We are delighted that you are applying to Southwestern Adventist University (SWAU)! Southwestern Adventist University became test-optional which means SAT and ACT scores are optional when considering your admission to SWAU. Although we are test-optional, we highly recommend that you submit your SAT/ACT scores for testing purposes and for an opportunity to receive a higher merit scholarship. This empowers you to put your best foot forward. 

When applying, please submit one of the following: 

• A High School Transcript or GED 
• An official transcript with six or more semesters from an accredited secondary school with a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher. 
• A final official transcript with a graduation date is required after completion of your senior year
• General Education Development (GED) test average score of 500 with no scores below 450  
• A Texas GED: 160-200  

SWAU encourages the Texas Education Agency Recommended High School Program of 26 credits, which will increase a student’s opportunities for success. 

• Four credits in English/language arts 

• Four credits in mathematics, including algebra I, II, and geometry 

• Four credits in science, including biology, chemistry, and physics 

• Four credits in social studies, including world history, world geography, U.S. history, a half credit in government, a half credit in economics 

• One credit in physical education 

• A half credit in speech 

• One credit in fine arts 

• Five and a half credits in electives 

• Two credits in foreign language studies 

Regular admission 

GPA of 2.75 or more 

Provisional admission  

GPA of 2.50 – 2.74  

Students admitted provisionally must take UNIV 011 during the first semester. Provisional status will be removed after one successful semester at SWAU. 

Test Scores for placement in English 121 and Math 110 

 
Important dates 

• March 1: submit applications to receive priority processing and scholarship consideration for fall
• May 1: submit your commitment deposit to guarantee your place in class
• August 1: last day to apply 

Homeschool Admission Requirements 

When applying, please submit one of the following: 

• Official transcript with six or more semesters from a correspondence school if applicable and/or a homeschool transcript that contains course description, dates the course was taken, and final grade. Must show a minimum GPA of 2.5. 

• A final official transcript with a graduation date is required after completion of your senior year.  The minimum GPA for admission is a cumulative 2.5. 

• General Education Development (GED) test average score of 500 with no scores below 450. 

• Texas GED: 160-200 

If applicable, please submit the following: 

• Transcripts from accredited colleges with college-level coursework 

• AP exam score report 

Texas state homeschool requirements 

Legally, individuals homeschooling in Texas must follow three state law requirements: 

• The instruction must be bona fide (i.e., not a sham). 

• The curriculum must be in visual form (e.g., books, workbooks, video monitor). 

• The curriculum must include the five basic subjects of reading, spelling, grammar, mathematics, and good citizenship. 

Learn more about graduate programs at SWAU.

We are excited that you are considering attending Southwestern Adventist University (SWAU)–the university that has faith in your future!  SWAU is called home by students from more than 38 countries. From faculty who care about your success to residence hall deans who make you feel at home—Southwestern Adventist University is known for its friendly campus family. Our students graduate well prepared for success and the challenges of the world around them. 

In addition to meeting the freshman or transfer acceptance requirements, an international student must send official copies of all educational documents that are validated by the school or national officials. These should be in the original language, accompanied by a certified English translation. 

If English is not your native language, please submit one of the following: 

• A minimum score on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) of 550 on the old paper-based test, 65 on the new paper-based test, or 235 on the computer-based exam, or 85 on the Internet-based test 

• An International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of 6.5 

• A minimum score of 3.9 on the International Test of English Proficiency (iTEP) 

• A Pearson Test of English, Academic (PTE) score of 55 

• A Global Test of English Communication (GTEC) score of 1220 

• A minimum score of 80 on the Michigan English Test (MET) 

• A minimum score of 17 on the American College Test (ACT) English section 

• A minimum score of 480 on the Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) Evidence-based Reading and Writing (ERW) section

• A transfer of a minimum of 24 semester credit hours from a college or university where English is the language of instruction. 

 
Freshman and transfer scholarships are based on the Grade Point Average (GPA) on your official transcript. Freshmen scholarships can be renewed for up to three years if a renewal GPA is maintained. Transfer scholarships can be renewed for up to two years depending on the number of credits transferred in, and if the student maintains good academic standing. Merit scholarship recipients must be enrolled for 12 or more credit hours. 

*Amount includes $1,000 for students living in the residence halls 

Form I-20 requirements 

• Copy of current passport information page 

• Submit at least three recent bank statements that give evidence of income 

• Submit the international student deposit of $1,000* which includes the $200 residence hall room deposit, and a $100 non-refundable processing fee 

• Pre-payment of $6,500* for undergraduate students 

*If a student is not granted a visa and does not enroll, these funds will be returned minus the processing fee and any transaction fees. 

Do not leave your homeland without the following: 

• A letter of acceptance from Southwestern Adventist University 

• Form I-20 from Southwestern Adventist University 

• A valid passport and F-1 visa for travel to the United States of America 

Things you need to complete before arriving at SWAU: 

• Tuberculosis (TB) Test: must be done 30 days before arrival to the US 

• Meningitis vaccination: must be done 30 days before arrival to the US 

• Final official transcripts, School Leaving documents, or National Exam Certificate 

• If you submit copies of documents for admission, bring the originals for us to make certified copies for your file. 

• Submit an online Residence Hall Reservation Form (room deposit is included in your international student deposit) 

Payments can be submitted by credit card, wire transfer, or check 

You can access our International Student Payment Portal.

Email us for bank wire instructions at admissions@swau.edu . 

For questions about the international admission process, contact Rahneeka Hazelton at rahneeka@swau.edu or call (817) 202-6733. 

For questions regarding Form I-20 or visas, contact Dr. Jason Kowarsch at jasonk@swau.edu or call (817) 202-6205 

To be considered for admission to the nursing program, you must successfully complete all requirements and submit all required documents and forms.

Requirements and Procedures

Transfer applicants 

• GPA of 2.00 to 4.00

• Official transcripts of all college/universities attended 

• Applicants with less than 24 credits should submit a high school transcript with a graduation date 

• Applicants who do not meet a 2.0 cumulative transfer GPA may be considered for provisional admission

RN to BS nursing applicants 

• Show completion of an associate degree or diploma program from an accredited college or university 

• Must have an active unencumbered RN license, temporary RN permit, or RN licensure within three months of graduating from an associate degree or diploma program (RN licensure must be in the state in which the student participated in any clinical learning experience)

• Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 

Provisional applicants 

• Students over 25 who do not meet regular admission will be considered on an individual basis 

• Proof of high school graduation 

• Resume 

• Two letters of recommendation, one must be from your employer 

• Students accepted provisionally will be under a variety of enrollment conditions intended to enhance their opportunities for success

Placement scores must be met for freshman and transfer students in English and math

Freshman composition

• Placement scores for English 121: ACT 17 | SAT 480 | TSI Reading 351, Writing 340, Essay 4 | AACUPLACER Reading 80, Writing 6 | Nelson-Denny score of 15 

College-level math 

• Placement scores for Math 110: ACT 21 | SAT 530 | TSI (350-390) | ACCUPLACER College-Level Proficiency 63.  Calculus 103  

We are delighted that you are interested in applying to Southwestern Adventist University (SWAU).  There are so many reasons to choose SWAU–dedicated faculty advisors who guide you through the process of completing your degree, a campus that nurtures tomorrow's leaders, and degrees that lead to successful careers. 

Transfer student applicants must submit the following to the Office of Enrollment Management: 

• Submit official transcripts of all college/universities attended.

• Applicants with less than 24 credits should submit ACT/SAT scores and high school transcripts with graduation date. These scores can be used for merit scholarship and placement in English and mathematics if those classes are not already completed. Math SAT of 530 or ACT Math of 21 is the prerequisite for Math 110. ERW SAT of 480 or ACT English of 17 is the prerequisite for English 121.

• Applicants who do not meet a 2.0 cumulative transfer GPA may be considered for admission on academic probation.  Along with the application and transcripts, submit a letter of intent to succeed and two letters of reference to the Office of Enrollment Management. 

Academic credit earned from regionally accredited colleges and universities are accepted subject to the following guidelines: 

• Courses with grades of C- or higher will transfer. 

• Transferable credit hours may not necessarily apply toward a particular degree program or general education requirements. 

• All courses taken at a community college transfer as lower-division hours only. 

• Courses considered technical; developmental/remedial; continuing education; co-operative education; extension; English as a second language; and non-credit classes will not transfer. 

• Transcripts from non-accredited institutions are evaluated on a course-by-course basis and may require additional documentation. 

• Transcripts from universities outside the United States must be evaluated for the student by an independent evaluation service. SWAU recommends the use of World Evaluation Services.