Undergraduate Admissions

Johnson & Wales University holistically reviews all elements of a student’s application to identify those students most likely to succeed at the university.

For students applying as a first-year student, a completed application and high school transcript(s) are required, except in circumstances where a student is homeschooled or where the traditional high school transcript is, for various reasons, not available. For students applying as a transfer student, a completed application, high school and/or college transcript(s) is required for admissions review.

Successful candidates for first year admission have taken a high school, college preparatory academic program including English, mathematics, science, social science and foreign language. Admissions decisions may also consider individual experiences and particular circumstances unique to each student. Other considerations are made based upon recommendations, writing ability and extracurricular activities.

Visiting campus, both in‐person or virtually, and interacting with admissions staff are all valuable ways of assuring that JWU is the right university for you. 

For the most recent undergraduate admissions requirements, visit the JWU catalog.

Application

Johnson & Wales University holistically reviews all elements of a student’s application to identify those students most likely to succeed at the university. Visiting campus, both in‐person or virtually, and interacting with admissions staff are all valuable ways of assuring that JWU is the right university for you.

• An accurate, complete and legible application must be submitted, apply via JWU’s online application or the Common App. All schools attended must be listed with dates of attendance.

Application Requirements

Submit your application and academic document (such as a transcript/external examination) and you will immediately be assigned a JWU Admissions Concierge to partner with you in the process; you will also be fast tracked for a quicker decision.

More details on requirements:

• Secondary school transcripts showing subjects and marks received with your graduation date noted. Students who have not yet graduated from secondary school must submit a transcript showing all completed work, expected results and graduation date may be submitted for review. Note that an Admissions decision can be made from copies, official documents must be submitted prior to enrollment in classes.
• If transcripts are not in English, certified translations must be submitted with all non-English documents.
• Proof of English proficiency, if applicable. We accept several English proficiency test scores, including Duolingo, IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, etc. Minimum English proficiency scores are outlined here.
• Either a completed and signed JWU Undergraduate Financial Declaration Form (PDF) OR a certified bank statement.

Upon admission, the following documents are needed for the I-20 process:

• A completed and signed JWU Undergraduate Financial Declaration Form (PDF)
• A certified bank statement* or government sponsorship letter verifying financial support ($68,000 USD Providence campus; $64,000 USD Charlotte campus and ESL Only Providence $37,000 USD)* for one academic year.
  Note that bank statements can be under your, your parent’s, family members or a sponsor’s account issued from a bank and cannot be older than three months from the time of issue for the I-20 process.
• Copy of biographical section (photo page) of your valid passport.
• International transfer applicants must submit all secondary and college transcripts along with a certified course-by-course credential evaluation by a recognized credential evaluation service. Credential evaluation must be submitted prior to enrollment.

The submission of standardized test scores (SAT, ACT) is optional and students who do not submit scores will not be disadvantaged in the review process. Essays and portfolios are optional but may be submitted to supplement the JWU application.

_{*If your bank statement shows less than one academic year (the amount listed above), submit it anyway — your JWU Admissions Concierge will discuss options with you. It is important to note that JWU awards substantial scholarships based on your academic record, which reduces your actual cost of attendance. Don’t be discouraged — upload your statement in the portal.}

How much is the application fee?

There is no fee to apply to JWU.

What is the difference between Early Action and Regular Admission?

Early Action has a November 17 and a January 15 deadline for application submission and is only available for the fall entrance semester. It is a non-binding program.

Regular Admission has a July 15 final deadline for the Fall semester and July 15 final deadline for Transfer students. The Spring semester has a December 1 deadline. Admissions may choose to extend these deadlines.

How and when will I find out if I am accepted?

Early Action 1 Fall Semester decisions are released by early December, and Early Action 2 Fall Semester decisions are released by early February. Regular Admission decisions are released within two weeks of complete submission in the JWU applicant portal. For the Spring Semester start, we begin releasing decisions within two weeks of complete submission.

What are the admission criteria?

Johnson & Wales University holistically reviews all elements of a student’s application to identify those students most likely to succeed at the university. Visiting campus, both in‐person or digitally, and interacting with admissions staff are all valuable ways of assuring that JWU is the right university for you.

Do I need to write an essay?

Students may wish to submit additional information beyond the required items if they would like to enhance their Johnson & Wales University application. An example of this optional item includes an essay of 300 words or less answering the question “What brings you joy?” Once JWU receives and enters your application into our system, you will receive an invite to the JWU applicant portal and then you may upload your essay.

May I submit a portfolio of my work related to my program of choice?

In order to provide a more complete understanding of your capabilities, applicants may wish to submit an optional digital portfolio to supplement the JWU application. Some examples include: articles or opinion pieces written for student publications; creative works; or photos or video’s from clubs, activities or competitions. Once JWU receives and enters your application into our system, you will receive an invite to the JWU applicant portal and then you may upload your portfolio.

Does JWU require SAT/ACT scores or SAT Essay/ACT Writing?

No, the submission of standardized test scores (SAT, ACT) or SAT Essay/ACT Writing is optional and students who do not submit scores will not be disadvantaged in the review process.

What are the requirements for the Honors Program?

Students with a 3.5 GPA and in the top 20% of their class will be invited to apply for the Honors program. The applications will be reviewed for admission into the program and students will be notified of their status.

What is required of home-schooled students?

Home-schooled students must be able to document that they have completed high school. Verification documents include either a high school diploma/transcript recognized by their state department of education, or a high school equivalency exam. Additionally, home-schooled applicants must provide an academic writing sample (at least 500 words).

I previously attended JWU, how do I re-enroll?

If you were previously enrolled at JWU, you do not need to reapply. Simply fill out the readmittance form to our on-campus programs or online programs.

Are there special requirements for the Early Enrollment Program (EEP)?

Yes, please refer to our Early Enrollment page.

When will I receive my financial aid offer?

If you have already filed the FAFSA as part of the admissions process, financial aid offers may be available with your acceptance. If your FAFSA is completed after your acceptance, your offer will appear in your student portal approximately two weeks after we receive your completed FAFSA.

How do I apply for the three-year bachelor’s degree?  

We’ve made it easy — just select the 3-year versions of your major on the Common Application or our JWU Application. There are no additional requirements, and you can change your mind at any time in the application process. Start your app (it’s free!) on our apply page.  

Does it cost more to complete a three-year bachelor’s degree? Will I receive less financial aid because I’ve chosen a three -year option?  

No. The annual tuition cost is the same regardless of bachelor’s degree type, and we will offer the same amount of financial aid to three-year bachelor’s degree candidates as we offer to 4-year candidates. All scholarship opportunities are still open to you. Universitywide, 98% of students receive institutional aid from JWU, and we’re not putting any asterisks on that. In fact, your total degree cost will be 25% less.  

Is a three-year degree going to be seen as less valuable than a four-year degree?  

We asked our industry partners if they would hire someone with a three-year bachelor’s degree, and they overwhelmingly said “yes.” Our partners feel confident, especially based on the JWU students and alumni they’ve worked with already, that our three-year bachelor’s degree programs will prepare you for the world of work.   

We’d argue the three-year option is even more valuable to you, because you are earning the same credentials in a shorter time span, which lowers your college cost.  

Will I miss out on anything by completing the three -year degree option?  

You’ll miss a year — which is both a pro and a con. Your degree pathway will be curated, so there won’t be as much room to explore new courses as there is in a traditional four-year degree path. It may affect your ability to study abroad. On the other hand, you’ll be a year ahead in your career with less financial burden.  

Is the three-year bachelor’s degree available on both campuses?  

Right now, three-year bachelor’s degrees have only been approved and accredited for the Providence Campus.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out to our experienced Admissions staff:

Providence

1-800-342-5598
Fax: 401-598-2948

Undergraduate
401-598-1000
Email

WSET Beverage Classes
855-598-1881
Email
Wine & Beverage Education

Graduate
401-598-1015, 401-598-1853
Email

Mailing Address
Johnson & Wales University
8 Abbott Park Place
Providence, RI 02903

Yena Center (Undergraduate Admissions)
111 Dorrance St.
Providence, RI 02903

Grace Welcome Center (Culinary & Graduate Admissions)
120 Harborside Boulevard
Cranston, RI 02905

Charlotte

866-598-2427 or 980-598-1100
Fax: 980-598-1111
Email

Mailing address
Johnson & Wales University
801 West Trade Street
Charlotte, NC 28202

Online

855-236-8492
Email
Contact the Online Team