Nontraditional Students

Admissions Information

Congratulations on your decision to further your education!

We want to provide you with all of the information you need to get started!

The Grand Valley State University Admissions website is the most comprehensive site for all your admissions information. While the application process is relatively straightforward, you will still encounter a unique vocabulary which may be confusing at first. Here are a few key admissions phrases you might find helpful as you navigate the application process.

Transfer Applicant: A transfer applicant is someone who as attended another college or university. The applicant will be evaluated on previous coursework at the college level. High school performance will also be reviewed for those who have earned fewer than 30 semester hours (45 quarter hours) of college level work.
Degree-seeking Student:  A student who has been admitted to a degree category and is seeking a bachelor’s or master’s degree in a planned course of study.
Non-degree Seeking Student: A student who as been admitted to a non-degree category (sometimes referred to as a continuing education student) and is not currently seeking a bachelor’s or master’s degree.
Guest Student: A degree student from another college or university who is taking courses at Grand Valley for one semester. The credits earned are usually transferred back to the student’s home institution.
Full-time Student: An undergraduate student taking 12 or more hours each semester, or a graduate student taking nine or more hours each semester. Undergraduates who are planning to complete a bachelor’s degree in four years need to average 15 hours per semester. 
Part-time Student: An undergraduate student who takes fewer than 12 hours during a semester or a graduate student who takes fewer than nine hours during a semester.

Freshmen and Transfer Admissions Requirements

Graduate Admissions Requirements

If you have a history that leaves you anxious about meeting admission standards, don't give up. Be sure to talk to an advisor before submitting an application. There may be other options to consider.

If you have questions about the Admission process, please contact us at nontraditional@gvsu.edu

Congratulations and best of luck on your journey!