Texas Lutheran University serves students willing to contribute their intellectual gifts to the community of learning. In order to identify and enroll such students, the university maintains an office staffed by professional admissions representatives to assist prospective applicants with their college search and with the application and financial assistance processes.
First-hand appraisal of programs, facilities, and academic atmosphere is valuable. Prospective students are strongly encouraged to visit the campus and meet with a member of the admissions staff. Visit tlu.edu/visit to view all of the visit opportunities and to schedule a visit. The Office of Admissions is open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. weekdays, except for Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s, Easter, Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day, and Martin Luther King, Jr. Day holidays. The Office of Admissions also hosts group visit programs throughout the academic year and virtual events throughout the calendar year.
Texas Lutheran University is open to all persons committed to and prepared for a quality education without regard to race, age, sex, color, national origin, religion, disability or sexual orientation.
Admissions Procedures
It is the responsibility of any applicant to ensure all necessary documents, including the application for admission and all supporting documents, are received by the Office of Admissions in a timely manner. All documents received by TLU become the property of the University and will not be returned to the student or forwarded to another institution.
First-Year Students
Applicants seeking admission as a first-year student are advised to complete a college preparatory program of study with above-average achievement. It is recommended that the following curriculum be pursued: 4 years of English, 4 years of mathematics, 3 years of social science, 3 years of science, and 2 years of a foreign language or American Sign Language. In order to be considered for admission, applicants must submit the following documents: an application for admission; an official high school transcript; and an essay or graded writing sample. Official SAT or ACT scores may be required if the student is not applying as a test-optional applicant (see below). A letter of recommendation from a teacher (academic) or high school counselor is encouraged but not required.
First-year students applying for the spring 2022 or fall 2023 semesters have the option to apply for admission as test-optional applicants, which excludes the student from submitting SAT or ACT scores to be included in their application file. To opt in, students select they are applying as a test-optional applicant on the application for admission.
The following are application deadlines for TLU:
Early Action
Applicants who wish to be considered for Early Action, must submit their application and supporting documents no later than November 15. Early action applicants will be notified of an admissions decision generally two weeks after the application and supporting documents have been received and reviewed. There is no application fee and students have until May 1 to submit their enrollment deposit.
The Office of Admissions reviews applications using a holistic evaluation process. While there are no minimum GPA and test score requirements, admission to the University is competitive and decisions are made after considering many factors. In some cases, admission files will be referred to an admission committee, which includes faculty and staff from across campus.
Regular Decision
The deadline for Regular Decision is February 1. Applicants who complete their application by February 1 will receive an admissions decision after the application has been reviewed. There is no application fee and applicants have until May 1 to submit their enrollment deposit.
The Office of Admissions reviews Regular Decision applications using a holistic evaluation process. While there are no minimum GPA and test score requirements, admission to the University is competitive and decisions are made after considering many factors. In some cases, admission files will be referred to an admission committee, which includes faculty and staff from across campus.
Late Decision
Applications submitted after February 1 will be considered on a rolling basis. Notification to the student will occur after April 1 or within two weeks of receipt of required documents, whichever is later. Applicants must submit their enrollment deposit by May 1 or within two weeks of receipt of the admission decision, whichever is later. Applicants applying for admission in the summer may be asked to submit the enrollment deposit promptly upon admission to facilitate and finalize the enrollment process.
The merits of each applicant are considered on a case-by-case basis with a special emphasis on the high school record. Applicants whose records predict achievement of academic success at TLU are offered admission. Applicants graduating from a non-accredited high school, including those who have been homeschooled, need to provide all the documents listed above, including a transcript. Transcripts should show all completed coursework. In addition, a diploma with date of graduation should be provided. Applicants submitting a GED in place of the high school transcript will need to have earned a composite score of 50 or higher. The tests required for these applicants will be determined on an individual basis. A personal interview may also be requested.
Transfer Students
Transfer applicants in good standing are encouraged to apply by submitting the following:
- The application for admission, completed in full, including the essay.
- Official transcript(s) from every institution that the applicant has attended. Even if no credit was earned at the institution, a transcript is required.
- An official high school transcript is required for students who graduated within the last five years or who have fewer than 24 hours of university coursework (this is a federal requirement).
- Transfer addendum form, available to students upon submission of the application
- Students with less than 15 semester hours of university-level work may be required to submit official SAT or ACT test scores for consideration. Students with less than 15 semester hours of university-level work will have the opportunity to apply for admission as a test-optional applicant.
- A recommendation letter from a teacher (academic) or counselor is encouraged but not required.
Transfer applicants with fewer than 15 semester hours of university-level work will be evaluated under the requirements for first-year student admission. For those with less than 24 hours of university-level work, the high school transcript may be utilized. Applicants with credit earned at non-accredited institutions (trade, technical, career schools) are required to submit transcripts, but the credit is generally not transferable. For transfer credit information, please see the Transfer Credit section of the Academic Procedures.
Veteran students are required to submit an official military transcript and a copy of their military DD214.
Generally, transferable university-level work with a 2.25 GPA on the 4.00 scale will be reviewed. Applicants on scholarship or disciplinary suspension are not eligible to apply until the suspension period has elapsed. Transfer work taken at another college or university while an applicant is academically suspended is generally not accepted at Texas Lutheran University. Also, failure to make an accurate report of all colleges attended will subject the applicant to disciplinary action and possible dismissal.
An evaluation of transferable credits will be conducted for each applicant by the Office of Registration and Records.
Graduate Students
Applicants seeking to gain admission to one of TLU’s graduate programs must submit an application for admission as a graduate student. Applicants interested in gaining admission to a concurrent graduate program and who hold a bachelor’s degree from another accredited institution must first apply to TLU and submit the required documents listed below.
Required Documents for the Master of Accountancy, Master of Science in Data Analytics, and Master of Athletic Training:
- TLU Application (includes an essay question on professional goals)
- Official transcript(s) from every institution attended (including dual credit)-even if no credit was earned, a transcript is required
- Graduate Addendum, available to students upon submission of the application
- One academic and one professional recommendation (only required for Athletic Training)
Required Documents for the Master of Arts in Education:
- TLU Application (includes essay questions on your educational philosophy and professional goals)
- Official transcript(s) from every institution attended (including dual credit)-even if no credit was earned, a transcript is required
- Current resume
An evaluation of program pre-requisites will be conducted for each applicant by the Office of Registration and Records.
A list of prerequisites and application requirements for each graduate program, including the application process for concurrent TLU students, can be found within each academic subject area with a graduate program.
International Students
An international applicant is any citizen of a country other than the United States who has, or will need, a non-immigrant visa to study at TLU. Applicants fitting this description apply to the regular TLU academic program.
The application deadline for international students is June 1 for the fall semester and November 1 for the spring semester. The merits of each applicant are considered on a case-by-case basis with a special emphasis on the quality of the academic work. To qualify for admission into the academic program, applicants from countries where English is not the primary language must present an official TOEFL or IELTS score. The minimum required scores are:
- TOEFL PBT - 550
- TOEFL CBT - 213
- TOEFL iBT - 80
- IELTS - 6.5
Those applicants whose native language is English must submit test results from the SAT or ACT.
All applicants must submit the following before being considered for admission:
- The completed application for admission and the international student addendum to the application.
- Official transcripts from each secondary school and, if applicable, postsecondary school attended. These should include a listing of courses taken and marks/grades earned and must be translated into English and evaluated by an official third-party evaluation. The student may request a list of approved translation services.
- Proof of financial solvency. Supporting documentation, including a notarized bank statement, should be submitted.
- Completed Confidential Report of Proficiency in English form.
- TOEFL, IELTS, SAT or ACT scores sent directly to TLU from the corresponding testing service.
Program requirements and details change frequently. Students should consult the TLU website for the most current information related to undergraduate and graduate education.
Notification Of Admission
Normally, processing of the files for both the fall and spring semesters begins in September. As soon as a file is complete, the review process begins. Candidates are notified according to the application type (Early, Regular, or Late). A file is deemed complete when all the above-outlined documentation has been received. It is the normal practice of the Office of Admissions to notify the applicant within two weeks of receipt of the application as to the status of the file. Failure to receive that notification means that either the file is being evaluated for admission or the application was never received or is incomplete. The notification of the decision is made available to students on the applicant’s Student Status Page (apply.tlu.edu/status).
Process For Special Consideration
Undergraduate applicants applying to TLU in any category that do not initially meet admissions standards may be referred to the Admissions, Advising and Academic Standards Committee for consideration and evaluation. The committee may defer a decision until further information has been received; i.e., results of another semester of work, additional letters of recommendation, additional essay, personal statement or an interview. If any of these additional credentials are required, a member of the admissions staff will contact the applicant.
Post-Acceptance Procedures
Final Transcripts
FIRST YEAR STUDENTS: The Office of Admissions must have a FINAL transcript sent directly from your high school. The graduation date and your final class rank, if applicable, must be on this transcript.
TRANSFER STUDENTS: The Office of Admissions must receive an official transcript from each college or university you have attended. This ensures that a transfer evaluation will be performed and that you will receive credit for any transferable college/university work. We also need a copy of your high school transcript if you graduated within the last five years or have fewer than 24 hours of university-level work. According to the federal financial aid regulations, a high school transcript or GED certificate is required for all students (including transfers). IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO MAKE SURE THAT AN OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPT IS SENT TO TLU. If we have not received an official high school transcript with documentation of graduation date by August 1 - for the fall semester or January 2 - for the spring semester, your acceptance may be rescinded.
Enrollment Deposit
To initiate housing, registration, and billing procedures, a $400 enrollment deposit is required of all domestic students. This enrollment deposit serves as indication of your intention to enroll at TLU. The enrollment deposit is nonrefundable and must be paid in full. Once enrolled, the deposit serves as the student’s general deposit. International applicants submit a $1,000 deposit. Once enrolled, $400 will serve as the general deposit and the remaining will apply to the student’s account.
Health Form
The Comprehensive Health Form will be accessible online by students at a designated time upon receipt of the deposit. All students must complete this form. Intercollegiate athletes and cheerleaders will receive a separate physical form from the Athletic Department.
Proof of Meningitis Vaccination
MANDATORY for all first-time students, including transfer and graduate students: Written confirmation of vaccination against bacterial meningitis. The record should be emailed as a PDF document to applicant@tlu.edu or submitted through the Student Status page. Students must have received the vaccination at least 10 days prior, and no more than five years prior, to the first day of class. This requirement is dictated by the Texas Education Code which regulates the requirement (and exceptions) for bacterial meningitis vaccination. This applies only to first-time students, transfer and graduate students enrolling in public or private institutions of higher education who are younger than 22 years old.
Campus Housing
The TLU experience is centered around the value of a residential campus. The housing application and matching form and housing contract must be filled out completely and honestly to ensure a quality residential experience. At a designated time, the Campus Living Office will give access (through MyTLU) to the housing application and contract to all students who have paid their $400 deposit for domestic students and $1,000 deposit for international students and provided proof of meningitis vaccine. Without the deposit and proof of meningitis vaccine, a housing assignment will not be made. For spring applicants, notification of housing assignments will be made after January 1. For fall applicants, notifications will begin in the summer.
All students are required to live in university housing, except for students who are married, over 21 years of age, have lived on a college campus for a minimum of four semesters, or commuting from their parent’s/guardian’s home within a 30-mile radius of the campus. Requests for exceptions to this policy are to be submitted to the Director of Campus Living. If a student’s course load drops below 12 hours during the course of a semester, the university reserves the right to require that student to live off-campus. This also applies to students who elect part-time study at the beginning of the spring term after having carried a full course load the previous semester. Students or applicants under the age of 18 will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Students who begin the academic year in residence commit themselves to a full year of residence in university housing except for marriage, graduation or withdrawals. Campus housing assignments are made without regard to race, creed, color or national origin.
Advising and Registration
Faculty members are central to the academic advising process at TLU. All tenure-track faculty with one year of service at TLU assume academic advising responsibilities. The faculty role in the advising process is supplemented and supported by the Office of the Vice President and Dean of Students within the Office of Student Affairs. Academic advising at TLU is guided by the belief that advising is a natural component and extension of faculty teaching and, as such, is integral to student learning. Advising and registration for the spring will occur in the middle of the fall semester. Advising and registration for the fall and summer sessions will occur approximately a month before the end of the spring semester. There are always opportunities for students to participate in late registration periods or register during the first week of classes if they miss the regular scheduled registration periods.
Admissions Procedures for Special Students
Dual Participation (DP)
High-achieving high school seniors from local high schools are offered the opportunity to enroll in selected college-level classes to earn college credit.
Enrollment requirements are:
- The dual participant program is open only to seniors who rank in the top 10% of their class or score 1180 SAT/25 ACT or have exhausted all courses available in a subject area offered by the high school.
- Students must have a recommendation from their high school counselor or principal.
- Students must have their application submitted and approved prior to TLU dual participant registration (this will assist us in registering the dual participants quickly and with a minimum of disruption to their schedules).
- Students must submit a copy of their high school transcript.
- Students must submit a copy of their valid meningitis record prior to beginning classes.
- For information or formal application, students should contact the Office of Registration and Records.
Summer Transient Students
Students who attend another college or university who wish to take undergraduate courses during the summer at TLU may be admitted as transient students. A student applying for admission under this classification is required to complete the transient student application form and submit it to the Office of Registration and Records. Students must submit a copy of their valid meningitis record prior to beginning class.
Readmission of Former Students
A student who has interrupted attendance for one long semester or more at TLU and who wishes to return must apply for readmission through the Office of Registration and Records. If the student has attended any other institution during the period, he or she must have an official transcript sent to the Office of Registration and Records (see the “Academic Procedures” section for more information). Students must submit a copy of their valid meningitis record prior to beginning class.
Credit by Exam
It is possible for students enrolled at TLU to earn credit by examination through several external programs. Examination credit counts in neither residence hours nor honors calculations. All examinations credit appear on the transcript as credit (CR) and does not affect the student’s grade point average. TLU recognizes the Advanced Placement (AP) tests, the College Level Examination Program (CLEP) tests, DANTES (Defense Activity for Nontraditional Education Support) and the Excelsior College examinations. In addition, credit may be available to graduates of the International Baccalaureate Program (IB). Students interested in such credit should consult the Office of Admissions or the Office of Registration and Records for scores, credit and procedures.
College Board Advanced Placement (AP) Examination credit is recognized and awarded in selected subject areas. Entering students who submit a score of three (3) or higher will receive credit. Credit granted ranges from three to 8 hours depending on the score earned. Students may earn AP credit in the following areas: art, biology, chemistry, computer science, economics (macroeconomics and microeconomics), English (language and composition, literature and composition), environmental science, history (U.S. and European), geography, government (U.S. and comparative), languages (French, German, Spanish), mathematics (calculus), psychology, physics and statistics.
Students may present scores from the CLEP general or subject examinations in a wide variety of areas. For details on CLEP and DANTES examinations, contact the Office of Registration and Records.
TLU recognizes the International Baccalaureate Program and 14 academic areas offer credit for IB program courses. Scores needed for credit range from 4 to 7.
Students may receive a maximum of 30 semesters toward graduation through any one or combination of the above programs. Further information on tests and scores for which a student may receive credit is available from the Office of Admissions or the Office of Registration and Records.
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