Admission Requirements
High School Requirements
The basic requirements for admission to ONU include completion of 16 units of high-school credits, of which 12 must be in academic areas. The academic unit requirements vary amongst colleges at ONU.
College of Arts & Sciences
- 4 units in English
- 2 units in mathematics
- 6 units in history, social studies, languages or natural sciences
College of Business Administration
- 4 units in English
- 3 units in mathematics (including algebra and geometry)
- 6 units in history, social studies, languages or natural sciences
College of Engineering
- 4 units in English
- 4 units in mathematics (including geometry, trigonometry and 2 units of algebra)
- 2 units in science (including physics and preferably chemistry)
- 6 units in history, social studies, languages or natural sciences
College of Pharmacy
- 4 units in English
- 4 units in mathematics (including Algebra I and II, plane geometry, trigonometry, pre-calculus or calculus)
- 4 units in science (including biology and chemistry [physics strongly recommended but not required])
- 6 units in history, social studies or languages
Ohio Northern admits students prepared to benefit from the resources given by the academic and student life programs of the University. Acceptance for admission is offered on the basis of academic achievement during the high school years, individual talent and personal character.
The potential for successful completion of the student’s chosen degree program and the promise of personal growth during the undergraduate years are the primary considerations for the granting of admission into the University.
AP Credit
The University grants placement and credit for advanced placement tests to those students achieving at least the minimum score established by the department in which credit is being sought (minimum score varies according to department policy).
- Test results should be sent to the University registrar.
- Final decision rests with the chairperson of the department.
For detailed information on how your AP test results will transfer to ONU, visit the link: www.onu.edu/registrar/ap.htm
Note: Ohio Northern University will not accept AP credit for English Language & Composition.
Post-Secondary Education
ONU accepts post-secondary education credits in the same manner we accept transfer credits. High school students bringing in college credits must have official transcripts from the attending university sent directly to the ONU Office of Admissions prior to registering for freshman classes. Students participating in post-secondary education will still be admitted to the university as a freshman, no matter the number of credits.
Applying To Northern
Completing the Application for Undergraduate Admission is the first step toward realizing the benefits offered by Ohio Northern University. An application can be completed online only, and is accessible at www.onu.edu/apply.
For the Colleges of Arts & Sciences, Business Administration and Engineering
Your application file will be considered complete when we have received:
- An application for Undergraduate Admission
- Official high school transcript(s) including GPA and class rank (high school counselor must send notice with transcript if school does not rank)
- ACT and/or SAT scores
Raabe College of Pharmacy (Pharmacy 0-6)
Beginning with the class of 2013 and beyond, the Raabe College of Pharmacy application deadline is December 1 for entering freshmen. All application materials must be received by December 1 for consideration. Your file must be complete before it is reviewed by the College of Pharmacy for admission.
We strongly recommend that a campus visit is made during the application process. Files will be reviewed following December 1, and selected applicants will be invited to campus for a personal interview which is required for admission consideration. Interviews will take place in mid-January. Final admission decisions are expected to be made by the end of January and notifications mailed by mid-February.
Your application file will be considered complete when it contains:
- Application for Undergraduate Admission
- Official high school transcript(s) including GPA and class rank (high school counselor must send notice with transcript if school does not rank)
- ACT and/or SAT scores
- High school counselor/teacher recommendation form or letter
- Admissions essay (minimum 250 words, submitted within the application as a response to the questions posed)
Please see the Pharmacy Admissions page for more information.
Transfer Admission
Students interested in transferring to Ohio Northern University must submit official transcripts from all colleges previously attended, as well as a final high school transcript. These documents must be sent directly from your previous college(s)/high school to Ohio Northern University. Credits to be transferred must be graded a C (2.00) or higher and must apply toward the course of study the student intends to pursue. The application deadline for transfer students to the College of Pharmacy is April 1.
Other Information
A $200 deposit (refundable until May 1) is encouraged of accepted students and signifies the student's intention to enroll in the University.
Ohio Northern University is a member of the Tuition Exchange, Inc. group and welcomes applications from students with Tuition Exchange certification.
The programs of Ohio Northern University are open to all, without regard to race, religion, national or ethnic origin, gender, age or disability. Most academic and athletic facilities are accessible to the physically disabled, as are some residence halls.



















