Applying to Stevenson

At Stevenson, education is defined by exceptional experiences, connections to careers, and a welcoming, dynamic community where you’ll find the opportunities, mentoring, and support to define your vision of success. Get ready to experience opportunities only Stevenson can offer: small classes with faculty who care and experiences that allow you to explore, create, lead, connect, and succeed during and beyond your years as a Stevenson student.

Easy Ways to Apply

The applications below are for students interested in attending Stevenson University in the traditional, in person, programs. If you are interested in attending Stevenson University Online (SUO) programs, please click here. (ATB and RN to BS students need to complete the SUO application.)

Freshmen Students: High school students who have taken college credits before receiving a high school diploma are considered freshmen.

• Fall 2025 and Spring 2025:
  • Common Application
  • Stevenson University Application

  Transfer Students: You are considered a transfer student if you have graduated from high school or obtained a GED, and subsequently attended another university or college.

  • Fall 2025 and Spring 2025:
    • Common Application
    • Stevenson University Application

    Admissions is on a rolling basis—meaning applications are accepted throughout the year—and you can expect a decision within 2-3 weeks of submitting your application. Use the tabs below to review the materials needed based on your application status.

    Have questions?

    Feel free to ask—we’re here to help!

    Important Scholarships & Financial Aid Dates

    Priority Deadline for Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

    Deadline for Freshman Application Materials

    Final Scholarship Deadlines

    Admission Requirements

    • High School Students
    • Transfer Students
    • International Students
    • Returning Students
    • Home-Schooled Students
    • Early Enrollment Students
    • Parallel Enrollment Students

    High School Students

    Before we can review your application for admission, it must be complete. Application deadlines are listed below.

    Required Information

    Application
    You can submit the Common Application or the Stevenson Online Application. A $40 non-refundable application processing fee is only required if you submit the paper application. All methods of application are equally valid. No preference is given to applicants based on which application they choose.

    High School Transcript
    You must submit an official copy of your current high school transcript. Official transcripts come sealed from your high school. We accept electronic transcript submissions if your high school chooses to submit electronically.
    The Common Application has its own Secondary School Report form, which we are happy to accept if you apply using the Common Application. Our Secondary School Report and Transcript Request Form is included in our paper application and is available for download.

    Your transcript is the most important piece of your application and your grades in the five core academic subjects carry the most weight in our review process. At a minimum, we expect to see the following coursework:

    • English: 4 years
    • Mathematics: 3 years, including Algebra I, Algebra II, & Geometry
    • Science: 3 years, including 2 lab sciences (Biology & Chemistry preferred)
    • Social Sciences: 3 years
    • World Language: 2 years in the same language (American Sign Language is accepted)

    Essay
    The essay gives the Admissions Committee a chance to know you beyond your grades and test scores. You must submit a response to a single essay question. We use the Common Application essay questions on all versions of our application. Please note that we request your essay be approximately 500 words/2 typed pages, even though the Common Application says responses can be as short as 250 words.

    If you use the Common Application, you’ll upload your essay at commonapp.org. If you’re using the Stevenson online application, follow these instructions on uploading your essay.

    Optional Information

    Letter(s) of Recommendation
    For Fall 2024 freshman applicants, submitting a letter of recommendation is optional. Student may have letter(s) of recommendation submitted by school counselors or teachers if they choose. Letters can be submitted through the Stevenson application or the Common Application.

    Copy of Resident Alien Card
    If you are a United States Permanent Resident you must submit a copy of the front and back of your Resident Alien card before your application can be considered. Contact your admissions counselor if you are unsure if this applies to you.

    Standardized Testing
    The fall 2024 freshman application process is test optional. We do not require SAT or ACT scores as a part of the application process or scholarship review process. Students may submit SAT or ACT scores if they wish. Test scores will not negatively impact your admission decision.

    Students interested in pre-health programs should considering completing SAT or ACT testing at some point during their senior year of high school. While test scores are optional at Stevenson, some graduate health programs use SAT or ACT test scores as part of their application process. More information on pre-health advising can be found here.

    When completing the application, your school counselor can submit documents electronically through Naviance and the Common Application. We can also accept transcripts electronically from high schools and community colleges that use the Electronic Transmission Transcript System. If you or your school counselor have questions about how to submit application materials, contact us at admissions@stevenson.edu for assistance.

    Interview
    An admission interview is available by appointment. It is best to either schedule this interview shortly after submitting the application or to bring application materials with you. An interview is much more beneficial if your counselor has your application materials or at least an unofficial transcript when meeting with you.

    Resume
    You are welcome to submit a personal resume detailing your extracurricular involvements and/or awards or honors you have received.

    Other Items
    Every year we have applicants who submit DVDs, CDs, research projects, photographs, and/or other items showcasing their talents and interests. We are happy to accept such information, but these types of materials rarely carry much weight in the decision process. While we enjoy getting to know you better through these media, your academic record is still of primary importance. Specialty materials like those listed cannot be returned, so please do not send your only copy.

    Visual Arts & Design Portfolios
    The School of Design allows students planning to major in Fashion Design, Film & Moving Image, and Graphic Design to submit a portfolio of work to enhance their application and to be considered for talent-based scholarships. Portfolio submissions are used for scholarship consideration and will not negatively impact a student’s acceptance to Stevenson University or the art and design programs within. Please see the School of Design’s portfolio page for tips, guidelines, and FAQs on putting together an art and design portfolio.

    Freshman Admissions Deadlines

    • November 1:
      • Presidential Fellowship Deadline
      • Priority Scholarship Consideration
      • Visual Arts Scholarship Deadline
      • Theatre and Media Performance Scholarship Deadline
      • Service and Leadership Scholars Deadline
      • Mock Trial Scholarship Deadline
      • School of the Sciences Scholarship Deadline
      • Final Scholarship Consideration Deadline
      • Marching Band, Color Guard, and Dance Line Scholarships Deadline
      • eSports Scholarship Deadline
      • To reserve your space in the freshman class, the enrollment deposit is $300 and is non-refundable after May 1.

      Note: Pursuant to Maryland law following the passage of the Maryland Fair Access to Education Act of 2017, Stevenson University does not use criminal history to disqualify an applicant from admission.

      Transfer Students

      The Admissions Committee at Stevenson University considers all submitted information when reviewing applications. Complete applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

      Please submit all documents to: Stevenson University, Undergraduate Admissions Office, Garrison Hall, 100 Campus Circle, Owings Mills MD 21117.

      Required Information

      1. Application
         Completed Application for Undergraduate Admission either online or through the Common Application.
      2. Official Transcripts
         Official transcript from each college attended. A final transcript must be sent upon completion of any coursework currently in progress. If fewer than 28 college academic credits have been completed at the time of application, submit an official high school transcript.
      3. International Transfer Students
         International students should also follow the admission requirements for International Transfer Students.

      Optional Information

      • Standardized test
      • Interview
      • Resume
      • Letters of Recommendation
      • Essay discussing academic history and career goals

      Visual Arts & Design Portfolios
      The School of Design encourages students planning to major in Fashion Design, Film & Moving Image, and Graphic Design to submit a portfolio of work to enhance their application and to be considered for talent-based scholarships. Portfolio submissions are used for scholarship consideration and will not negatively impact a student’s acceptance to Stevenson University or the art and design programs within. Please see the School of Design’s portfolio page for tips, guidelines, and FAQs on putting together an art and design portfolio.

      Admissions Decisions

      Recommended cumulative GPA: 2.5 (lower GPAs may be considered on a case-by-case basis)

      Applicants who have earned an Associate’s degree will be given priority consideration. Acceptance to the university does not guarantee acceptance into a specific degree program, such as Nursing or Medical Laboratory Science. Please refer to Academic Programs for more information about deadlines for submission of all application materials.

      Admissions decision letters are mailed on a rolling basis, starting in January for the fall semester and October for the spring semester.

      International Students

      International Freshman Applicants

      Freshman Application Deadlines

      Fall Semester – March 1
      All international students, except documented U.S. permanent residents and other eligible non-U.S. citizens, should submit all application requirements – including the required international student documents – by March 1 for admission for the fall semester. This deadline exists due to the length of time after admission that is necessary to allow for arranging next steps, including but not limited to arranging an appointment with a US embassy in a student’s home country to obtain proper visa requirements. Decisions are released on a rolling basis. Students who apply after these deadlines may experience delays in receiving their visas and subsequently starting at the University.

      Required Information

      Undergraduate Application for Admission
      International students may use the online Common Application.

      Proof of English Proficiency
      International students must demonstrate a satisfactory level of English proficiency. Any student whose native language is not English must submit Proof of English Proficiency through one of the following methods: TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) with a score of 80 or higher (internet-based) and have no individual section score lower than 20; IELTS (International English Language Testing System) with a minimum overall band score of 6.5 and no individual score lower than 6.0; SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing score of 530 or higher; ACT English score of 19 or higher; Duolingo with a score of 105 or higher; Pearson Test of English with a score of 54 or higher; Cambridge English with a score of 175 or higher on B1 or B2. This is subject to review and additional information may be requested.

      Transcripts and Certificates of Previous Academic Work
      An applicant must submit official transcripts from all high school/secondary institutions. Non-English foreign high school/secondary and post-secondary transcripts must be submitted to an international credentials evaluation service that is a current member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) for a course-by-course evaluation including GPA. A member list is available on the NACES website.

      Essay
      Applicants must submit a response to a single essay question. Students will submit the essay through the Common Application website. Please note that the essay should be approximately 500 words, even though the Common Application says responses can be as short as 250 words. In addition, please provide a 100-word answer to the short response question listed on the application.

      Students Seeking F-1 or F-2 Visa: Passport Identification Page
      A legible, high-quality, color copy of the unexpired passport identification page is required of all international students. International students currently attending high school in the United States must also submit a high-quality, color copy of their current visa. International students currently holding an F-1 or F-2 visa must submit a copy of their Form I-20.

      Optional: Standardized Test Scores
      Including, but not limited to, the SAT, ACT, JEE, NEET, and NCEE exams.

      Optional: Letters of Recommendation
      Submit at least one recommendation from a teacher and/or counselor.

      NOTE: Canadian citizens should contact an international student advisor for specific instructions regarding their applications at admissions@stevenson.edu or 410-486-7001.

      Requirements Post-Acceptance – Freshman International Students

      In order to receive a current I-20 and proceed with full-time enrollment of at least 12-credits, please follow the Instructions listed under Required Post-Acceptance section following the International Transfer Application section.

      International Transfer Applicants

      Transfer Application Deadlines

      Fall semester – March 1
      Spring semester – October 1
      All international students, except documented U.S. permanent residents and other eligible non-U.S. citizens should submit all the application requirements including the required international student documents by March 1 for transfer admission for the fall semester and October 1 for transfer admission for the spring semester.* Decisions are released on a rolling basis. Students who apply after these deadlines may experience delays in receiving their visas and subsequently starting at the University.

      *Some majors may require earlier application deadlines. Please see our Fields of Study section for more information.

      Required Information

      Undergraduate Application for Admission
      International students may use the online Common Application.

      Proof of English Proficiency
      International students must demonstrate a satisfactory level of English proficiency. Any student whose native language is not English must submit Proof of English Proficiency through one of the following methods: TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) with a score of 80 or higher (internet-based) and have no individual section score lower than 20; IELTS (International English Language Testing System) with a minimum overall band score of 6.5 and no individual score lower than 6.0; SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing score of 530 or higher; ACT English score of 19 or higher; Duolingo with a score of 105 or higher; Pearson Test of English with a score of 54 or higher; Cambridge English with a score of 175 or higher on B1 or B2. This is subject to review and additional information may be requested.

      Transcripts and Certificates of Previous Academic Work
      International Transfer students who have attended or who are currently attending a U.S. post-secondary institution must submit official transcripts from all institutions. Students who have completed post-secondary academic coursework outside of the United States must submit an official course-by-course transcript evaluation from an organization that is a current member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES). A member list is available on the NACES website. Transfer students who have completed less than 28 college-level academic credits (as determined by a Stevenson University credit evaluation) are required to submit an official U.S. high school transcript or official NACES member evaluation of a non-U.S. secondary school transcript.

      Students Seeking F-1 or F-2 Visa: Passport Identification Page
      A legible, high-quality, color copy of the unexpired passport identification page is required of all international students. International students currently attending high school in the United States must also submit a high-quality, color copy of their current visa. International students currently holding an F-1 or F-2 visa must submit a copy of their Form I-20.

      Post-Acceptance Requirements: Required for all International Applicants

      Post-Acceptance Requirements: Required for all International Applicants

      In order to receive a current I-20 and proceed with full-time enrollment, please follow the instructions below submitting each official document to the Undergraduate Admissions Office. Please pay close attention to the deadlines listed for EACH official document below.

      1. Passport Identification Page
         A legible and high-quality, color copy of the unexpired passport identification page is required of all international students. International students currently attending a high school or college/university in the United States must also submit a high quality copy of his or her current Departure Record (I-94) and U.S. visa. International students currently holding an F-1 or F-2 visa must submit a copy of his or her Certificate of Eligibility (I-20). Please submit this documentation to the Undergraduate Admissions office before April 1 for the fall semester, or before November 1 for the spring semester.
      2. Official Bank Statements
         All international students holding or intending to seek an F-1 student visa must submit current official bank statement(s) signed by an official from the banking institution. Statements must be in English verifying the student’s financial resources in U.S. dollars for the total cost of attendance, including tuition and fees, other academic expenses, living expenses, and transportation for the year of intended enrollment. The current year’s Estimated Cost of Attendance Chart is listed on our Financial Aid website.

      Important Note to ALL International Students: Undergraduate freshman and transfer students on an F-1 visa must take a minimum of 12 credits each semester and continue in good academic standing to remain eligible.

      Scholarships: Freshman and transfer undergraduate students in traditional programs are automatically considered for academic merit scholarships. The scholarship review is based on secondary school performance for freshmen and previous post-secondary school academic coursework and grades for transfer students. Federal financial aid programs are available to documented U.S. citizens, U.S. permanent residents, and some other eligible non-U.S. citizens. While international students can be considered for academic merit scholarships, there are no full-tuition scholarships or separately designated scholarships for international students

      Welcome Back!

      The table below outlines the steps you should take to return to Stevenson.

      Your academic standing your last semester at Stevenson	Length of absence from the university	Steps to Complete
      In good academic standing (not suspended or dismissed)*	2 semesters or fewer	You do not need to apply for reinstatement or readmission. Contact the Registrar’s Office for assistance with registering for classes
      In good academic standing (not suspended or dismissed)*	3 or more semesters	Apply for readmission by filling out the application for readmission (see below) and submit it by: • May 1 for fall admission • November 1 for spring admission
      Suspended or dismissed for failure to maintain good academic standing or because of academic misconduct*	N/A—All students who were not in good academic standing in their last semester must petition for reinstatement regardless of the length of their absence from the university	Submit a petition for academic reinstatement (see below) by: • June 1 for reinstatement for fall semester • January 2 for reinstatement for the spring semester
      Suspended because of conduct violations*	N/A—All students suspended because of conduct violations must appeal to the Dean of Students regardless of the length of absence from the university	Contact the Dean of Students: 443-352-4012

      *Please contact the Registrar’s Office if you are not sure whether you were suspended or dismissed from SU. If you are a current student who has been suspended and you wish to appeal the suspension before being absent from the university because of substantial extenuating circumstances, please fill out the Petition to Appeal Academic Suspension, which can be found on the Portal.

      Application for Readmission

      Application for Academic Reinstatement

      Readmission of Service Members

      In compliance with ED 34 C.F.R. 668.18 and the Department of Defense Voluntary Education Partnership Memorandum of Understanding, Stevenson University will promptly readmit students who—because of military service—must be absent from the university for more than 30 consecutive days or for fewer than 30 days if the absence results in a withdrawal from the university. For the purpose of this policy, military service is defined as “service, whether voluntary or involuntary, in the armed forces, including service by a member of the National Guard or Reserve, on active duty, active duty for training, or full-time National Guard duty under federal authority for a period of more than 30 consecutive days under a call or order to active duty of more than 30 consecutive days” (ED 34 C.F.R. 668.18).

      Regulations governing the readmission of service members after an absence because of military service can be found in the Code of Federal Regulations. The notification of service and the intent to return to Stevenson required by the federal regulations should be made to Stevenson’s Assistant Registrar, VA Programs.

      For further information, please contact the Admissions Office at 1-877-468-6852, or the Office of Student Success.

      Home-Schooled Applicants

      Applications from students who have been schooled at home are welcome at SU. Home-schooled students are reviewed using the same criteria as applicants schooled in a traditional high school setting and are asked to submit the same required information. Due to the variety of educational experiences among home-schoolers, applicants are strongly encouraged to include the following with their application:

      • A short statement written by the person, other than the applicant, most responsible for the applicant’s education during the secondary school years that describes the educational program undertaken by the student. This document is not intended as a recommendation, but as an explanation of the approach the student and primary educator took in planning the secondary school curriculum. This is often written by a parent.
      • Official transcript(s) for any coursework taken at local two-year or four-year colleges. The official transcript should be sent even if this coursework is listed on the home-school transcript.
      • A letter of recommendation from a teacher or home-school evaluator who is not a family member. Up to three letters of recommendation will be considered if submitted.
      • Scheduling an admission interview is strongly encouraged. It is best to schedule this interview shortly after submitting the application or to bring application materials with you to the interview.

      Early Enrollment Students

      Advanced high school students who wish to begin their college careers before graduation from high school may apply for Early Enrollment. Early Enrollment is available to high school seniors whose high schools grant them permission to waive their senior year to enroll full time as degree-seeking students. In addition to submitting the information required of all freshman applicants, Early Enrollment applicants should:

      • Have successfully completed 13 college preparatory units and 3 elective units (at least 2 of these electives are generally in a foreign language) by the end of the third year of high school.
      • Submit SAT scores of at least 550 Critical Reading and 550 Math.
      • Have attained a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least a 3.0 (B).
      • Submit a letter of recommendation from the high school principal or director of guidance/counseling permitting the student to apply for Early Enrollment (this letter should indicate that the student’s request for a senior waiver has been granted or indicate when it will be granted).
      • Schedule a personal interview with the SU admissions counselor assigned to the student’s high school. A parent or legal guardian is encouraged to attend this interview.

      Parallel Enrollment Students

      SU sponsors a Parallel Enrollment program for academically talented high school students. This program allows students from the local area to take up to two courses during one or both semesters of their senior year. Participants may take up to fourteen (14) credits through the Parallel Enrollment program.

      Application Process

      A minimum cumulative high school GPA of 3.0 (B) is required for admission. Students who wish to enroll in English or math courses must submit SAT or ACT scores for placement purposes. For all applicants, scheduling a personal interview with the Parallel Enrollment Admissions Counselor is strongly recommended.

      Students applying for Parallel Enrollment must submit:

      • Parallel Enrollment Application
      • Official high school transcript
      • Letter of endorsement from their high school guidance counselor
      • Letter of permission to enroll from a parent or legal guardian

      Application Deadlines

      The application and supporting materials, including the $25 application fee, must be received by the following deadlines:

      Fall Semester: June 1
      Spring Semester: October 1

      All information should be mailed to:
      Stevenson University
      Admissions Office
      100 Campus Circle
      Owings Mills, MD 21117

      Tuition Expenses

      Parallel Enrollment students pay tuition on a per-credit basis, as do all part-time students at Stevenson. Students accepted to the program, however, receive a Stevenson University Parallel Enrollment scholarship of $300 per credit to help defray tuition expenses.

      Continuation Requirements

      Parallel Enrollment students must earn a minimum 3.0 GPA in their first semester of SU coursework in order to be eligible to pursue coursework for a second semester.

      Course Offerings & Descriptions

      Students in Parallel Enrollment may choose from select 100- and 200-level courses as outlined in the Parallel Enrollment Course List. Please note that this list of suggested courses is subject to change and a course’s placement on the list does not guarantee availability in any particular semester.

      For Further Information

      Contact the Admissions Office at 410-486-7001 or admissions@stevenson.edu and direct your inquiry to the Admissions Counselor for Parallel Enrollment.