Admissions

Frequently Asked Admissions Questions:

Below are some of the most common questions students ask. Be sure to AskGU if you have more questions or contact your admissions counselor.

Q. What are the requirements for acceptance?
Q. Are Placement Tests required?
Q. Does Graceland accept Advanced Placement Credit?
Q. Must we be a member of the sponsoring church to attend Graceland?
Q. Is Graceland accredited?
Q. How many students are enrolled at Graceland?
Q. What is Winter Term?
Q. What kind of athletics program does Graceland have?
Q. Is there an Honors program?
Q. Does Graceland have a fine arts program?
Q. Can we tour Graceland’s campus?
Q. Where is Lamoni and what does it have to offer?
Q. Who do I contact if we have questions?
Q. Will my student need medical insurance?

Q. What are the requirements for acceptance?
A. To be considered for acceptance applicants must meet two of the three following requirements:

  • Rank in upper 50% of your high school class
  • Have a 2.50 grade point average or above based on a 4.00 system.
  • Have either a minimum composite ACT score of 21 or a minimum combined SAT I score of 960.
    1. For athletic eligibility, the test results must come from official test centers on the national testing dates.
    2. Writing component of the ACT and SAT tests will be required to be considered for acceptance for Fall 2007. Students accepted with a writing score of 7 or below will be required to take the Basics of English course or may take the Compass Placement Test to determine proper placement.

If applicants do not meet two of these requirements there are alternatives, ask your Admissions Counselor about other opportunities. Click one of the following to see requirements for Home School or International students.

Q. Are Placement Tests required? Return to top
A. If ACT or SAT scores are not submitted Graceland may require the student to take the Placement Test in order to determine correct placement in English and Math courses.

Q. Does Graceland accept Advanced Placement Credit? Return to top
A. Yes. Graceland participates with the College Entrance Examination Board (CEEB) in its Advanced Placement Program. Credit will be granted to students who score a 3, 4 or 5 in those subjects for which there is a comparable course in Graceland’s academic program. The amount of credit granted is the same as Graceland's corresponding course, but cannot exceed eight semester hours for any one course. If applicant scores a 3, they will be granted credit for a one-semester course, or for the first half of a one-year course. Applicant will be permitted to enroll in a year long course at the beginning of the second semester. Scores of a 4 or 5 merit credit in a one-year course.

Q. Must we be a member of the sponsoring church to attend Graceland? Return to top
A. No. Less than half of our students belong to the Community of Christ faith. We welcome students from all walks of life and promote spiritual growth. Worship opportunities are offered on campus at a variety of times and in a variety of ways.

Q. Is Graceland accredited? Return to top
A. Yes. Graceland University is a member of the North Central Association and is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, www.ncahlc.org, (800) 621-7440.

Graceland University's teacher education programs are accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE), www.ncate.org.

The nursing programs are accredited by the National League for Nursing Accreditation Commission, Inc. (NLNAC), www.nln.org, the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), www.aacn.nche.edu, and are approved by the Missouri State Board of Nursing and the Iowa Board of Nursing.

These academic standards ensure that a degree from Graceland University will be recognized by educational, business, and professional communities.

Q. How many students are enrolled at Graceland? Return to top
A. Enrollment on the Lamoni campus is just over 1,000.

Q. What is Winter Term? Return to top
A. Graceland operates on a 4-1-4 system (four-month fall semester, 1-month winter term, 4-month spring semester). Winter Term is a three-week-long class taken in either January (or sometimes during the summer, if the topic requires it). Students will take one 3 semester hour course during this time. It is a chance for them to study something fun outside their major. Many Winter Terms include travel, either abroad or in the US, but interesting classes are offered on campus, too. Many students choose to use this credit to complete a short internship in their career field. Students must do three Winter Terms to graduate. Costs (except for travel expenses) are included in your regular tuition fees.

Q. What kind of athletics program does Graceland have? Return to top
A. Graceland University participates in the Heart of America Athletic Conference (HAAC) and is a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). We field 17 varsity teams and several junior varsity teams. Athletic scholarships are available to outstanding players.

Q. Is there an Honors program? Return to top
A. Yes. Graceland’s Honors Program seeks out students with a 3.5 GPA and/or ACT score of 25 (SAT 1140) or better. Applicants should have excellent writing skills, but other forms of creativity may serve as a qualification. Applicants may apply for this program at the same time as for admission to Graceland, or at a later date.

Q. Does Graceland have a fine arts program? Return to top
A. Yes. Graceland offers majors and scholarships in art, music and theatre. Non-majors are also welcome in the performing groups: choirs, bands, orchestra and drama.

Q. Can we tour Graceland’s campus? Return to top
A. You can schedule an individual campus visit anytime or come on a preview day. Click here to schedule an individual visit or to view the schedule for our preview days.

Can’t make it to campus? Check out our online tour.

Q. Where is Lamoni and what does it have to offer? Return to top
A. Graceland makes its home in Lamoni, a quintessential Iowa town. While we're surrounded by rolling hills, the big city is never far away: Kansas City and Des Moines are easy day-trip destinations, whether you're looking for a great restaurant, major league sports, or a new pair of jeans. The campus is also midway between these two cities' international airports. A shuttle service between campus and the airports is available for a small fee (and it's free the first time you arrive as a student).

For more Lamoni and Graceland businesses and amenities click here.

To see a map or get driving directions click here.

Q. Who do I contact if we have questions? Return to top
A. Contact the Admissions Office at 866-GRACELAND for all of your questions. Our office hours are Monday thru Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Central Standard Time. If questions arrive during non-business hours, you may email us at admissions@graceland.edu.

Q. Will my student need medical insurance? Return to top
A. All students are required to have health insurance. A Xeroxed copy of a personal insurance card must be included with US and Canadian students health forms. International students are required to buy health insurance through Graceland University.

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Lamoni Campus
- 1 University Place -
Lamoni, IA 50140 -
641.784.5000 |
Independence Campus
- 1401 W. Truman Road -
Independence, MO 64050-3434 -
816.833.0524 |

Online Programs
800.833.0524
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