Q. What are the criteria for acceptance?
A. To be considered for acceptance applicants must meet two of the three following requirements:
If applicants do not meet two of these requirements there are alternatives, ask your Admissions Counselor about other opportunities such as our Chance Program. There may still be a way for you to be accepted to Graceland.
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Q. Can I transfer credits from another college to Graceland?
A. Yes. We will need your high school transcript and transcripts from all the colleges you have attended. Acceptance is based on college work rather than high school if you have attended college full time for at least one semester, or if you have accumulated 12 semester hours of credit. A maximum of 75 hours is acceptable for transfer from two-year schools.
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Q. Does Graceland accept Advanced Placement Credit?
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 you score a 3, you will be granted credit for a one-semester course, or for the first half of a one-year course. You 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.
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Q. Do you have study abroad programs?
A. Yes. Graceland recognizes credit for students who study abroad. The International Programs office or your academic advisor may help you arrange a study abroad experience.
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Q. Do I have to live on campus?
A. Full-time freshmen and sophomores are required to live on campus, unless they are living with their parents or legal guardians. Married students and students over the age of 21 may live off campus.
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Q. Must I be a member of the sponsoring church to attend Graceland?
A. No. More than half of our students do not belong to the Community of Christ. We welcome students from all walks of life.
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Q. Will I have to take religion classes at Graceland?
A. No. While many of our students choose to take a religion course to further their spiritual journey during college, they are not required to do so.
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Q. What is Winter Term? How many do I have to take?
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). You will take one very intensive course during this time. It is a chance for you to study something fun outside your major, if you like. 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. You must do three Winter Terms to graduate. Costs (except for travel expenses) are included in your regular tuition fees. If you are not taking Winter Term, you have an extended vacation instead!
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Q. What kind of athletic programs does Graceland have?
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.
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Q. Can I participate in an Honors program?
A. Yes. Graceland’s Honors Program seeks out students with a 3.5 GPA and/or and ACT score of 25 (SAT 1140) or better. Applicants should have excellent writing skills, but other forms of creativity may serve as a qualification. You may apply for this program at the same time as for admission to Graceland, or later.
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Q. Does Graceland have a fine arts program?
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.
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Q. Does Graceland have a Greek system?
A. No. We believe in “inclusion,” not exclusion, and have developed a “House System” that we believe works better for our students. You will be assigned to a house (a group of students living in a section of a residence hall). These people will become your second family—a group of instant friends—while you are at Graceland, and will provide you with an exciting social life. You will make many lifelong friendships among your fellow house members.
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Q. Will I have real professors teaching my classes?
A. Yes. Graceland does not have teaching assistants—all your classes will be taught by professors. Our faculty believes that teaching comes first.
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Q. Can I afford Graceland University?
A. Before dismissing Graceland as too expensive, learn about all the financial aid that may be available to you from federal, state and institutional sources. Financial aid comes in the form of:
Q. What types of financial aid are available from Graceland University?
A. Graceland has a variety of institutional funds available to students:
Q. How do I apply for Federal financial aid?
A. You must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). You may complete this form electronically over the web by going to www.fafsa.ed.gov. The paper version of this form is available from most high school counselors, college admissions staff or financial aid offices. You may file anytime after January 1. Note the filing deadlines for any aid for which you are applying.
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Q. Do I need to file a FAFSA every year?
A. Yes, if you want federal or state aid, or Graceland University need-based aid.
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Q. What information is required on the FAFSA?
A. Most of the questions are self-explanatory. You will need your income tax returns and those of your parents in order to complete the financial information on the FAFSA. Additional questions will be asked regarding non-taxable income, contributions to retirement accounts and child support that are not found on the income tax forms.
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Q. I was just informed that my FAFSA is “in verification.” What does this mean?
A. Graceland University is required to verify financial information reported on certain FAFSAs selected at random by the US Department of Education. This is called Verification. In order to complete this process, we will ask for copies of both the student's and parents’ income tax returns for the previous year, the year reported on the FAFSA. In addition, we must verify the names and relationships of members living in your household. Until this process is completed, we are unable to award any federal or state aid based upon financial need. Therefore, when asked to provide this information, please do so quickly so financial aid can be awarded before your bill is due.
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Q. I am eligible for Veteran's Benefits. How does this affect my eligibility for financial aid?
A. Veteran's Benefits are considered a financial resource available to pay for your education. The Financial Aid Services office must be informed of your eligibility for benefits because we are required to include them in your financial aid package. Receipt of these benefits may reduce your eligibility for other types of aid.
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Q. I have received a scholarship through my school. How does this affect my financial aid package?
A. Outside scholarships from all sources must be reported to your Financial Aid Advisor. They are then included in your financial aid award package. The total of all financial aid awarded to you from all sources can't exceed your educational budget. Therefore, we need to be informed of any scholarships you have received and any you are applying for. If you receive the scholarship personally, so it is not sent directly to us, you are still required to inform us of the nature of the scholarship and the amount. It will then be applied to your financial aid package. For the scholarship to reduce the balance you might owe Graceland University, the funds will need to be remitted to us. If a payment you make to Graceland includes an outside scholarship you received, please inform us so it can be credited appropriately.
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Q. I work, and am unable to attend college full time. Is there still a way for me to obtain a degree from Graceland?
A. We do offer degrees with convenient evening and weekend hours through our Partnership Programs, School of Education and School of Nursing. Check out the links here for more information on these programs.
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