Undergraduate Admissions
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50+
undergraduate programs
Across business, culinary, tech, hospitality, design and many more real-world fields.
91.3%
of JWU grads are working, continuing their education, or serving in the military within six months of graduation
First Year Application Deadlines
Discover, Explore, Prepare or Get a Head Start on Your JWU Journey
You can prepare for admission to JWU before you even graduate high school. These programs can help you discover your interests, prepare yourself for college and make the transition easier.
We’re here to help
We can walk you through the steps that apply to your situation, answer questions, explain financial aid options and help you get started today on your path to becoming a Wildcat.
Big Goals. Real Work.
Wildcats come in with an interest and leave with a profession. What JWU adds is the time in the field, industry connections and the chance to test the work before graduation. See what our students built from there.
“Studying in Portugal gave me experience and confidence I’ll take with me long after this trip.”
Abby Vandiver ’28, Culinary Nutrition
“Our faculty genuinely want us to succeed.”
Emily Albright ’26, Nursing ABSN
How much is the application fee?
There is no fee to apply to JWU.
What is the difference between Early Action and Regular Admission?
Early Action is a non-binding program and only for the Fall semester. Application submission deadlines for Early Action are November 1, 2026 (EA 1) and January 3, 2027 (EA 2).
Regular Admission has a March 1, 2027 deadline and a rolling final deadline of July 15, 2027 for the Fall semester.
Transfer applicants have a Priority Admission deadline of April 12, 2027 and final deadline of July 15, 2027 for the Fall semester. The Spring semester has a December 1 deadline. Admissions may choose to extend those deadlines.
How and when will I find out if I am accepted?
Early Action 1 Fall Semester decisions are released by early December, and Early Action 2 Fall Semester decisions are released by early February. Regular Admission decisions are released within two weeks of complete submission in the JWU applicant portal. For the Spring Semester start, we begin releasing decisions within two weeks of complete submission.
What are the admission criteria?
Johnson & Wales University holistically reviews all elements of a student’s application to identify those students most likely to succeed at the university. Visiting campus, both in‐person or digitally, and interacting with admissions staff are all valuable ways of assuring that JWU is the right university for you.
Do I need to write an essay?
Students may wish to submit additional information beyond the required items if they would like to enhance their Johnson & Wales University application. An example of this optional item includes an essay of 300 words or less answering the question “What brings you joy?” Once JWU receives and enters your application into our system, you will receive an invite to the JWU applicant portal and then you may upload your essay.
May I submit a portfolio of my work related to my program of choice?
In order to provide a more complete understanding of your capabilities, applicants may wish to submit an optional digital portfolio to supplement the JWU application. Some examples include: articles or opinion pieces written for student publications; creative works; or photos or video’s from clubs, activities or competitions. Once JWU receives and enters your application into our system, you will receive an invite to the JWU applicant portal and then you may upload your portfolio.
Does JWU require SAT/ACT scores or SAT Essay/ACT Writing?
No, the submission of standardized test scores (SAT, ACT) or SAT Essay/ACT Writing is optional and students who do not submit scores will not be disadvantaged in the review process.
What are the requirements for the Honors Program?
Students with an average 3.0 GPA will be considered to apply for the Honors program. The applications will be reviewed for admission into the program and students will be notified of their status.
What is required of home-schooled students?
Home-schooled students must be able to document that they have completed high school. Verification documents include either a high school diploma/transcript recognized by their state department of education, or a high school equivalency exam. Additionally, home-schooled applicants must provide an academic writing sample (at least 500 words).
I previously attended JWU, how do I re-enroll?
If you were previously enrolled at JWU, you do not need to reapply. Simply fill out the readmittance form to our on-campus programs or online programs.
Are there special requirements for the Early Enrollment Program (EEP)?
Yes, please refer to our Early Enrollment page.
When will I receive my financial aid offer?
If you have already filed the FAFSA as part of the admissions process, financial aid offers may be available with your acceptance. If your FAFSA is completed after your acceptance, your offer will appear in your student portal approximately two weeks after we receive your completed FAFSA.