Apply to ONU

Ohio Northern operates on a rolling-admissions basis

This means your application for admission will be accepted year-round. To qualify for maximum scholarship consideration, submit your application as early as possible. You'll be notified via mail of a decision within two to four weeks once we have received all of your application materials.

New applicants need to create an account in order to access the online application. Once your account is created, you will receive an email with a temporary PIN to activate it. As a reminder, reference letters (a maximum of two) and an essay are required for College of Pharmacy applicants only.

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Our Fall 2025 applications are now open!

Freshman Admissions

The following items are needed:

- Completed on-line application (University Application, Common App, or Coalition App)
- Official high school transcript. Have your high school send these to ONU. Do not self submit. See additional details below
- ACT and/or SAT scores (optional, see information below). START YOUR APPLICATION

Test-Optional Policy

First-year students can apply to ONU without ACT or SAT scores. You are still able to submit an ACT or SAT score if you believe the score might add value to your application. Test-optional admission is available for all undergraduate programs.

Ohio Northern will continue to maintain the same high academic standards, and the decision to submit test scores will be left to the student applicant. With the uncertainty in the testing climate, we are aware there may be limited options in testing. A test-optional process aims to support students by assuring them they'll be able to apply for admission with or without ACT or SAT scores.
We take a holistic approach to reviewing applications, meaning several factors of an application are evaluated to determine preparation for success at ONU. Those who don't submit test scores will be evaluated using the following: high school grade point average (GPA), grades in dual enrollment coursework, academic rigor, short answer response on the admission application when provided, leadership and service experience.
All applicants admitted to ONU will be considered for merit-based scholarships, regardless of whether test scores are submitted with the application. You can submit a test score if you believe the scores might add value to scholarship or admission consideration. Test scores are required, however, for consideration of the Mathile and Dicke Scholarships.
You will be presented with a question of your intent to apply test-optional on the application for admission.
Yes. Students who initially submit a test-optional application can still submit test scores as a supplement to the application for first-year course placement.
No. All undergraduate programs are available for test-optional admissions.

SUBMITTING TRANSCRIPTS

To be official, all high school and college transcripts must be submitted directly from the school. No self submitted transcripts will be accepted. Schools can submit transcripts in the following ways:

1. Email with transcript attached to:
transcripts@onu.edu

2. Mail to:
Ohio Northern University
Office of Admissions
525 S Main St.
Ada, OH 45810

3. Electronically using third-party approved systems (i.e. Parchment)

International Admissions

ONU is a top destination for many international students. Students come from many different countries to study on our beautiful, safe campus. The University and many of our academic programs are ranked among the best in the country and our region for excellence. As an international student at ONU, you can earn your degree or decide to spend a shorter time on campus through our exchange program.

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College Credit Plus Admissions

College Credit Plus at ONU provides participating high schools and students with a unique and sustainable way to take advantage of a rigorous curriculum through college-level courses while earning college credit. Ohio Northern offers students the opportunity to attend ONU courses on our campus or to take ONU courses from qualified high school faculty members at participating schools.