Admissions

General Admissions

Davenport University grants admission to students who are motivated to work for a degree and whose academic achievements demonstrate they are prepared to succeed in a university curriculum and graduate.

Our students choose Davenport as their best opportunity to prepare for careers in business, technology, health professions and urban education. We offer a high-tech learning environment, cutting- edge programs, accomplished and “real-world” professors, and strong links to the business community.

If you are serious about completing a quality, practical, career-oriented education, Davenport University is committed to your success.

You may call toll-free 1-800-686-1600 to speak with a representative regarding admission to the University. Our representatives are prepared to discuss how Davenport can best meet your individual needs and the wide variety of programs available, provide information about other support services available to students, and assist you with the application process. You may also apply for admission online at www.davenport.edu/apply.

Davenport University Admissions reviews all applications on a rolling basis. The applicant’s official transcripts, test scores, involvement and program will be considered in the admissions decision. Admission requirements, criteria, and guidelines are applied equally to all students, including “home-schooled” students.

A review of the academic credentials will consist of all high school/college-level coursework and all available standardized test scores.

Applicants for non-credit academic programs may be admitted without meeting any of the above requirements with special permission from the University, but are not eligible for Title IV financial aid funds.

For more information on specific scores or assessment criteria, please contact a Davenport University Admission Representative.

Except for reasons prohibited by applicable discrimination laws, students may be excluded from admission or dismissed from Davenport University at any time for reasons considered appropriate by the University.

The University has the right to deny admission to any student who is in default on any Title IV HEA loans, which include the Subsidized Stafford Loan, Unsubsidized Stafford Loan, Perkins Loan, and/or PLUS Loan.

Davenport University has a policy of nondiscrimination regarding students on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, sex/gender, sexual orientation, veteran status, age, and religion in the administration of its admissions policies, educational policies, scholarship and loan programs, and other school-administered programs.

Davenport also maintains a policy of nondiscrimination on the basis of handicap in regard to admission or employment and access to programs or activities. In addition, the University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in its educational programs, activities, or employment policies as required by Title IX of the 1972 Educational Amendments.

Admissions Process

Undergraduate Application

First-Time College Student

1. Submit an official application at www.davenport.edu/apply.
2. Provide official transcripts (one of the following):
   1. Official high school transcript documenting the date of graduation from a regionally accredited high school. Minimum overall GPA of 2.0 is required for admittance. Students with GPA below 2.0 should consult with admissions.
   2. Documentation from a home-school agency, local school district, state Department of Education, or notarized transcript of high school courses taken, with grades. Minimum overall GPA of 2.0 is required for admittance. Students with GPA below 2.0 should consult with admissions.
   3. Official GED scores. Minimum score of 145 is required.
3. Official test scores (one of the following):
   1. Qualifying ACT* or SAT* score. ACT minimum score (18) or SAT minimum score (940) is required for admittance. Students with scores under these minimums should consult with admissions.

A student who meets state requirements for home schooling at the secondary-school level has the academic qualifications necessary for Title IV eligibility. Completion of a home-schooling program at secondary level may be selfcertified. A student must show a high school diploma, the equivalent of a high school diploma, or an alternate to a high school diploma. High school diploma equivalents are a General Education Development Certificate (GED) or a statecertified diploma received after passing a state-authorized exam that is recognized as the equivalent of a high school diploma.

Transfer College Student:

1. Submit an official application at www.davenport.edu/apply.
2. Provide official college transcripts showing successful completion of transferable college-level math and English.
   1. If your official college transcript(s) do not show successful completion of transferable college-level math and English, a minimum overall GPA of 2.0 is required for admittance plus you must provide qualifying test scores (one of the following):
      1. Qualifying ACT* or SAT* score. ACT minimum score (18) or SAT minimum score (940).
3. Submit official high school transcript documenting the date of graduation from a regionally accredited high school, documentation from a home-school agency, local school district, state Department of Education, or notarized transcript of high school courses taken, with grades or official GED scores.
4. As a Transfer Student, you will be accepted to Davenport University if you have earned an Associate Degree showing successful completion of transferable college-level English. You will also need to provide the documentation required in item number 3 above.

Unofficial college/university transcripts may be reviewed to determine eligibility for admission. If acceptance is granted based on that review the student will be allowed to register for classes for one semester. Registration will be prohibited for any subsequent semesters until the official college/university transcripts are on file.

*Prospective students without ACT scores, SAT scores, or approved college credit must take a standard assessment as arranged by a university representative.

Transcript Guidelines

Students must provide an official copy of their high school and/or all previous college transcripts for their file at Davenport University. Any students registering for classes without official transcripts on file accept responsibility for ensuring that they are not duplicating courses that might be brought in as transfer credit. All transcripts must be sent directly from the originating school to Davenport University. Transcripts received become the property of the University.

Mailing Address:
Registrar’s Office
6191 Kraft Ave. SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49512

For schools equipped to email official transcripts, use ElectronicTranscripts@Davenport.edu when placing your order.

Admission to Health Programs

Program standards are specific for each health program and established so students will be prepared for credentialing examinations offered by the professional association or the state government. Program standards of progress are published in materials provided to health students upon admission to the University. Prospective students may request these materials before making application to the University. Students wishing to enroll in a health major should contact the Admissions Department at the campus they wish to attend for complete guidelines. In addition, regulations and requirements for clinical practicums and internships vary, including vaccinations, physical examination, etc.

All College of Health Professions students will be asked to complete a criminal background check and drug screen (CBC/DS) at the time a major in a health program is declared. This process should be completed in the first semester of attendance and is included in HLTH101M Introduction to Health Careers and HLTH101R Introduction to Health Careers Seminar. See your program for the required course. Criminal background checks and drug testing completed elsewhere are not acceptable.

Prospective students who have been convicted of a felony or certain misdemeanors will not be able to participate as a student at most practicum sites, will not be able to complete most certification and licensing exams, and will find that gainful employment in most health care settings will not be possible.

Students are advised to refer to the College of Health Professions Student Handbook or the Nursing Program Student Handbook for special requirements as they apply to their program majors.

Admission to the Nursing Program

Admission to the University is not admission to or acceptance into the Nursing Program. Students wishing to enter the Nursing Program should indicate their intention when first applying for enrollment at Davenport University. Students intending to apply to nursing in a future academic year may take up to 24 credits of Davenport courses, with an undecided major. After 24 credits, if not accepted into a nursing program, the student must declare a degreegranting major. Students must be formally admitted to a Nursing Program to enroll in any NURS-prefix course.

Requirements include the following:

1. Diploma in Practical Nursing (PN) - limited seats; entry is competitive and based on the following:
   1. Official transcripts from high school and all colleges/universities attended.
   2. Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale is strongly recommended.
   3. Two letters of professional recommendation.
   4. An assessment of learning exam (English, math, reading, and science) is required. Davenport is currently utilizing the ATI TEAS® Test of Essential Academic Skills for this assessment.
   5. A brief personal essay (450 words or less) which addresses the required topic.
   6. All PN applications must be submitted using the NursingCAS system (www.nursingcas.org) during the open enrollment periods listed on the Davenport University Nursing website. Applications must be complete before the deadline to be considered for admission to the Practical Nursing program.
      Check the Davenport University website for the most current application deadline information: www.davenport.edu/nursingapplication.
2. BSN Pre-Licensure Program (BSN PL) - All BSN PL applications must be submitted using the NursingCAS system (www.nursingcas.org) during the open enrollment periods listed on the Davenport University Nursing website. Applications must be complete before the deadline to be considered for admission to the BSN Pre-Licensure program.
   
   High School Direct Admit Option
   ​Considered only for the early admission review - Limited seats; entry is competitive and must meet all of the following conditions:
    
   1. Currently a High School senior
   2. A cumulative high school GPA of 3.5 or above
   3. SAT total score of 1160 or above or ACT Composite of 24 or above
   4. Official High School transcripts must be sent to the Davenport University Registrar’s Office.

Regular Application Option
Limited seats; entry is competitive and based on the following requirements:
 

1. Official college transcript from all colleges/universities attended.
2. Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale is strongly recommended.
3. Two letters of professional recommendation.
4. An assessment of learning exam (English, math, reading, and science) is required. Davenport is currently utilizing the ATI TEAS® Test of Essential Academic Skills for this assessment.
5. A brief personal essay (450 words or less) which addresses the required topic.
    

LPN to BSN PL Option

1. Official transcript from all colleges/universities/training programs attended.
2. Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale is strongly recommended.
3. Two letters of professional recommendation.
4. An assessment of learning exam (English, math, reading, and science) is required. Davenport is currently utilizing the ATI TEAS® Test of Essential Academic Skills for this assessment.
5. A brief personal essay (450 words or less) which addresses the required topic.
6. Copy of your current unrestricted LPN license.
7. This pathway is designed for currently licensed practical nurses who are seeking a bachelor’s degree in nursing. This program prepares registered nurses for nursing practice of patients and their support systems across the continuum of care and in communities. Entry is competitive and based on the following requirements:

Course credit will be awarded toward your pre-licensure BSN program upon receipt of your current, unrestricted LPN license and official transcript from the institution where you received your training.

Check the Davenport University website for the most current BSN Pre-Licensure program application deadline information: www.davenport.edu/nursingapplication.​

3. BSN Completion Program - Students with RN license - entry is based on the following:
   1. Submission of a current unencumbered, unrestricted RN license.
   2. Submission of official transcripts from previous nursing program and all previously attended colleges/universities.
   3. Associate degree or diploma in nursing with a minimum of 60 semester hours, including liberal arts and sciences.
   4. Minimum of a 2.5 GPA or higher on a 4.0 scale in previous nursing program.
   5. Two letters of professional recommendation.
   6. A brief personal essay (450 words or less) which addresses the required topic.

Admission to the BSN-RN Completion Program is considered on a rolling basis when all the application materials have been received. Program application can be found on the Nursing Department website. If selected for admission, the RN will be granted “Advanced Standing”. Contact the Nursing Advisor for details.

All requirements listed above must be met before you will be considered for admission to the program of your choice.

To obtain nursing admission materials and gain assistance in completing the application process, please see the Nursing Advisor at your campus or visit our website at www.davenport.edu/nursingapplication.

If you have been convicted of a felony or certain misdemeanors, this may preclude you from participating as a student in some clinical sites, and you may not be allowed to take the NCLEX examination-the state board licensing examination for nursing.

Transfer Credit and Science courses for the PN or BSN Pre-Licensure:

Science coursework required in any nursing program completed within 5 years prior to acceptance with a C or better, at another institution will transfer into the program. Once accepted into the BSN-PL program, all remaining science courses must be taken at Davenport University. Nursing students must meet the residency requirement for graduation from Davenport University. The Nursing advisor at each location will give further direction for course sequencing.

Withdrawal from the Nursing Program

Nursing students who withdraw or are unable to progress may seek readmission by reapplying in writing to the Associate Department Chair of Nursing at your campus. Students seeking readmission may be required to pass various assessments to ensure the continued command of previously learned material. Students who are unable to pass these assessments will be required to repeat certain courses as a condition of readmission.

Students stopping out of the nursing program for more than one year are subject to completion of the full application for the admission process and repeating the Nursing Program from the beginning.

Nursing students should refer to the Nursing Program Student Handbook for further explanation of the policies and procedures of the Nursing Program.

Admission as a Dual Enrollment Student

Michigan students enrolled in courses at Davenport University via the Postsecondary Enrollment Options Act are permitted to register through the entirety of their participation in dual enrollment programs providing they have met the state of Michigan requirements for participation. High school students may attend the University when they provide written permission from their high school administrator or legal guardian. The student is subject to all policies, procedures, fees, and tuition costs of the University.

Admission as a Middle College Student

Students accepted into the Middle College program have entered into a partnership between the school district and Davenport University. Middle College students are permitted to register through the entirety of their participation in the middle college program providing they have met the requirements for participation. High school students may attend the University when they provide written permission from their high school administrator or legal guardian. The student is subject to all policies, procedures, fees, and tuition costs of the University.

Admission as a Guest Student

A student in good standing at another college or university in the State of Michigan may be admitted as a guest student. The student assumes responsibility for confirming that their home institution will accept specific coursework from Davenport for their program of study. A separate guest application must be submitted for each semester that the guest student attends Davenport University. The standard MACRAO (Michigan Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers) application can be obtained from the student’s home institution or at www.MACRAO.org.

Admission for International Students

International Student Admissions

International Undergraduate Application

1. Submit an official application at www.davenport.edu/apply.
2. Official high school or college/university transcripts.
   1. High School Graduate/College Transfer: Diploma or Transcript with 2.0+ GPA on 4.0 scale AND applicable test score

All international transcripts (except Canadian Colleges and Universities, and partner institutions) must have a course by course evaluation completed from a NACES member: www.naces.org. High School graduates from Kenya, Ghana & Nigeria can provide a certified/notarized copy of National Examination Results.

3. English Proficiency (within last 2 years):
   1. Waiver countries - English official language
   2. US High School Graduation
   3. Transfer College English and Math credits
   4. ACT 18+ Reading & English
   5. SAT 450+ Evidence-Based Reading and Writing | 430 Evidence-Based Reading and Writing English courses required
   6. IELTS 6.0+
   7. TOEFL 61+
   8. Pearson Test of English (PTE) 46
   9. Duolingo 90
   10. AP English Language 3+ on AP English Exam
   11. IB English 5 on English A1 or A2 Exam
   12. Successful completion of ELS Language Centers Level 112
4. Submit financial support documents
   1. Signed Financial Support Form
   2. Bank letter/statement issued within 9 months of intended semester start date
5. Submit a copy of passport photo
6. SEVIS transfer form, US transfers only

Once admitted, international students will be issued an acceptance letter and Form I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility), which they must submit to the U.S. embassy (or consulate) in their home country (if a visa is required) to apply for an F1 (student) visa. To maintain their F1 status, students must be enrolled full-time, in accordance with SEVP (Student and Exchange Visitor Program) requirements. The International Office provides students specific guidelines regarding SEVP requirements.

International Admission to Global Campus Online Programs

Davenport University also offers complete degree programs online. International students wishing to pursue their education in this way do not need SEVP documents or a student visa since they can take all classes without physically entering the United States. Information about being an online student at Davenport University can be found at davenport.edu/global.

Admission as a Transfer Student

Those applying as transfer students who wish to have credits from another college evaluated and applied to their Davenport degree must have an official transcript sent to the Registrar’s Office. Transfer applicants with a bachelor’s degree from another institution may earn a second bachelor’s degree from Davenport University, provided the curriculum at Davenport University is substantially different from the curriculum involved in the first degree.

Regardless of the number of credits accepted from other institutions, all transfer students must meet Davenport’s minimum residency requirements.

Policies and Procedures that make Davenport University Transfer Friendly

Davenport University:

• Has articulation agreements with all state of Michigan community colleges. These articulations show how programs offered at the community college fit with a DU degree. Some community college degrees are paired with multiple DU degrees.
• Has a state-wide articulation with all Michigan Career and Technical Education centers as well as many individual program articulations with those same institutions.
• Has extensive articulation agreements with Michigan high schools and career technical education centers.
• Accepts all previously earned college level credit that was successfully completed with a C or better grade.
• Will accept in transfer any college level course for which a passing grade was achieved if the student has a completed associate or bachelor degree from that institution.
• Honors all American Council on Education (ACE) approved credit from all branches of the armed services.
• Includes in its undergraduate catalog each year a list of professional certifications pre-approved for credit by each College and will review any other certifications presented for potential awarding of credit.
• Will review all professional licenses and training programs for potential awarding of credit.
• Honors articulated high school and career technical education credit from our partnership community colleges if that credit is part of a completed associate degree.
• Allows students to appeal the transfer credit equivalency if additional information is available regarding actual course content and learning outcomes.

Michigan Transfer Agreement

The Michigan Transfer Agreement (MTA) replaces the MACRAO agreement and took effect for students entering Fall 2014 or later. Students who attended prior to Fall 2014 will be able to complete the existing MACRAO agreement using courses completed by the end of Summer 2019.

Courses taken Fall 2019 semester or later can no longer be used to complete the MACRAO Transfer Agreement. However, if students fulfilled the MACRAO Transfer Agreement requirements prior to Fall 2019 semester, they are still eligible to receive the MACRAO stamp from sending institutions at any point in the future. Likewise, receiving institutions that were participating in the MACRAO Transfer Agreement at the time of MTA implementation in Fall 2014 semester should continue to accept and apply the MACRAO Transfer Agreement as intended following the Summer 2019 sunset. Additional details related to the MACRAO Transfer Agreement can be found at www.macrao.org.

Admission with Advanced Credit through Articulation

The University maintains articulation agreements with area high schools and career/technical centers. Through these agreements, students may register for selected second-level college courses after admittance. Students interested in obtaining advanced standing through high school articulation agreements should contact the Admission Office for more information.

Internships Completed at Other Universities

Students who have completed a credit bearing internship at another university and transfer to Davenport may have this internship course considered for possible credit toward meeting the experiential learning requirement in their degree plan. They should submit all transcripts to the DU Registrar’s Office and contact the Director of Experiential Learning who will coordinate a review of the internship course description and learning outcomes with the Department Chair of the student’s academic program to decide if credit will be awarded. All DU policies regarding transfer credit will apply to any review of credit bearing internship courses completed at other universities.

Military/Veterans’ Information

Davenport University has a team of current and prior-service military staff, who use their first-hand knowledge to navigate VA and other military benefits and resources. For those interested in returning to school, please visit https://www.davenport.edu/veterans for more information.

Those eligible to receive educational benefits through the Veterans Administration must go through https://www.va.gov. Forms are available at the GI Bill® website, https://www.va.gov/education/how-to-apply/. Applicants who are unsure of eligibility for benefits should contact VA Education Benefits at 1-888-GIBILL-1 (1-888-442-4551).

Those using any military and/or veteran education benefits are also strongly encouraged to contact one of Davenport’s Military & Veteran Admissions Representative at 1 (800) 686-1600. Speaking with a Military & Veteran Admission Representative is especially important for those who will be using any chapter of the GI Bill® or military Tuition Assistance (TA).

Current Service Members and Veterans should have their Joint Service Transcripts, C.C.A.F. transcripts and/or documentation of all prior military training and experience sent directly to the Registrar’s Office for evaluation and possible awarding of University credit.

Davenport University
Attn: Registrar’s Office
6191 Kraft Ave SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49512
Electronic transcripts can be submitted to this email:
ElectronicTranscripts@Davenport.edu.

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.

Orientation

Orientation at Davenport University is the final step in the admission process and is designed to seamlessly transition all new students to Davenport University. Whether a student attends a virtual or in-seat orientation, Davenport University policies, resources and expectations are outlined. All information regarding orientation, including registration, can be found at www.davenport.edu/orientation.

Recent high school graduates attending the W.A. Lettinga Campus must attend an in-seat orientation held during the summer months. All undergraduate Adult and Transfer students are strongly encouraged to participate in the virtual orientation prior to their first semester at Davenport. Access to the virtual orientation will become available as soon as the student is accepted and can be found at www.davenport.edu/orientation.

University Fees and Expenses

Note: All fees and rates are subject to change. Current fees, including course fees, can be found on the website: https://www.davenport.edu/admissions-aid/tuition-fees#tuitionfees

Textbooks

It is the student’s responsibility to obtain a copy of the course textbook and supplemental materials required for the class at least one week before the start of the class.

Tuition

Undergraduate tuition is assessed as a per-credit hour charge. Current tuition rates are available on the Davenport website at www.davenport.edu.

Students should contact the campus they will be attending for specific tuition rates. Tuition must be paid before the start of each semester via the Student Payment Center or by mail with a money order or personal check. Payment Plan details are available in the Student Payment Center or can be obtained from your campus advisor. Because Davenport University is an independent, nonprofit university, students may be eligible for certain financial aid programs that are not available at public institutions. It is important that students complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be considered for these programs. These forms are available online at https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa. The majority of students attending halftime or more receive financial assistance for educational expenses at Davenport University.

Tuition Charges and Refund Policy

Official notice of all withdrawals, failures to attend, or schedule changes outside the normal drop/add processing must be made by contacting the student’s advisor. See the Financial Aid  section for further details.

Note: Failure to notify the proper office in writing will result in full charges. The date of official notice is used to calculate all adjustments to charges. If applicable, refunds will be made within 30 days of receipt of official notification. Refunds are based on the full tuition charge per course. Specific dates are published by the Bursar’s Office each session.

Students may not re-enroll for a subsequent semester or receive official transcripts or a diploma unless all balances owed have been paid in full.

Institute for Professional Excellence (IPEx)

In today’s work landscape, employees of all levels benefit from targeted professional development. That’s where Davenport’s Institute for Professional Excellence (IPEx) comes in. We cut through the noise, offering tailored training programs for the busy working professional of today. Why choose Davenport University’s IPEx? That’s simple.

• IPEx offers job-specific training for busy working professionals.
• Several courses offer the dual benefit of skill development and credit toward a degree.
• IPEx courses and workshops develop talented employees, managers, and leaders, who in turn have a holistic impact on their organization.

Courses include:

Certificate of Management

The 12-week, 6-session course focuses on the core competencies needed to build collaboration, promote trust, and empower your employees to achieve results.

Certificate of Integrated Operations Management

This 12-week program integrates operations, quality, and project management and concludes with the development of a comprehensive process improvement plan.

Strategic Leadership

Strategic leaders adapt, innovate and succeed. In this 6-week, 3-session program, you will improve your ability to think critically, create a strategic vision, and empower others to deliver results.

Visit davenport.edu/ipex to view our programs or email ipex@davenport.edu to learn more.