer the first doctoral degree (Pharm. D.) - Robert C. Byrd Center for Pharmacy Education
back to top
Q: Who is the ideal candidate for admission to UC?
A: General Freshman admissions to the University of Charleston requires a minimum ACT score of 19 or a SAT score of 900 and at least a 2.25 academic grade point average (GPA). Other criteria may include a record of active participation in school or community organizations or events throughout high school and a commitment to achieving a college degree.
The UC Admissions Philosophy: The University of Charleston seeks to enroll students who possess the potential and motivation to take full advantage of our unique curriculum, be successful academically, and contribute to the University community. Admission is based on academic records, evidence of leadership and community involvement, and demonstrated personal qualities of the applicant. Students who are engaged and involved with the community and who are passionate about academic goals and future aspirations are encouraged to apply.
Q: When is the Office of Admissions open?
A: The Office of Admissions is open Monday - Friday from 8:30a.m. - 5:00 p.m., and Saturday visits can be scheduled on non-holiday Saturdays by appointment between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.
Q: What does a typical campus visit include?
A: A typical campus visit includes meeting one-on-one with an Admissions Counselor to discuss the student’s academic and college plans and how the student can benefit from the UC experience. Students and parents also have the opportunity to go on a campus tour with a Student Ambassador and have lunch with your counselor, faculty advisor, athletic coach or program director. Classroom presentations, overnight visits and auditions or tryouts are also encouraged. Let us know what you want to see and do, and we will make every effort to accommodate you.
back to top
Q: What does it cost to attend UC?
A: For 2007-08:
Tuition : $22,050
Room and Board : $7,930 (for on-campus residents only)
Total: $29,980
Over 90% of our students receive generous financial aid packages including Academic, Athletic, Music, and Leadership and Involvement Scholarships. Part of your individual scholarship and financial aid package may also include various federal and state grants, student loans, and work study. We work with each student individually with the goal to make the UC experience affordable.
Q: Are tuition deposits refundable?
A: Tuition deposits are refundable only if the Office of Admissions receives a written request for refund prior to May 1 for Fall Semester enrollment. Tuition deposits are not refundable for the Spring or Summer terms. Application fees and class and laboratory fees are not refundable.
back to top
Q: I don’t think I will qualify for financial aid. Should I still apply?
A: Yes! Even though you may not qualify for Federal or State need-based monies, you may still qualify for UC need-related funds. We will also work on a case-by- case basis with each family to find the best financial pathway to attending UC. Additionally, students that do not complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) are not eligible for certain student or parent loans.
Q: How do I apply for financial aid?
A: Fill out the Free Application for Financial Student Aid (FAFSA) by the priority date of March 1. You may file after the priority date, but certain federal and state funds may not be available.
To complete the form online, go to http://www.fafsa.ed.gov to start the process after January 1 of the student’s senior year in high school. You can also complete the paper form available through your high school counselor. Contact the Office of Admissions if you need help with this process.
Q: Does the University of Charleston offer scholarships?
A: UC offers generous scholarships: Academic, Athletic, Music, Leadership & Involvement, Legacy (Alumni), Welch Colleague Program and more.
Q: How will an outside scholarship affect my financial aid package?
A: Scholarship effects will vary. Please contact our Financial Aid Office at 304-357-4947.
Q: If I am from West Virginia, can I apply for the Promise Scholarship? How?
A: Yes, please apply through your high school counselor. Also, you can check out this year’s requirements at: http://www.promisescholarships.org/promise/home.aspx
Q: Is financial aid renewable each year?
A: Generally, yes. However, you should complete the Renewal FAFSA and the financial aid process each year. All scholarships, grants and loans cannot be guaranteed from year to year because of eligibility. Please contact the Financial Aid Office if you have questions.
back to top
Q: Does UC offer study-abroad opportunities?
A: Yes. UC sends students on extraordinary adventures to England, Australia, China, Germany, Jamaica and other locales, while alternative spring break trips have taken students as far away as Brazil, Belize and Trinidad. These travel, educational and service opportunities are designed to maximize your educational experience while a UC student. Trips have been designed to allow for a wide-variety of historical, cultural, social, service and artistic experiences. This year students will be going to China, England, Jamaica, Hawaii, Brazil, Greece and Turkey.
Q: Does the University have any computer purchasing programs?
A: Students are able to receive a discount on Dell computers. Ask the Office of Admissions for more information.
Q: What type of computer facilities and network access are available to students?
A: Computer labs are available for students along with work stations and reserved laptops in the library. All dorms are wired with Ethernet connections in each room, and wireless access is available in Clay Tower and certain other areas on campus, including the river bank.
Q: Can students bring a car on campus?
A: Yes, currently all students may have a car. There may be restrictions on parking areas and lots for students.
Q: What is the campus safety policy?
A: UC provides full-time security on campus 24-hours-a-day. Front Desk Assistants, Resident Assistants and Resident Directors with communication capability are located in each resident hall. There is also ample lighting throughout campus along with emergency phones and security cameras. UC's campus is very safe.
Q: What are the residence hall options?
A: Brotherton - Freshman students
Middle Hall - Freshman students, Upperclassmen and Pharmacy students
New Hall - Upperclassmen
back to top
If your question still hasn't been answered, please browse our web site or contact us. We are here to help!