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.

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.
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 passing GED scores. Minimum score of 145 is required.

A student who meets state requirements for homeschooling 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 self certified. 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 state certified 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.
2. Provide official college transcripts showing successful completion of transferable college-level math and English, or a cumulative transfer GPA of 2.0.
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.

Transcript note: 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.

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.

Casa Latina Applicants - CasaLatina@davenport.edu  

Transcripts submitted to: 
Davenport University
Attn: Casa Latina Transcripts
6191 Kraft Ave SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49512

Or email to: casalatinarecords@davenport.edu

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 applying 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 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 33 credits of Davenport courses, with an undecided major. After 33 credits, if not accepted into a nursing program, the student must declare a degree-granting major. Students must be formally admitted to a Nursing Program to enroll in any NURS-prefix course.

Requirements include the following:

1. BSN Pre-Licensure Program (BSN PL) - All BSN PL applications must be submitted using the NursingCAS system during the open enrollment periods listed on the Davenport University Nursing website. Applications must be completed before the deadline to be considered for admission to the BSN Pre-Licensure program.

High School Direct Admit Option
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.

Adult/Transfer Direct Admit Option

Students must meet all of the following conditions; Complete nine core courses and achieve a 3.0 GPA in each course

• ENGL 109
• MATH 120/125
• BIOL 110 and BIOL 110L
• BIOL 221 and 221L
• CHEM 150 and 150L
• PSYC 101

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. An assessment of learning exam (English, math, reading, and science) is required. Davenport is currently utilizing the ATI TEAS 7® Test of Essential Academic Skills for this assessment.
4. Essay Question: Give a specific example of a conflict or challenge you have experienced in which you utilized critical thinking skills to resolve the issue. Why do you see this as an effective use of critical thinking? Write your response in 300 words or less.

VBSN DIrect Admit Option

1. Qualifying Combat Medic or Military Corpsman MOS
2. Official Military, high school, and/or college transcripts must be sent to the Davenport University Registrar’s office.

Check the Davenport University website for the most current BSN Pre-Licensure program application deadline information.​

2. 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. One professional recommendation

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 contact Admissions, the Nursing Advisor at your campus, or visit our Nursing Department website.

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 BSN Pre-Licensure:

Transfer credit for science coursework required in any nursing program must have been completed at the transferring institution within 5 years prior to acceptance into the nursing program with a C or better. 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 College of Health Professions 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 Undergraduate Application

1. Submit an official application.
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.  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
   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 can be found at Davenport University - Global Campus.

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) allows students to complete general education courses at participating colleges and universities in Michigan. Students may complete the MTA as part of an associate degree or as a stand-alone package at Michigan institutions. 

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 Assistant Director of Internships & 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 the DU Veterans website for more information.

Those eligible to receive educational benefits through the Veterans Administration must go through the US Department of Veterans Affairs website. Forms are available at the GI Bill® website. 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 Representatives 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.

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 completes a virtual or in-seat orientation, Davenport University policies, resources and expectations are outlined. Refer to the DU Orientation website for all information regarding orientation, including registration.

Recent high school graduates attending the W.A. Lettinga Campus must attend an in-seat orientation (or a livestream session, if they live more than 3 hours from the campus) held during the summer months. All undergraduate Adult and Transfer students are strongly encouraged to participate in the New Student Orientation self-paced, virtual modules prior to their first semester at Davenport. Access to the virtual orientation will become available as soon as the student is accepted.

Institute for Professional Excellence (IPEx)

Grow through professional development delivered the IPEx way - with an eye on your time and your budget. Davenport University’s Institute for Professional Excellence (IPEx) offers professional development courses focused on topics with real-world relevance, aimed at making you more valuable to your organization, your team, or potential employers.

IPEx offers courses in project management, health, human resources, operations, accounting and finance, management, technology and leadership; many providing the dual benefit of skill development and college credit. Below is a short list of course options. Visit davenport.edu/ipex to learn more.

• Certificate of Management: 6-sessions every other week. Improve your leadership by building collaboration and trust to empower employees. Includes a DiSC assessment.
• Leader of Leaders: 3-sessions every other week + 3 coaching sessions. Learn to think critically and promote profit-driving engagement at all levels. Includes a leadership assessment and three one-on-one coaching sessions.
• The SLII® Experience: 2-sessions/2-weeks. Using the situational leadership theory you will learn to apply the most effective leadership style in any situation and lead based on the needs of the team.
• Mastering Business Essentials: 5-sessions/5-weeks. This interactive and immersive business simulation program is designed to accelerate strategic thinking and business decision making.

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