Admissions, Costs & Academics

As a comprehensive urban institution, University of Detroit Mercy (UDM) enrolls students of all ages in daytime, evening, and weekend classes.

Admission criteria differs depending on the educational goal at UDM and whether or not an applicant has had previous college experience. Students will be reviewed as either a “freshman” (no previous college experience), “transfer” (previous enrollment at a community college or four-year institution), “international” (non U.S. residents), or “post-degree” (for students who already hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university). Students enrolled at other colleges who wish to take UDM courses and transfer them back to their regular institution enroll as “guest” students.

UDM is a “moderately selective” university according to most college guide books. This means that freshmen who are “above average” in their high school record and ACT or SAT scores will be offered admission. Transfer and post-degree student admission is based primarily on an applicant’s record in previous college courses. An applicant's record must demonstrate a strong probability of successfully completing the academic program to which the student is applying. For all students, the admission committee pays special attention to achievement in courses which relate closely to the intended area of study at UDM. Details for each area are provided below.

Students over the age of 23, who have not previously attended college, are not required to take traditional freshman college entrance exams but must submit high school transcripts and may be asked to complete academic placement exams as part of the admissions process. This is to ensure students begin college work in appropriate courses.

UDM is committed to equal educational opportunity in admissions regardless of age, sex, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, handicap, military service, height, weight, marital status, or political belief. UDM reserves the right to review individual circumstances of applicants who have been convicted of criminal offenses.

A visit to campus is highly recommended. Visitors have an opportunity to discuss their academic plans with an admissions counselor and often are able to meet with UDM students and faculty in the program they would like to enter. As a result, people who visit often have a much better idea of whether or not UDM is the best place for them.

For information or to schedule a visit to campus, contact the Office of Admissions at (800) 635-5020, admissions@udmercy.edu, or for those who prefer to write:

Office of Admissions
University of Detroit Mercy
4001 W McNichols Road
Telephone: (313) 993-1245
Outside Metro Detroit: (800) 635-5020
E-mail: admissions@udmercy.edu
Detroit, MI 48221-3038

Freshman Admissions

Application Deadlines
Students should submit an application for admission online at www.udmercy.edu. Preferential treatment is given to applications submitted prior to April 1 for the Fall or Summer Terms. Students who seek scholarships or other financial aid should apply for admission as early as possible, preferably by January 1. Freshmen who apply for the Winter Term should plan to do so no later than November 1. Most applicants can expect to receive a decision within two weeks after their application file is complete. A complete file consists of an application for admission, official high school transcripts, and ACT or SAT I scores.

Recommended High School Preparation
High school graduates should complete a college preparatory program with a minimum of 16 units of credit. The recommended minimum distribution of these units includes: four units of college preparatory English, three units of mathematics, two units of history and/or social studies, two units of natural science including a laboratory course, and study in speech, foreign language, music, art, or other college prep subjects. For Engineering, Science, and Pre-Medical/Pre-Dental/Pre-Physician Assistant programs, four units of mathematics, one unit of chemistry and one unit of physics are strongly recommended. Nursing applicants should have one unit each of chemistry, biology and algebra.

ACT or SAT Results
No preference is given to either the ACT or SAT I. Students can submit results from either test. If multiple tests were taken, it is suggested that students send in results from all tests. The highest score will be used for admission. For faster processing, students should have their results sent directly from the testing agency by listing UDM as a score recipient when the test is taken. The UDM code number for the ACT is 2060 and the code number for the SAT is 1835.

In making an admissions decision, the overall strength of the high school courses completed is important. Applicants who have completed advanced placement, international baccalaureate, and honors courses, for instance, are recognized for the special effort they have made to complete the strongest possible college prep program while in high school.

Enrollment Deposit
Accepted students are asked to submit an enrollment deposit to guarantee their space in freshman classes. The deposit also secures scholarships and on-campus housing (if living on-campus). The deposit is credited toward first semester tuition and fees.

Advanced Placement Program
The University participates in the Advanced Placement Program (APP), a service of the College Board. Students who choose to take an APP exam and receive a grade of three or higher may obtain college credit and advanced standing (in most cases). Students planning to attend UDM should request that the results of the examination be sent to University of Detroit Mercy at the time of testing. Information on specific UDM course equivalences for APP examinations is available on our website www.udmercy.edu.

The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme focuses on three core requirements including extended essay, theory of knowledge, and creativity, action, and service. Freshmen with successful results may obtain college credit and advanced standing (in most cases).

For Home Schooled Applicants
University of Detroit Mercy welcomes home schooled students to apply for admission. Applicants should submit either ACT or SAT I scores and documentation of their academic progress (and ultimately, documentation of their completion of high school) from their affiliated home schooling agency, local school district or State Department of Education. Once the Admissions Application has been received, the Office of Admissions may contact the applicant to request additional information such as (but not limited to) portfolios, essays or writing samples and grading scale information.

Special Collegiate Admission
High school students (at the junior level or higher) may apply to enroll at UDM while working toward graduation at his/her high school. Students should complete and submit a UDM undergraduate admissions applications and have a letter from their high school indicating they can be dual-enrolled.

Special Collegiate students may take up to a total of 12 credit hours in courses subject to approval of their UDM advisor. Course work completed at UDM by a Special Collegiate student may count toward the high school diploma if approved by the student’s high school. This course work will be credited toward the UDM degree if they subsequently enroll as regular students and may be evaluated for credit toward a degree at other accredited post-secondary institutions.

If Special Collegiate students wish to enroll at UDM as degree-seeking freshmen, they need to apply for admission during their senior year of high school (or home schooled equivalent).

To receive information about UDM including procedures for submitting admissions applications students should visit our website at www.udmercy.edu, email requests to admissions@udmercy.edu or call the Office of Admissions at (800) 635-5020. People who prefer to write should send their request to the Office of Admissions, University of Detroit Mercy, 4001 W McNichols Road, Detroit, MI 48221-3038.

Transfer Student Admission

UDM welcomes applications from students who have begun their studies at community colleges or other four-year institutions. Admissions counselors who work only with transfer applicants provide information, advice and assistance for students considering transferring to UDM. A 2.O GPA in previous college work is generally considered the minimum acceptable for admission, though it doesn't guarantee admission. Many academic departments require a higher performance level of at least 2.5 in previous college work. As with high school applicants, individual academic programs may also require successful completion of specific courses. Applicants whose records otherwise make them eligible for admission may complete required courses at UDM and then seek entry directly to their desired program.

Recommended Preparation Before Transferring
Students planning, in advance, to transfer from community colleges should select courses which satisfy basic UDM core requirements and the requirements of the college, school or program in which they intend to enroll. Transfer Guides, which list transferable core courses for many Michigan community colleges, are available on our website. UDM’s Core Curriculum, which is required of all undergraduates, may be found in the "Schools and Colleges" section with specific requirements of each college and school.

Community College Articulation Agreements
Community colleges in the Detroit metropolitan area have designated liaison counselors to provide assistance to those students planning to enroll at UDM. These individuals are well qualified to provide guidance to students on UDM program requirements.

UDM has a number of “2 + 2’’ and “articulation agreements’’ with community colleges and other four-year institutions. Students enrolled in programs covered by such an agreement complete designated courses at their institution and are then assured of the transferability of all designated credits earned. Information on current agreements may be obtained from your community college counseling office or the UDM Office of Admissions.

ACT or SAT Results
Results of ACT or SAT I testing are required of transfer students who have earned less than 24 semester or 36 quarter hours of credit at another accredited institution. Applicants 23 years of age or older need not submit test results.

Transcripts and Transfer of Credit
Transfer applicants must have official transcripts sent to the Office of Admissions from each college previously attended. Applicants may not disregard attendance at any institution. A single transcript which reflects course work at two or more institutions is not adequate for admissions evaluation. High school transcripts are required of applicants who have earned less than 24 semester or 36 quarter hours of college credits.

Transcripts are evaluated and credit is granted for work satisfactorily completed at another accredited college or university if the work is equivalent in character and content to UDM courses. Only courses completed with a grade of “C’’ or better are considered for credit.

UDM accepts a maximum of 63 semester hours of credit transferred from a community college or 96 semester hours transferred from a four-year institution. In some cases, articulation or 2 + 2 agreements may specifically permit a limited number of hours in excess of the 63-hour maximum.

High school or college transcripts sent to UDM for admission application and/or transfer of credit evaluation are not given back to the student. These documents can be viewed as part of your academic file but we do not photocopy or reissue them.

Applications and Information for Transfer Students
To receive information about UDM including procedures for submitting admissions applications students should visit our website at www.udmercy.edu, email requests to admissions@udmercy.edu or call the Admissions Office at (800) 635-5020. People who prefer to write should send their request to the Office of Admissions, University of Detroit Mercy, 4001 West McNichols Road, Detroit, MI 48221-3038.

Application Deadlines
Students are encouraged to apply as early as possible. UDM cannot assure that admission decisions will be completed for transfer students whose files are incomplete as of August 1 for Term I (Fall), December 1 for Term II (Winter) or April 1 for Summer. Students who plan to seek scholarship and financial aid should apply at lease three months earlier than these admission deadlines to obtain the maximum assistance available.

Notification of Acceptance
Applicants are usually notified of an admissions decision within two weeks after their file is complete.

Special Admissions Program

University Academic Services sponsors a limited conditional admission program, University College (UC), for freshmen and transfer students who do not meet regular admission criteria but who show potential for academic success. Students are selected for participation in UC through application review and interviews. Students admitted through this process must sign an agreement to specific conditions, and are linked to necessary support services and developmental advising. Students may be referred for consideration for UC after initial evaluation of their files is completed in the Office of Admissions.

International Student Admission

Requirements
International student applicants for undergraduate programs must be academically above average and must have completed studies equivalent to those of American high school graduates (twelve years of pre-university study). They also must have received the appropriate certificates enabling them to pursue university studies in their own countries. All non-Canadian foreign documents must be evaluated by a recognized educational credential evaluation service such as the World Education Services or the Educational Credential Evaluators. A course-by-course evaluation is required.

International student applicants must complete the online International Student Application rather than the one for U.S. students.

English Proficiency
English proficiency is demonstrated by those who come from a country where English is the primary language, as well as by completion of an undergraduate or graduate degree at a college or university in the U.S. or in a country where English is the primary language.

While the University of Detroit Mercy accepts academically qualified students with or without TOEFL scores, if accepted to UDM without passing TOEFL scores, students will be given an upon arrival to campus. After taking the Detroit Test of American English, if students pass all sections, they will be exempt from further English-language (ESL) study and allowed to go directly into a full-time academic program of study. Otherwise, students will be placed into either a full-time or part-time ESL program. NOTE: If placed into ESL coursework, students may have to defer starting academic studies by a semester or longer until they attain a satisfactory level of English proficiency. English proficiency test upon arrival to campus. After taking the Detroit Test of American English, if students pass all sections, they will be exempt from further English-language (ESL) study and allowed to go directly into a full-time academic program of study. Otherwise, students will be placed into either a full-time or part-time ESL program. If placed into ESL coursework, students may have to defer starting academic studies by a semester or longer until they attain a satisfactory level of English proficiency.

The following scores are needed on the TOEFL to waive the English proficiency requirement: on the Internet-based Test (a total score of 100 and at least a 24 on the writing section); on the Computer-based Test (a total score of 250 and at least a 5.0 on the essay); or on the Paper-based Test (a total score of 600 and at least a TWE score of 5).

American Language and Culture Program
The American Language and Culture Program (ALCP) helps international students from many different backgrounds to develop their English-language skills and to increase their knowledge of American culture. The program provides English-proficiency testing and placement services to newly-arrived UDM international students and offers classes in English as a Second Language in a curriculum designed to match the needs of academic students at UDM.

Financial Support
Students who are not U.S. citizens or permanent/pending residents of the United States are not eligible for federal or state funding. Students are expected to provide evidence of adequate financial support to cover all expenses for eight months of full-time study. Forms for this purpose are available online as part of the International Student Application Packet.

Non-Canadian undergraduate international students attending on a full-time basis are eligible for a $2,000.00 UDM Grant. Freshman international students with a U.S. high school affiliation, attending on a full-time basis, may be eligible for a UDM scholarship or grant awarded through the Admissions Office in place of the $2,000.00 UDM Grant.

Canadian freshman international students who are enrolled full-time are eligible to receive a $2,7500 Canadian Student Grant from UDM in addition to their UDM scholarship or grant awarded through the Admissions Office. Canadian transfer international students who are enrolled full-time are eligible for a $2,000 Canadian Student Grant from UDM in addition to their UDM scholarship or grant. These grants are renewable and cannot be combined with any other university grant or discount.

Transfer Students
Students already in the U.S. on a student visa who wish to transfer from another U.S. school to the University of Detroit Mercy must inform the foreign student advisor or other Designated School Official (DSO) at their current school of their intention to transfer to UDM. Students who are eligible for transfer per immigration regulations will receive a UDM I-20 when they arrive on campus and enroll in classes. Students who plan to travel outside the U.S. before enrolling at UDM must obtain their UDM I-20 before departing the country. This new I-20 must be presented at the U.S. port of entry when the student returns.

Application Deadlines
Applicants from countries outside the U.S and Canada (due to extensive visa application processes in many countries) should prepare well in advance for their studies at the University of Detroit Mercy by completing an application and submitting all materials for consideration at least 3 months prior to starting classes.

Post-Degree Admission

Applicants admitted as Post-Degree include students who have a bachelor’s or master’s degree and wish to complete undergraduate prerequisite courses to prepare for admission to a graduate program; plan to earn a second bachelor’s degree; and those seeking teacher certification. Post-Degree students follow the same application procedure as transfer students, but the only transcript required is from the undergraduate degree-granting institution. Post-Degree students must maintain the same academic standards and meet the same class requirements and course prerequisites as other students. Post degree students are not eligible to take graduate level courses.

Unclassified Admission

People who do not plan to pursue a degree program at UDM but wish to enroll in a limited number of credit classes for professional development may be admitted as Unclassified students. Unclassified students may “audit” (attend classes without receiving credit or a grade), however, tuition is at the same rate as regularly admitted students.

An admissions application must be submitted together with an employer recommendation or copy of professional licensure. Unclassified students are limited to two courses per term up to a maximum of 12 credit hours. Admission of Unclassified students and their continued registration in classes is limited based on the number of degree-seeking students in a program or course.

Guest Student Admission

Students enrolled at another college or university who wish to take a course or limited number of courses to transfer to their “home’’ institution may enroll as “guest students.” Students apply for guest student admission by filing the Michigan Uniform Undergraduate Guest Application or a similar form from another state. Guest applicants are not required to submit transcripts or test results, but must assure that the application is completed by the dean or registrar at the home institution. Guest students must have at least a 2.0 GPA at their regular college or university as noted on the Uniform Application.

Guest student status is not continuous.

A new application must be filed with the Registrar’s office for each term in which the student desires to enroll at UDM. Guest students are subject to the same academic standing policies as other UDM students. Failure to meet these standards may be cause for denial of future guest applications to UDM.

Readmission

Readmission Process
Students who have not enrolled at UDM for two or more years, or those who have been dismissed and wish to seek readmission, need to submit an application for readmission. These students apply for readmission by completing a readmission application obtained from the Registrar’s office, can be found on-line or from any of the college offices. Students who have completed college work at other institutions prior to applying for readmission to UDM will be expected to submit official transcripts from each college attended. Completed readmission applications should be sent to the appropriate college/school within the University to which the student wishes to apply. Readmission is subject to the approval of the dean of the college.

Catalog of Entry
Students whose work at UDM is interrupted for less than two years retain the right to the requirements of their Catalog of entry if the program still exists. Readmitted students are not entitled to complete a program that is no longer offered by the University. Students who have not completed work at UDM for two years or more will have their previous work re-evaluated according to the requirements of the Catalog in effect at the point of readmission.

Transfer Option
After an absence of at least one year, students may request readmission under the Transfer Option. Under this option, students are treated as transfer students in computing their academic standing. This means that students may reenter with advanced standing but with no previously accumulated grade point average. When considering students’ academic history, no course with a grade of C- or below is counted in credits earned toward graduation.

Students may be readmitted under the transfer option only once, and are automatically considered to be on academic probation during the term of re-entry. Students readmitted under the transfer option will not be eligible to receive the repeated course option on subsequent course work.

Rights and Responsibilities in the College Admissions Process

UDM subscribes to the principles of good practice of the National Association of College Admissions Counselors (NACAC). According to these principles, applicants for admission have the right:

• 1. To full information from colleges and universities concerning their admission and financial policies. Prior to applying, applicants should be fully informed of policies and procedures concerning application fees, deposits, refunds, housing and financial aid.
• 2. To wait to respond to an offer of admission and/or financial aid until having heard from all colleges and universities to which they have applied, or until May 1, whichever is earlier. This means that no college should require a non-refundable enrollment deposit before May 1. Applicants being asked to provide a non refundable deposit before May 1 should ask the college requesting it for the name and address of a state representative of NACAC or contact the national NACAC office in Washington, D.C.

According to the NACAC principles, applicants have the responsibility:

• 1. To be aware of the admissions and financial aid policies of colleges and universities to which they apply for admission.
• 2. To complete and submit required material to colleges and universities.
• 3. To meet all application deadlines.
• 4. To follow college application procedures of the high school or college they are attending.
• 5. To notify the colleges and universities which have offered admission of their acceptance or rejection of their offer as soon as they have heard from all to which the applicant has applied or by May 1, whichever is earlier.