Admissions

Louisiana Christian University accepts applications for admission from students of accredited secondary schools and students transferring from accredited colleges without regard to race, sex, color, handicap, age, creed or national origin. Also, special criteria have been established to receive applications from students from unaccredited high schools and non-graduates of high school.

All students who are seeking to enroll in classes at Louisiana Christian University for the first time or those returning to Louisiana Christian University after having been absent the preceding semester (excluding summer or special terms), must apply for admission under one of the following categories:

Degree-Seeking Students
Provisional Students
Non-Degree Seeking Students
Special Admissions Programs

Continuing students are those pursuing uninterrupted study at Louisiana Christian University after having been accepted for unconditional admission. An application for admission is not required for continuing students, and they are not required to attend summer or special terms to be considered continuing.

The following application outline will help the student determine what is required in order to be considered for admission to Louisiana Christian University.

Degree-Seeking Students

A degree-seeking student is one who has received approval under the appropriate academic criteria to pursue courses for credit toward a degree from Louisiana Christian University. All students applying for admission under degree-seeking status must submit or have on file in the Office of Admissions prior to registration for classes:

1. Application for admission. A $25 application fee is required.
2. Transcript of high school and/or college credits or GED scores for a high school equivalency diploma.
3. A preliminary transcript should accompany the application for admission. This transcript must be sent directly to the Office of Admissions from the student’s high school and must arrive in a sealed envelope in order to be considered official. A final transcript should be sent to the Office of Admissions as soon as possible following high school graduation. Individuals who are not certain that they possess a 2.0 grade point average, as outlined below for high school and transfer students, should submit a transcript no later than two weeks before registration.

First-Time Freshmen

A first-time freshman is defined as the following:

1. A student who graduated from high school at the end of the previous school term and has not attended any institution of higher education since graduating;
2. A student who graduated from high school prior to the end of the previous school term and has not attended any institution of higher education since graduating;
3. A student who graduated from high school and has no prior experience attending any institution for the first time at the undergraduate level in academic or occupational programs;
4. A student who attended college for the first time in the summer term prior to enrolling in the fall term at an institution of higher education;
5. A student who enrolled in an institution of higher education with college credits earned during high school before graduating from high school.

First-time freshmen must complete the two requirements listed above for all degree seeking students and these additional requirements:

1. ACT Student Profile Report, CLT Student Profile Report or SAT Student Profile Report: This report should be an official report prepared by ACT, CLT, or SAT specifically for Louisiana Christian University. (Some out of state high schools may submit a certified copy. See the Admissions Office for more information.) Report information is utilized for academic counseling and placement. (Report request forms are available in the admissions office.) Students who have been out of high school for two or more years may be exempted from this requirement.
2. Dormitory Application: Single, non-local students are required to live in a dormitory unless special arrangements are made. For more information see the housing portion of the Louisiana College website, or contact Residence Life at (318) 487-7154.
3. A report of medical history is required of all students and a Proof of Immunization for all students born after 1956.

Graduates of accredited high schools must meet one of the following requirements to be accepted for unconditional admission:

1. Score a composite of 20 or above on the ACT (1030 on the SAT, 66 on the CLT), AND possess an academic grade point average of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale on academic core subjects or
2. Score a minimum composite of 19 on the ACT (980 on the SAT, 64 on the CLT) AND possess an academic grade point average of 2.2 on a 4.0 scale on academic core subjects or
3. Score a minimum composite of 18 on the ACT (940 on the SAT, 62 on the CLT) AND possess an academic grade point average of 2.3 on a 4.0 scale on academic core subjects or
4. Score a minimum composite of 17 on the ACT (900 on the SAT, 60 on the CLT), AND possess an academic grade point average of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale on academic core subjects.

In addition to the above requirements, a high school diploma is required for admission with the following 24 units mandatory:

English 4 units (emphasis on literature and composition)
Mathematics 4 units (Algebra I & II, and Geometry or higher level math)
Science 3 units (at least 2 units of lab science)
Social Studies 3 units (1 unit with United States focus, 1 unit with world focus)

The balance of the units required for admission may be earned in the following academic areas: English, math, science, social studies, foreign language, humanities, fine/performing arts, physical education, health, and computer science (provided a substantial programming or mathematical component is established.)

Louisiana Jump Start students must meet minimum ACT and cumulative GPA requirements.

For out-of-state students, each state’s minimum mandatory unit requirements must be met.

Other Categories of First-Time Freshman

The following students are also defined as first-time freshmen:

1. Students who did not graduate from high school within the last two years and are 18 years of age or older;
2. High school graduates who graduated from an unaccredited high school;
3. Home-schooled students who did not graduate from a BESE approved curriculum

Students are accepted on the basis of one of the two following criteria:

1. GED score with average or higher in each area AND either a compositie ACT score of 17 or SAT score of 900 or CLT score of 60; OR
2.  A composite ACT score of 20 or SAT score of 1030 or CLT score of 66.

Students who have an ACT composite score of 17 or above, or an equivalent SAT or CLT score, but who do not meet standard eligibility requirements as outlined above may submit a written appeal to the Admissions and Retention Committee. The appeal letter should be submitted to the Committee through the Coordinator of the Academic Counseling Program or the Director of Admissions and must include the following: (1) an explanation of the circumstances that prevented the student from meeting the academic requirements outlined in this policy, (2) if applicable and available, documentation of the extenuating circumstances, and (3) an action plan for improved academic performance, meaning what the student plans to do differently to succeed in his or her college career. The appeal must be filed at least seven calendar days prior to the beginning of the semester or summer term in which the student wishes to enroll. The Admissions and Retention Committee makes final decisions on such appeals.

Students who have an ACT composite score of 15 or 16, or an equivalent SAT or CLT score, may be eligible to participate in the Louisiana Christian University Summer BRIDGE Opt-In program to move toward admission. See the Bridge Program Policy for more information, or contact the Admissions Office.

Students with deficiencies in Math or English subject test scores, but who have an acceptable composite score and GPA may choose to participate in either the Summer or Fall term BRIDGE program remedial courses. See the Bridge Program Policy for more information.

Students who have an ACT composite score of 14 or below, or an equivalent SAT or CLT score, will not be considered for admission to Louisiana Christian University.

Transfer Students

A transfer student is a student who has been admitted to, enrolled in, and attended an institution of higher education and who is attending Louisiana Christian University for the first time. In some cases, students may be enrolled in the fall term but transferred to LCU during the previous summer term. Transfer students may transfer with or without credit. In some cases, students may have attended a previous institution and enrolled in non-credit courses. Examples of non-credit courses are remedial math, remedial English and ESL courses.

These students must complete the two requirements listed above for all degree seeking students and these additional requirements:

1. Transcript of college work from each college attended. Louisiana Christian University accepts official transcripts as physical and official e-script or electronically verified copies. Students must report to the Office of Admissions any higher education institution they attended, even if they did not receive credit for the course(s) they completed or did not complete. In cases in which students attended an higher education institution and were enrolled in non-credit courses, students must report that they attended the institution and enrolled in the non-credit course. Students must report non-credit courses whether or not they were completed.
2. Dormitory Application: Single, non-local students are required to live in a dormitory unless special arrangements are made. For more information see the housing portion of the Louisiana Christian University website, or contact Residence Life at (318) 487-7154.
3. A report of medical history is required of all students and a Proof of Immunization for all students born after 1956.

Students with fewer than 12 hours of transferable credit (excluding remedial courses) must meet the following additional requirements:

1. Must be in good standing with the institution from which they are transferring. Must have a minimum GPA of 2.0 or better.
2. Must submit an official copy of their final high school transcript and official copies of their ACT or other approved test scores.
3. Must meet LCU’s minimum freshman admission policy (see above) in addition to the minimum GPA required for transfer.
4. Note: Remedial courses are non-transferrable.

Students who have completed 12-14 hours of transferable credit (excluding remedial courses) must meet the following additional requirements:

1. Must be in good standing with the institution from which they are transferring.
2. Must have a minimum GPA or 2.5 or better.
3. Must be able to obtain an official transcript from the institution from which they are transferring, often related to fulfillment of financial obligations.
4. Note: Remedial courses are non-transferable.

Students who have completed 15 hours or above of transferable credit (excluding remedial courses) must meet the following additional requirements:

1. Must be in good standing with the institution from which they are transferring.
2. Must have a minimum GPA or 2.0 or better.
3. Must be able to obtain an official transcript from the institution from which they are transferring, often related to fulfillment of financial obligations.
4. Note: Remedial courses are non-transferable.

Students who do not meet the above-stated transfer admissions requirements may appeal their admission decision to the Admissions and Retention Committee by submitting an appeal letter to the Director of Admissions. The appeal letter must address the following: (1) an explanation of the circumstances that prevented the student from meeting the academic requirements outlined in this policy, (2) if applicable and available, documentation of the extenuating circumstances, and (3) an action plan for improved academic performance, meaning what the student plans to do differently to succeed in his or her college career. An interview with a representative of the Admissions Office is required prior to committee review of appeal.

For other stipulations concerning transfer credit, see Credit Evaluation.

Non-Traditional/Adult Education Students (Online)

Contact the College of Adult and Professional Studies for Admissions Policies related to non-traditional/Adult Education students.

Enrollment Confirmation Fee

The enrollment confirmation fee is required to be paid prior to registering (entering a class schedule) for the student’s first semester/term at Louisiana Christian University. Students registering by July 1 for the fall semester and December 1 for the spring semester will be required to pay a $100 enrollment confirmation fee. An enrollment confirmation fee of $150 will be required for all students registering after these dates.

The enrollment confirmation fee is only refundable when the student provides written notification to the Louisiana Christian University Office of Admissions of their decision not to attend by July 1 for the fall semester and January 5 for the spring semester.. The fee is otherwise non-refundable.

The enrollment confirmation fee can be paid to the Louisiana Christian University Business Office by cash, personal check, cashier’s check or credit card (Visa, MasterCard or Discover). However, students are strongly encouraged to pay the enrollment confirmation fee online at www.lcuniversity.edu/confirm.

Returning Students

A returning student is one who has been absent one or more semesters (excluding summer and special terms) and has not been enrolled as a degree-seeking student at another institution during this absence. Students who were on provisional or probationary status at the conclusion of the last semester they attended Louisiana Christian University will return under the same status.

These students must complete the two requirements listed above for all degree seeking students and these additional requirements:

1. All returning students must complete a Returning/Degree Seeking Student Application Form. Those who were suspended for academic reasons will return on Academic Probation, provided they have not attended another institution in the interim. Course work taken during the period of suspension is not eligible for transfer. If the student has attended another institution after fulfillment of the suspension from LCU, the student must reapply for admission as a Transfer Student. Readmission is not automatic. These applications must be approved by the Admissions and Retention Committee. Students who do not meet the minimum standards for readmission must write a letter of appeal to the Admissions and Retention Committee. The appeal letter must address the following: (1) an explanation of the circumstances that prevented the student from meeting the academic requirements outlined in this policy, (2) if applicable and available, documentation of the extenuating circumstances, and (3) an action plan for improved academic performance, meaning what the student plans to do differently to succeed in his or her college career. More information may be found under the heading Appeal of Academic Ineligibility to Return.
2. Dormitory Application: Single, non-local students are required to live in a dormitory unless special arrangements are made. For more information see the housing portion of the Louisiana Christian University website, or contact Residence Life at (318) 487-7154.
3. A report of medical history of all students and a Proof of Immunization for all students born after 1956. These items do not have to be resubmitted if already on file. These items do not have to be resubmitted if already on file.
4. Students must be clear of any existing Business Office and/or Financial Aid holds before an application for re-enrollment will be accepted.

International Students

International Student: Any student who is not a US citizen and seeks F-1 status

Admission Requirements:

1. Official Completed Louisiana Christian University application
2. Official Evaluated Transcripts
3. Demonstration of English Proficiency
4. Current Valid Passport
5. Demonstration of Financial Eligibility

1. Completed Louisiana Christian University Application: Louisiana Christian University strongly prefers all students use the online application; however, we realize the online application is not available to some international students. In such instances, students may apply by emailing the paper version of the application to the international office. Application forms are not sent to international students until eligibility for admission has been determined. This determination is based upon the academic records and the required tests.

2. Official Transcripts: Scans of transcripts will be considered by the admissions committee for initial admission consideration. However, all accepted students must bring with them, and submit to the international office, official transcripts prior to registering for classes. Any discrepancies in the scans and the official transcripts may result in the student’s admission offer being revoked.

In those countries where only the results of the General Certificate Examinations are available, it is necessary that the student present passes on a minimum of four subjects at the ordinary level and two subjects at the advanced level.

Official copies (or copies notarized as official) of the transcripts or mark sheets should be mailed directly to:

International Student Services
Office of Admissions
1140 College Drive, Box 546
Pineville, LA 71359-0560

It will be necessary for such records to indicate above-average ability on the part of the student based on evaluated transcripts of high-school or college courses taken.

A student who has earned college-level course credits in a foreign country comparable to the course credits in the American university system and who wishes to use those credits toward a degree must have the transcripts evaluated by an approved credential service. Information on these can be obtained from the Admissions Office.

3. Demonstration of English Proficiency: Applicants will be accepted to Louisiana Christian University without conditions or with conditions based on their mastery of the English language as described below:

Admission - Students whose native tongue is not English and desire to be admitted to Louisiana Christian University shall exhibit adequate mastery of the English language as evidenced by the TOEFL or IELTS exams. Unconditional admission is defined for the purpose of this section as applicants who are allowed to enroll in for-credit courses with no additional assistance, requirements, or stipulations. Scores obtained within five years of the application date will be considered for admission. Exam scores older than five years of the application date will not be considered for admission. The exam scores required for unconditional admission are:

1. The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)-Internet based test (IBT) - An official TOEFL IBT score sent directly from the ETS testing agency should be sent to Louisiana Christian University on behalf of the student. Students will earn a minimum composite score of 80 on the TOEFL-IBT. Reading and Writing section scores will individually be higher than 18. Students submitting other forms of the TOEFL (paper or computer based) shall obtain equivalent scores as described above. If a student’s TOEFL score is between 60 and 79, the student may be accepted, but will need to complete the Louisiana Christian University ESL plan.
2. International English Language Testing System (IELTS) - Students must submit an official IELTS score from the IELTS testing agency sent directly to Louisiana Christian University. An IELTS score of 6.5 must be obtained.

4. Current Valid Passport - Students must submit a copy of their valid passport to be considered for admission.

5. Demonstration of Financial Eligibility - The United States Government requires all F-1 visa sponsors to ensure a student’s ability to finance their education in the USA. A student must have sufficient funds available to pay all institutional charges at the time of registration. A statement of financial responsibility must be submitted stating that the student has sufficient funds available to support tuition, room and board at Louisiana Christian University. Louisiana Christian University requires students to submit a bank certificate scan showing financial assets in excess of $25,000 USD to cover one year’s expenses of studying at Louisiana Christian University.

Students residing in the United States who are not U.S. citizens and are not on F-1 status may enroll with permission from the Admissions Committee and must pay tuition and fees in full at registration.

International students seeking to transfer to Louisiana Christian Univeristy from other colleges and universities in the United States must meet all acceptance criteria.

Provisional Students

All student (first-time students, non-traditional students, and transfer students) who do not meet the requirements for admission may be accepted as provisional students.

Students who do not meet Louisiana Christian University’s admissions requirements and want to be considered as a provisionally admitted student must submit a written appeal to the Admissions and Retention Committee. The appeal letter should be submitted to the Committee through the Coordinator of the Academic Counseling Program or the Director of Admissions and must include the following:

1. an explanation of the circumstances that prevented the student from meeting the academic requirements outlined in this policy,
2. if applicable and available, documentation of the extenuating circumstances, and
3. an action plan for improved academic performance, meaning what the student plans to do differently to succeed in his or her college career.

The appeal must be filed at least seven calendar days prior to the beginning of the semester or summer term in which the student wishes to enroll. The Admissions and Retention Committee makes the final decisions on such appeals.

Students admitted on provisional status must meet the following requirements:

1. They must register for no more than 14 hours for the semester, with any registration above 12 hours limited to one hour courses such as CC 100 College Connection I , MU 197 /MU 198  and/or physical education activity courses. In addition, provisionally admitted students must enroll in an English and Math course.
2. Must participate in the Academic Counseling Program.
3. Transfer students must present a 2.0 cumulative grade point average at the conclusion of the semester to achieve degree-seeking status, or they may continue on provisional status only after demonstrating academic progress (earn a minimum 2.0 GPA during a semester).
4. First-time freshmen and non-traditional students must present a 2.0 cumulative grade point average at the conclusion of the semester to achieve degree seeking status or they may continue on provisional status for an additional semester. These students must earn a 2.0 grade point average for the second semester in order to raise their cumulative grade point average to the required level for their classification.

Students on provisional status who fail to make minimum academic progress (as stated above) will be suspended. After their suspension, students may apply for readmission according to the guidelines stated in this catalog under Returning Students.

If a student is suspended they may appeal their suspension.

Bridge Program

LCU’s Bridge Program provides remediation in English and Mathematics alongside Learning Strategies/Study Skills classes. Incoming students who score a 17 or under on the English ACT and 18 or under on the Math ACT are required to complete Louisiana Christian University’s Bridge Program. Classes are offered during the Summer, Fall and Spring semesters. English Fundamentals and Remedial Math may not be transferred to Louisiana Christian University from another college. Students must earn a “C” or 70% or above to successfully pass the courses.

Students with a composite ACT score of 22 or higher who have an 18 in Math and/or a 17 in English may opt out of SS 100 for the fall.  For the spring (or for any course repeaters), students who fail EN 091 must take SS 100. However, students may opt out of SS 100 if they have an overall 2.0 GPA or higher and passed SS 100 with a C or better in the previous semester. Students who pass SS 100 with an A or B but fail MA 095 will not be required to retake SS 100.

Students with a score of 17 or under on the English ACT and/or with a score of 18 or under on Math ACT who do not participate in the Summer Bridge Program must enroll in EN 091 and/or MA 095 and complete the course(s) during the first semester of their Freshman year. Students are not permitted to withdraw from either course. If a student fails EN 091 and/or MA 095, the student must repeat the course(s) the following semester and must also enroll in the Study Skills course the following semester.

Students with a score of 17 or under on the English ACT and/or with a score of 18 or under on Math ACT must pass EN 091 before enrolling in EN 100 (College English). All students enrolled in EN 091 must take each subsequent English course the following semester (EN 100, EN 101 and then EN 102). These courses must be taken at Louisiana Christian University and may not be transferred in from coursework taken at other institutions.

Students will have three consecutive attempts to successfully complete Louisiana Christian University’s Bridge Program provided the first attempt occurs in the summer session prior to immediately matriculating at LCU for the following fall semester.

Students whose first attempt begins in the fall semester will be offered only one subsequent attempt in the immediately following spring semester. Students whose first attempt begins in the spring semester will be offered only one subsequent attempt in the immediately following fall semester.There will be no third attempt offered to students who began the program in any fall or spring semester. After the final failure, the student must withdraw from Louisiana Christian University for a minimum of one semester, and then the student can reapply for admission.

Opportunity Program: The student must have a minimum composite ACT score of 15 or 16 to be eligible for the Opportunity Program. The student must take LCU’s Bridge classes. The OP-IN students must complete the Summer Bridge Program with a passing grade to attend in the Fall. Students must earn a “C” (70%) or above to pass.

C.S. Lewis Honors Program

The Honors Program at Louisiana Christian University is an interdisciplinary program integrated into the core curriculum requirements that caters to students who perform at the highest academic standards. Its small, seminar-style courses focus on integrating faith and learning through rigorous investigation of primary source documents, writing, discussion, service learning, and study abroad. Students enter during their freshman year and complete the honors curriculum as a cohort.

The honors courses that are requirements of the program are: RL 103 The Biblical Story: Old Testament; RL 104 Survey of the New Testament (Honors); EN 205 Honors World Literature; HI 204 Honors World History; AR/CH 370 The Science and Art of Life; RL 304 Christian Faith and Values (Honors), and EN 405 C.S. Lewis Honors. A three-hour internship, thesis, or project, which must be in the student’s major field of study will be completed in the student’s senior year.

Non-Degree Seeking Students

Non-degree-seeking students include several types of students who are enrolled in courses for credit, but who have elected not, or are not presently eligible, to pursue a degree at Louisiana College.

These students fall into one of the following categories:

1. The students are transient students or are not able to complete a degree program at Louisiana Christian University. These students wish to attend Louisiana Christian University temporarily, having the intent to return to another college where they are already pursuing a degree. The statement must be in the Office of Admissions no later than two weeks after the close of registration or they will be dropped from the rolls of the college.
2. Occasionally students wish to enroll at Louisiana Christian University on a short-term basis because their career or another factor will cause them to relocate before they can complete a degree. They are enrolled only temporarily and do not wish to pursue a degree at Louisiana Christian University. An abbreviated application process provides the limited information needed for their admission. Forms are available through the Office of Admissions.
3. Students that are adults of at least 22 years of age with the equivalent of a high school diploma who wish to register for academic credit in a course or series of courses without pursuing a degree. An abbreviated application process provides the limited information needed for their admission. Forms are available through the Office of Admissions.
4. Students who have been unable to meet academic requirements necessary to pursue a degree. These students are on either provisional non-degree or non-degree status with permission from the Admissions Committee to continue so long as they make satisfactory progress in raising their grade point average to the required level.

Non-degree status may be changed to degree-seeking by following procedures outlined in the Degree-Seeking Section described earlier.

Special Admissions Program

Louisiana Christian University provides special opportunities for academically talented students. To do so, LCU offers dual enrollment, which allows such students to earn regular college credit prior to graduation from high school at a reduced rate. Any international student who wants to participate in any Special Admissions Program will fall under the International Students guidelines.

     Dual/Concurrent Enrollment: This university program permits qualified high school students to earn a maximum of twelve (12) hours of approved college course work per semester during the fall and/or spring semester of their final year of high school. Approved courses may be taken on the Louisiana Christian University campus or at the student’s local high school. If taken at the local high school, the instructor must meet the required qualifications as set forth by Louisiana Christian University. Traditional on-campus courses may be taken by high school juniors or seniors. Online courses may be taken by whoever meets the eligibility requirements.

        Student Requirements:

1. Student must be enrolled in a Louisiana public, private or parochial school, or in a BESE-Approved Home Study Program.
2. Student must be on track for completing the required Louisiana Core 4 Curriculum.
3. Student must have achieved 11^th or 12^th grade academic standing to enroll in traditional on-campus classes. Online courses may be taken by freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors who meet the eligibility requirements.
4. Student must be enrolled in a university course for which dual credit is attempted and recorded on both student’s secondary and postsecondary academic record.
5. Student will be admitted and enrolled as a “Non-Degree Seeking” student. Upon graduation from high school, if the student enrolls at LCU, they will apply for admission as a regular student and must meet the university’s admission requirements.

     Student Enrollment Criteria:

1.      ACT Composite Score of 18 (or equivalent PLAN, ASPIRE, SAT or COMPASS score)
2.      ACT English sub-score of 18 to enroll in English Comp I (EN 101) (or eqivalent PLAN, ASPIRE, SAT or COMPASS score)
3.      ACT mathematics sub-score of 19 to enroll in College Algebra (or equivalent PLAN, ASPIRE, SAT or COMPASS score)
4.      GPA 2.75 - Senior Status (on-campus and online classes)
5.      GPA 3.00 - Junior Status (on-campus and online classes)

                             - Sophomore Status (online classes only)
                             - Freshmen Status (online classses only)

     Application Process:

1.      Student must apply for admission by completing the LCU Dual Enrollment Application
2.      Student must submit official ACT, PLAN, ASPIRE, SAT, or COMPASS scores
3.      Student must provide official high school transcripts (GPA must be listed) 

Student Success Center

The Louisiana Christian University Student Success Center (SSC) is a comprehensive one-stop-shop for academic support services on campus. The SSC provides students with access to free tutoring in core courses, thereby fostering the independent, critical thinking skills needed to succeed in college and beyond. Located in the Norton Library, the SSC offers a range of academic assistance in the form of individual tutoring, study groups, and other support services for LCU’s student body. Students meet with peer tutors who have excelled in the course they tutor and who have been trained to facilitate discussion on course content. All of the programs and initiatives offered in the Center are free for LCU students.

Records Retention

Louisiana Christian University retains for three years the admissions materials for those who apply, but who do not enroll. For those who enroll, the university will retain the materials in student folders, including transcripts of the record of work completed elsewhere, for five years beyond the date of last attendance. Records of academic performance at Louisiana Christian University, including individual student records, faculty grade lists and graduation lists are kept permanently.