Start Your Application

Yes, Saint Joseph's University is test score-optional; we do not require applicants to submit their SAT/ACT scores. Our admission team reviews your application to get to know you as a whole person. We take a look at more than just your academic achievements — we're interested in your personal qualities and contributions to the community, as well. You are welcome to submit test scores, but we review all applications exactly the same, whether you submit test scores or not.

The college application essay is designed to be a challenge, particularly with the prompt requiring 650 words or fewer. However, the application essay is simply meant to help gain perspective. 

We’re looking for honest, thoughtful essays that provide insight into how you view and process the world. We value personal essays that include things like your life in sports, music, the arts or meaningful experiences with family, friends, a teacher or a pet. Topics can range from how it felt winning the big game to lending a hand in your community during a volunteer experience. Our admission team offers tips to make your college essay as meaningful as possible and even periodically schedules webinars on the topic.

The Common Application, frequently referred to as the Common App, is an undergraduate college admission application that applicants may use to apply to more than 800 colleges and universities in the U.S. and around the world. Students create an account and can use the same application to apply to any colleges that accept the Common App, helping them save time when applying to multiple colleges and universities.

Apply to Saint Joseph's University using the Common App.

Each year, Saint Joseph's University awards scholarships to undergraduate applicants who hold outstanding academic achievement records. The University automatically reviews each undergraduate student for eligibility; no separate application is required. Specialty scholarships are also available, requiring undergraduates to submit a separate application in order to be reviewed.

Learn more about the various scholarships offered by Saint Joseph's University along with the application process.

When preparing for college, it is best to request letters of recommendation from your teachers early in the school year to give them enough time to prepare. We also advise that you ask a teacher or family member to proofread your college application essay. It is also important to complete the FAFSA application early in the year and familiarize yourself with digital time management apps that will help you prioritize coursework. 

All prospective undergraduate students are required to fill out a FAFSA form (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) to be considered for financial aid. Saint Joseph’s University's school code is 003367. Forms for the following school year are available on FAFSA.org on October 1 of each year. 

How to apply for financial aid at Saint Joseph's University.

At Saint Joseph's, a direct-entry program is an accelerated pathway to a professional health program in occupational therapy, physical therapy and pharmacy. This option allows you to enter one of these three programs directly from high school and seamlessly transition to the professional phase of the program by meeting all academic criteria and program requirements.

You can apply to a Doctor of Occupational Therapy (DrOT), Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) or Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) program as a first-year student by submitting an application via the Saint Joseph's University Application or the Common Application. While our application deadlines and required materials for incoming first-year students apply to these direct-entry programs, each program may have specific GPA and course requirements. Please visit the program page for more information:

• BS to Doctor of Occupational Therapy (DrOT)
• BS to Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
• BS to Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD)

We are excited to welcome transfer students to Saint Joseph's University, offering start terms in January and August. To begin the application process, you will submit the Common Application or Saint Joseph's University Application along with your official college transcripts from each institution attended, high school transcript with date of graduation and Transfer Registrar’s Report sent directly from your most recent college or university attended. First-semester transfer students are also required to upload a Transfer Mid-Term Report form. Students may transfer a maximum of 60 earned credits to Saint Joseph's University.

Learn more about how to transfer to Saint Joseph's University.

Transfer students are those who are currently attending another college or university after graduating from high school. You can transfer up to 60 credits to count towards your Saint Joseph’s bachelor’s degree. Discuss your major and curriculum plan with your admission counselor.

Transfer applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. You can expect to hear from the Office of Undergraduate Admission within 2-3 weeks and receive an email notification when the decision has been posted to your portal. If you have any questions or concerns, contact your admission counselor.

Students who have taken college coursework, but have not received a bachelor's degree, may transfer into our professional degree programs in occupational therapy, physical therapy and pharmacy.

The transfer requirements for these programs vary. Please refer to the links below for more information:

• Occupational Therapy (BS to DrOT - transfer into the pre-professional years)
• Physical Therapy (BS to DPT - transfer into the pre-professional years)
• Pharmacy (BS to PharmD - transfer into the pre-professional or professional years, depending on prerequisites you've completed)

If you have any questions, contact a transfer counselor and learn more about our transfer-friendly professional programs. 

Graduate students seeking need-based financial assistance should submit the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). Saint Joseph’s University's school code is 003367. FAFSA forms become available at fasfa.gov for the next school year starting on October 1. Learn more about the financial aid process for graduate students from the Financial Aid Office.

Graduate applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. You can expect to hear back from Graduate Admission within 2-3 weeks after submitting. The decision will be posted to your admission portal and you will be notified via email. If you have any questions or concerns, contact that graduate admission office.

Saint Joseph’s University offers more than 50 graduate programs with the flexibility that fits your schedule, full- or part-time, on-campus or online, day or evening. To be considered for graduate admission, you must have a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university. You must also complete the online application and provide transcripts for all credits earned, two letters of recommendation, a professional resume, official GMAT or GRE score (for some programs), and a personal statement.

Learn more about how to apply to Saint Joseph's University's graduate school programs and other details regarding application requirements.

Adult learners are students who previously attended another university or college after high school, but did not complete their degree there. Adult learners are students looking to continue their education and complete their degree at Saint Joseph's.

Saint Joseph's accepts up to 75 credits (25 courses) from most regionally accredited, non-profit colleges and universities to count towards your bachelor’s degree. Discuss your major and curriculum plan with your admission counselor and learn more about continuing your education at Saint Joseph's.

Adult students seeking need-based financial assistance should submit the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). Saint Joseph’s University's school code is 003367. The deadline to apply by is April 1 for the upcoming school year. Financial aid award package notifications occur on a rolling basis.

Learn more about financial aid for new & returning adult students.

Adult Learner applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. You can expect to hear back from the Office of Undergraduate Admission within 2-3 weeks after submitting your application. The decision will be posted to your admission portal and you will be notified via email. If you have any questions or concerns, contact the admission office.

In online courses, students attend class by accessing a virtual classroom on the web and complete assignments according to the class schedule. Students communicate regularly with the instructor and classmates via e-mail and online discussion forums. Online courses are not self-paced, independent study courses. Students are required to complete assignments according to the class schedule, maintain regular contact with the instructor and participate in online class discussions.

Learn more about the online student experience at Saint Joseph's University.

Yes, financial aid is available for online students who qualify. Our dedicated financial aid staff can help guide you in this process.

We also offer special discounts for Saint Joseph's alumni, employees of participating companies, military veterans and their families and applicants who completed a year or more of service with a qualified mission organization.

Yes, merit-based scholarships may be available to eligible students accepted into our online programs. To learn more about available scholarships and requirements to qualify for them, please contact graduate@sju.edu (master’s programs) or admit@sju.edu (bachelor’s and associate degree programs).