Before you begin the application process, there are a few things you should do to prepare yourself.
1. Know important deadlines
Apply for admission as early as possible. Applications are processed as they are received. Please allow three weeks for processing after all materials are submitted. For priority admission consideration, please submit your application, SAT and/or ACT scores, and all transcripts by these dates:
2. Review admission standards
We consider factors that emphasize academic performance and preparation, as demonstrated by the level and rigor of your coursework, the individual grades and cumulative GPA you have earned through these courses, and your SAT and/or ACT scores.
High school students may be eligible for admission to IU Columbus if they have:
- a 2.0 GPA or higher
- an SAT score of at least 930
- an ACT score of at least 18
Diploma requirements
Students must either earn a diploma from an accredited high school OR pass a high school equivalency exam such as the GED test.
If you are homeschooled or attend an alternative school, you must provide credentials that show equivalent levels of achievement and ability.
Grade trends
3. Research academic programs
We recommend you learn about IU Columbus' academic programs so you can better complete the "Academic Goals" section of our application. Exploring our majors will give you a better idea as to what we offer and if we offer the major you are interested in.
If we do not offer the full major you plan to study, you can always start at IU Columbus and then transfer to another insitution such as IU Indianapolis.
Degrees & majors
4. Learn about costs and financial assistance
We offer one of the state’s most affordable educational values and our banded tuition helps keep you on track to graduate in four years or less. Use our helpful tool to estimate the costs associated with attending IU Columbus.
Cost calculator
High school seniors who are near graduation may be eligible for automatic scholarships from IU Columbus. Each year, we award a variety of admission-based scholarships to students based on their academic achievement. To be considered, you must be fully admitted to IU Columbus by February 15.
Scholarships
You have many options when it comes to finding financial aid to pay for college. Before you get too far along in the college admissions process, make sure you understand the types of aid available to you.
Financial aid
There are several steps you’ll take to complete your application for admission. We cannot process your application until we have received all your application materials, so be sure to submit everything as soon as possible. If your application is incomplete, it will delay the review process.
1. Complete and submit the IU Shared Application
Applying to IU Columbus is free! If you have questions while completing your application, please email coadmissions@iu.edu.
2. Submit any additional required documentation
You will be required to submit an official high school transcript. For any transcripts we request of you, you must contact the school and request your transcript be sent to IU Columbus or you can order your transcript from Parchment Exchange™ at www.parchment.com.
- For Electronic Delivery (preferred method): Please have each transcript sent to the following email address –
In addition to the transcript we will need your SAT and/or ACT test scores if they are not already listed on your official high school transcript. Be sure to send all scores as we superscore.
- IU Columbus'SAT code: 4216
- IU Columbus'ACT code: 6732
Once your file is complete and a decision has been made you will receive notification via email and/or US mail.
Homeschool Students:
We realize the transcripts of homeschooled students may be different from those of traditional high school students. Regardless of format, your transcript should include:
- All courses taken, including those in progress, and the academic year and semester in which each was taken
- Assessment of performance (letter grades, percentages, portfolio commentary, etc.) and an explanation of any applicable grading scales
In some cases, you may be asked to submit additional information describing your curriculum, such as detailed course descriptions and texts used. If you have completed coursework concurrently at a high school or college, please send official transcript(s) from the institution(s).
Here are a couple things you can do while you wait for an admissions decision!
1. Make changes to your application
To make changes to your submitted application, please email coadmissions@iu.edu and the changes you need made. An admissions staff member will respond with any additional steps we need you to take.
2. Check the status of your application
If you would like to get a status update of your application, please call the Office of Admissions at (812) 348-7390 or email coadmissions@iu.edu.
3. Apply for financial aid
If you haven't filed a FAFSA yet, now is a great time. You will need to file a FAFSA each year you wish to receive aid. IU Columbus' FAFSA federal school code is E01033.
4. Meet your admissions counselor
To get all your questions answered and to learn more about IU Columbus', we recommend you schedule a time to meet with your admissions counselor.
Our counselors travel to surrounding high schools both in the fall and spring semesters. Find out when they will be at your high school and meet up with them.
5. Cancel your application
If you wish to cancel your application for any reason, please call the Office of Admissions at (812) 348-7390 or email coadmissions@iu.edu and include your name and date of birth.
If you have already registered for courses and no longer wish to attend IU Columbus, you will need to follow the steps on the Office of Registrar’s website to withdraw and avoid any fees or tuition charges.
