Admissions
Kettering University’s Office of Admissions evaluates student credentials to determine academic qualifications for all undergraduate degree programs. Applications for admission to Kettering University are evaluated holistically, emphasizing applicants’ overall academic records, especially grades in core academic courses like science and math. The admissions committee reviews the applicant's high school grade record, course selection for college preparation, class standing or ranking (if available), and optionally submitted ACT or SAT scores. Additionally, recommendations from high school guidance counselors, teachers, administrators, and other relevant sources are considered. Kettering University seeks to admit students who demonstrate intellectual aptitude and the drive to excel at Kettering University. Kettering does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation including gender identity or expression, disability, religion, height, weight, genetic information, or veteran status.
Scholastic Preparation
Applicants must be on track to complete a high school diploma or recognized equivalency. Students who have taken college courses before graduation from high school are still considered freshmen applicants, including those in early or middle college programs. Strong consideration for admission will be given to students who completed the following courses prior to enrollment:
| English | Six semesters required (eight semesters recommended) |
| Mathematics | Four Semesters - Algebra |
| Two semesters - Geometry | |
| One semester - Trigonometry, often included in Algebra II and/or Pre-calculus | |
| Science | Four semesters - science with lab including two semesters of either Chemistry or Physics. Both are strongly recommended. |
We encourage all applicants to complete English, science, and math courses beyond these minimum requirements. Training and experience in computer aided design (CAD) and computer science may also be considered.
Beyond these minimum requirements, Kettering does not have a fixed formula for determining admission. Admission to Kettering University is competitive and a strong record of academic achievement is expected.
Freshman Online Applications
Students interested in admission to Kettering University must apply using either the Common Application or the Kettering Application.
Students are encouraged to apply in the fall of their senior year. Kettering subscribes to the following application priority dates:
| Application prior date: | Admissions decision release by: | |
|---|---|---|
| Early Action | November 15 | December 15 |
| Regular admissioni | January 15 | February 15 |
| February 1 | Rolling |
A completed application, unofficial transcripts, standardized test results (optional)*, and supplemental materials, including personal essays, must all be received for evaluation to occur. All credentials submitted to the Office of Admissions to become part of the applicant file at Kettering University and cannot be returned to the applicant nor forwarded to any other institution.
If you have any questions regarding the application process, please call the Office of Admissions at 810-762-7865.
*Test-Optional Policy
Kettering University is test-optional for all students. Students may submit SAT/ACT score(s) if they feel it will benefit their standing in the admissions review process. Students who choose not to submit standardized testing scores will not be negatively impacted during the review process.
Official Transcripts
Matriculation into Kettering is contingent upon satisfactory performance in and completion of senior-level courses in which the student is enrolled. Final high school and college/university transcripts must be submitted to the Office of Admissions. Failure to do so will impact a student’s ability to register for classes.
Students must have official transcripts and supporting information submitted directly to Kettering University from their high school guidance offices. Transcripts handled by students are considered unofficial and will not be evaluated. Transcripts must account for all high schools attended and, for dual-enrolled students, all colleges/universities attended (including all for-credit online classes).
Homeschool Student Applicants
Kettering University welcomes applications from homeschooled students. Students must submit the same application materials and meet the same admission requirements as all other high school students including a completed online application (including essay), standardized test scores (optional), and official transcripts developed by the home school association or by primary teachers.
All transcripts should include: course names, credits, in progress/final grades for all grade 9-12 courses, graduation date, and a signature affirming that the transcript is the official record of academic studies. If any high school credit was earned in a formal high school or college setting, the applicant must also supply an official transcript from that respective school. Courses taken online or through correspondence programs should be similarly documented. For evaluation purposes, we encourage especially clear documentation and explanation of all English, math, and science courses. The Office of Admissions will contact the student’s primary educator if additional information is needed.
Please note that all materials sent as part of the application become the property of Kettering University and will not be returned to the student. Final transcripts showing a high school graduation date and/or final college transcripts must be submitted by all incoming students. Failure to do so will impact a student’s ability to register for classes.
International Student Applicants
Students who reside outside of the United States and non-U.S. Citizens living in the United States are welcome to apply for admission to Kettering University. Admission decisions will be based on academic achievement in secondary school and/or university studies.
Transcripts/educational certificates and records with English translations must be sent directly from the applicant's school(s) to Kettering University. Additional items may be requested to complete the admission process, such as a secondary school/university grading scale or a professional credential evaluation. In the case of a professional credential evaluation, the evaluating body must be a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES). Costs of credential evaluations and translations are the responsibility of the applicant. Before matriculating, all international students must provide official and final transcripts including proof of diploma/degree from all secondary education institutions/universities previously attended. Applicants are normally required to provide transcripts reflecting a grade 9-12 college preparatory program (possibly including a grade 13 option). However, at Kettering University's discretion, international applicants may be exempted from the requirement.
Students from non-English language speaking countries may be conditionally admitted based on academic merit with the understanding that English proficiency standards must be met before full matriculation into a degree-seeking program. To demonstrate English-language proficiency, students should submit at least one of the following test results: SAT, ACT, Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL iBT or TOEFL Essentials), International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or Duolingo. Test requirements may be waived if a student has attended at least their last two consecutive academic years of high school where English is the language of instruction (documentation may be requested). Students completing their secondary education in an IB Diploma, Cambridge, or Sussex program may also be waived from English-proficiency testing. International transfer students may have testing waived if a student has attended an accredited U.S. college or university for one calendar year or two consecutive academic semesters with a minimum 3.0 grade point average (24 credit hours minimum). Students may also demonstrate competency by completing an ESL program offered by an approved ELS center. Evidence of English-language proficiency may be deemed invalid two years after the last relevant test date or date of enrollment.
Professionals in industry with significant work experience in a primarily English-speaking country, who are graduates of high school or college outside of the United States or without proof of English-language proficiency (above), are strongly encouraged to submit scores from an English-language proficiency exam.
Applicants may be required to participate in an additional spoken interview to assess English-language proficiency. Kettering University reserves this right to interview applicants regardless of any/all evidence of English-language proficiency submitted.
Immigration Information
Before matriculating, all international students who intend on attending Kettering University are required to schedule an immigration advising session appointment with the Admissions Immigration Designated School Official.
Applicants requiring an F-1 visa must also provide proof of Financial Support for on-campus programs. Before Kettering University can issue a Certificate of Visa Eligibility (Form I-20), international student applicants must document their ability to meet all educational expenses* for the first year of study:
- Completed Kettering University Undergraduate Student Affidavit of Financial Support.
- Documentation including statement(s) from legitimate financial institution(s) reflecting the minimum dollar amount detailed in the Affidavit of Financial Support. Institutional support offered by Kettering University does count toward the financial amount required.
- Copy of Passport.
*Medical insurance, including repatriation and evacuation coverage, is required for all international students and must be purchased through Kettering University.
Admitted international students meeting the above requirements will receive an I-20 form, which must be presented when applying for an F-1 Student Visa and again at their port of entry into the United States. Applicants enrolled at another U.S. institution with an F-1 Student Visa must complete Kettering's Transfer-In form and be released from the Student & Exchange Visitor Program (SEVIS) by their current institution before Kettering University can issue a new I-20 form.
Before matriculating, all international students must also provide official final transcripts including proof of diploma/degree from secondary education institutions/universities previously attended.
Co-op Employment of International Students
Undergraduate degree-seeking international students are required to participate in Kettering’s Cooperative and Experiential Education program. Participation in the Kettering Co-op program is a mandatory graduation requirement and is included in a student's F-1 Student Visa parameters, however, students must first complete two academic terms before co-op eligibility begins.
All students are responsible for work-term living expenses, transportation, and personal expenses.
Transfer Student Applicants
Kettering University is transfer-friendly and encourages students with prior college experience to apply for admission. Students who have taken any college courses after their high school graduation date are considered transfer students. Students completing a 13th year for Early or Middle College programs will still apply as freshmen. Kettering is an MTA (Michigan Transfer Agreement)receiving university, with a few specific recommendations.
Transfer applicants must have unofficial official transcripts sent directly to Kettering from all colleges/universities attended. Additional information, such as high school transcripts, may also be requested from students who have completed fewer than 24 credit hours. A list of courses in progress and catalog entry(s) with course descriptions from each college attended may also be requested.
Kettering University offers rolling admission and transfer students may apply at any time during the year for entry in July, October, January or April.
Scholastic Preparation
To be eligible for admission to Kettering University, transfer students must complete the below courses prior to enrollment (some of these requirements may have been completed at the high school level). College-level math and laboratory science coursework will be strongly considered when evaluating transfer applications, especially for majors in the College of Engineering and the College of Sciences and Liberal Arts.
| English | Six semesters required (eight semesters recommended) |
| Mathematics | Four semesters - Algebra |
| Two semesters - Geometry | |
| One semester - Trigonometry, often included in Algebra II and/or Pre-calculus | |
| Science | Four semesters - science with lab including two semesters of either Chemistry or Physics. Both are strongly recommended. |
Academic Requirements for Transfer Students
Possession of the minimum grade point average for consideration does not imply admissibility to the University. Beyond this minimum scholastic requirement, Kettering does not have a fixed formula for determining admission. However, a strong record of academic achievement is expected. Primary consideration is given to the applicant’s overall grade point average and number of credit hours taken. Secondary consideration is given to the student’s employment history, extracurricular activities, honors, and other evidence of ability, achievement, and motivation.
A typical transfer student will have pursued 12-16 credit hours per semester of undergraduate coursework similar to that which is taken by a Kettering University student. Candidates who have not pursued full-time collegiate study and/or have followed a program that does not include mathematics and science will be evaluated individually on their college and high school records (submitting college entrance exam scores is optional).
Prospective transfer students should maintain an overall grade point average of at least a “B". Applicants with intended majors within the College of Engineering and the College of Sciences and Liberal Arts should also have strong math and science grades – again of at least a “B”.
Transfer Credit Evaluation
Courses submitted for transfer credit should be comparable in content and difficulty to those offered at Kettering University. To complete a preliminary credit self-audit, use the Degree Works Tool. Students must earn a grade of at least a "C" or equivalent in an individual class for that class to be considered for transfer credit. Applicants must provide official transcripts and may be required to provide the Registrar's Office with a college course catalog, course syllabi, or additional information for evaluation purposes. Transfer applicants who have completed Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) courses may also need to have official AP/IB scores sent to the university.
Admitted students will be contacted with the results of an official credit evaluation after submitting a $300 enrollment deposit. However, a self-assessment using the Degree Works Tool will provide dependable results with very few exceptions.
Suggested Courses
Transfer coursework should include general education classes common to undergraduate degree programs and should reflect a strong background in math and science:
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| CHEM-135 & CHEM-136 | Principles of Chemistry and Principles of Chemistry Lab | 4 |
| COMM-101 | Rhetoric & Writing (Composition & Speech) | 4 |
| ECON-201 | Economic Principles (Micro and/or Macro) | 4 |
| MATH-101 | Calculus I (Differential Calculus) | 4 |
| MATH-102 | Calculus II (Integral Calculus) | 4 |
| PHYS-114 & PHYS-115 | Newtonian Mechanics and Newtonian Mechanics Laboratory (Calculus-based) | 4 |
| PHYS-224 & PHYS-225 | Electricity and Magnetism and Electricity and Magnetism Laboratory | 4 |
| History, Literature, Philosophy, etc. (300+ level) | 4 | |
Transfer of Experiential and Cooperative Education Work Experience
Transfer students entering Kettering with less than Junior 1 (JR1) standing who have participated in another comparable college-level cooperative and experiential education program, or those who have significant work experience related to their Kettering University degree program, may be eligible to transfer these experiences towards their Kettering Co-op degree requirements. Students should contact the Cooperative and Experiential Education Office at 810-762-9846 to determine the documentation necessary to transfer a maximum of two work terms (only applicable toward freshman-sophomore requirements).
Military Veterans and Families
Kettering University is a member of the Post-911 G.I. Bill (Chapter 33) and Yellow Ribbon programs. Those on active duty, released from active duty, active reserve, inactive reserve, and dependents of military service members may apply for admission as freshmen, transfer students, or for graduate studies. Military veterans should have their Joint Services Transcript (JST) submitted as a part of their application for admission. To utilize the Post-911 G.I. Bill or Yellow Ribbon program, military service members must speak with their respective Educational Service Officers or counselors and apply for tuition benefits through the Veteran's Affairs.
Additional Requirements for Admitted Students
Enrollment Deposit
All admitted students must submit a $300 enrollment deposit to confirm enrollment to Kettering University and reserve their seats in the class. The deposit will be credited towards tuition, room, and board. The undergraduate enrollment deposit is fully refundable until May 1 of each year's traditional application cycle.
Math Placement Examination
Kettering University uses ALEKS PPL for math placement in a student's first academic term. ALEKS is a dynamic tool that utilizes adaptive technology to assess and place students at the most appropriate level for their first math course. All students are required to complete ALEKS prior to their first term, and the University will use the highest placement score for their first math course. This score could be from ALEKS or from math credits they bring in, such as credits from AP or IB courses, Dual Enrollment, Early College, etc. Students who have received appropriate transfer credit, or Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate credit, may be exempt from the exam, as we don't require all transfer students to complete ALEKS, depending on what they've completed before applying to Kettering. ALEKS only measures competency up to Calc I. For more information about AP and IB credits, please see below. For questions about math placement, students should contact the Academic Success Center at academicsuccess@kettering.edu.
Health, Counseling, Accessibility Services & Health Insurance Information
Prior to enrollment, all students must complete a Health Inquiry Form. All medical information is treated confidentially and cannot be released without the student’s knowledge or written consent. The Kettering University Wellness Center uses this information to create a continuous record of student wellness care. All students must answer the TB screening questions and submit documentation if needed within the inquiry. Information on what to do about physical and/or mental health concerns, including disability accommodations, can be addressed directly with the Wellness Center staff via email at wellness@kettering.edu.
Kettering University requires all enrolled students to carry health insurance. International students are automatically enrolled in the Kettering Student Health Insurance Plan upon arrival on campus. Domestic students must annually provide proof of insurance online to waive out of Kettering's Student Health Insurance Plan. Contact the Wellness Center for updates on annual deadlines to submit health insurance information. Students who do not complete a waiver will be automatically enrolled. Students who fail to provide proof of health insurance through the verification process will remain enrolled in the Kettering Student Health Insurance Plan and be responsible for associated costs. The University will make no exceptions.
Kettering University does not require a medical examination before enrollment. However, some Kettering Co-op employers may require such an exam as a condition of employment or due to particular working conditions.
Cooperative and Experiential Education Employment Process
Accepted students are eligible to begin the Kettering Co-op employment search process in the spring of their senior year of high school or once they have been admitted as a transfer student. Students need to have a Kettering-approved resume and are encouraged to work with their assigned Co-op Managers. The Cooperative and Experiential Education Office may start forwarding the resumes of applicants to potential co-op employers several months before the start of classes. Careful attention is given to the student’s objectives, needs, and preferences, as well as employer criteria. Transfer students are eligible to begin their Kettering Co-op employment search process any time after acceptance.
Companies may choose to interview applicants based on academic performance, employment history, extracurricular activities and honors. Factors influencing final selection include communication skills, leadership potential, a desire for a career in the industry, and the capacity to acquire the necessary academic and practical background for a future position of responsibility. Information concerning the interviewing process is available from the Cooperative and Experiential Education Office at 810-762-9846.
Housing Application
In recognition of the educational value of an on-campus living experience, the Kettering University Board of Trustees has officially adopted an on-campus residency and meal plan requirement. Students must complete housing applications before moving onto campus. All first-year students are required to live in Thompson Hall and have a full meal plan during their first two academic terms.
Students who transfer to Kettering University must reside in Thompson Hall and have a full meal plan for their first two academic terms at Kettering University unless they meet one or more of the following documented criteria: be 21 years of age or older prior to the last day of classes of the term; be married; have child(ren) in residence with legal custody or guardianship; have previously completed two terms in a residence hall (at a college/university). Documentation may be requested for verification. New incoming students meeting the above criteria and wishing to live off-campus should complete a Housing Release Request through the myhousing portal at least two weeks prior to the start of the student's first academic term.
International Baccalaureate Credit
Applicants seeking International Baccalaureate (IB) credit should have an official IB transcript sent directly to Kettering's Office of Undergraduate Admissions. Credit will be granted for passes at the "IB Standard Level (SL)" in Computer Science only. Credit will be issued for passes at the "IB Higher Level (HL)" according to the IBO table below.
| IBO Exam | Required Score | Credits Granted | Kettering Course Number |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biology (Higher Level) | 6, 71 | 3 and 1 | BIOL-241 & BIOL-242 |
| Chemistry (Higher Level) | 5, 6, 7 | 3 and 1 | CHEM-135 & CHEM-136 |
| Computer Science (Higher Level) | 5, 6, 7 | 4 | CS-297 |
| Computer Science (Standard Level) | 5, 6, 7 | 4 | CS-297 |
| Economics (Higher Level) | 6, 7 | 4 | ECON-201 |
| English (Higher Level)1 | 6, 7 | 4 | HUMN-297 |
| Foreign Language - Any (Higher Level)1 | 6, 7 | 4 | LANG-297 |
| History (Higher Level)1 | 6, 7 | 4 | HIST-297 |
| Math: Applications and Interpretation (Higher Level) | 5, 6, 7 | 4 | MATH-101 |
| Math: Analysis and Approaches (Higher Level) | 5, 6, 7 | 4 | MATH-101 |
| Philosophy (Higher Level)1 | 5, 6, 7 | 4 | PHIL-297 |
| Physics (Higher Level) | 6, 71 | 3 and 1 | PHYS-114 & PHYS-115 |
| Social & Cultural Anthropology (Higher Level)1 | 6, 7 | 4 | SSCI-297 |
| Sociology (Higher Level)1 | 6,7 | 4 | SSCI-297 |
- 1
Course counts as a free elective in all degree programs. Seek department advisement for the curriculum requirement application. Kettering University awards credit for IB scores of 5, 6 or 7 for Physics and Biology when the full IB diploma has been earned.
Advanced Placement Credit
Applicants who have completed Advanced Placement (AP) courses are encouraged to take the College Board AP Examinations. The chart below indicates the scores needed to receive Kettering University credit. Students should have an official AP transcript sent to Kettering directly from the College Board AP Program. AP credits do not override prerequisite requirements.
| Advanced Placement Exam | Required Score | Credits Granted | Kettering Course Number |
|---|---|---|---|
| Art History1 | 4, 5 | 4 | ART-297 |
| Art Studio 2-D Design1 | 4, 5 | 4 | ART-297 |
| Art Studio 3-D Design1 | 4, 5 | 4 | ART-297 |
| Biology2 | 4, 5 | 3 and 1 | BIOL-141 & BIOL-142 |
| Calculus AB | 4, 5 | 4 | MATH-101 |
| Calculus AB Subgrade | 4, 5 | 4 | MATH-101 |
| Calculus BC | 4, 5 | 4 and 4 | MATH-101 & MATH-102 |
| Chemistry | 4, 5 | 3 and 1 | CHEM-135/136 or CHEM-137/136 |
| Comparative Government and Politics1 | 4, 5 | 4 | SSCI-297 |
| Computer Science A | 4, 5 | 4 | CS-101 |
| Computer Science Principles1, 2 | 4, 5 | 4 | CS-297 |
| English Language and Composition1 | 4, 5 | 4 | COMM-297 |
| English Literature and Composition1 | 4, 5 | 4 | HUMN-297 |
| Environmental Science2 | 4, 5 | 4 | BIOL-297 |
| European History1 | 4, 5 | 4 | SSCI-297 |
| Foreign Language and Culture - Any1 | 4, 5 | 4 | LANG-297 |
| Foreign Literature and Culture - Any1 | 4,5 | 4 | HUMN-297 |
| Government and Politics1 | 4, 5 | 4 | SSCI-297 |
| Human Geography1 | 4, 5 | 4 | SSCI-297 |
| Macroeconomics3 | 4, 5 | 4 | ECON-201 |
| Microeconomics3 | 4, 5 | 4 | ECON-201 |
| Music Theory1 | 4, 5 | 4 | FREE-297 |
| Physics C, Part I-Mechanics | 4, 5 | 3 and 1 | PHYS-114 & PHYS-115 |
| Physics C, Part II-Electricity & Magnetism | 4, 5 | 3 and 1 | PHYS-224 & PHYS-225 |
| Psychology1 | 4, 5 | 4 | PSYC-297 |
| Research1 | 4, 5 | 4 | LA-297 |
| Seminar1 | 4, 5 | 4 | LA-297 |
| Statistics2 | 3, 4, 5 | 4 | BUSN-271 |
| U.S. History1 | 4, 5 | 4 | HIST-297 |
| World History1 | 4, 5 | 4 | SSCI-297 |
- 1
Course counts as a free elective in all degree programs.
- 2
Seek department advisement for the curriculum requirement application.
- 3
This AP course can count as ECON-297 (Free Elective) if student already has credit for ECON-201.
NOTE: The course numbers 297 shall be used to admit credit for AP courses that are not equivalent to existing Kettering courses.
Admission of Non-degree Seeking Students
Dual/Early Enrollment classes available at Kettering University
Kettering University offers exceptional high school students an opportunity to experience university academics at our nationally recognized university through the State of Michigan guidelines for early enrollment or dual enrollment programs. This program is available to any 11th or 12th grade student who meets Kettering’s registration requirements listed below. The student/parent is responsible for all costs associated with early enrollment at Kettering University. Through dual enrollment, the student’s high school pays a portion or all of the tuition and the student/parent/guardian is responsible for any additional costs not paid by the high school. State guidelines and the high school determine the course eligibility and the amount of tuition the high school is responsible to pay. No application fee is required. Two courses per term are allowed, and a maximum of 16 credit hours per academic year.
Dual/Early Enrollment Registration Requirements
The following must be submitted for course registration:
- High School transcript with 3.2 GPA
- Completed application
The Admissions Office approves registrations based on available space.
Questions about early/dual enrollment can be directed to the Office of Admissions at admissions@kettering.edu or 810-762-7865.