Undergraduate Admissions
The following information is designed to give you a clear understanding of the admissions requirements and how to complete your application to Trinity International University - Florida. Please review the information carefully and contact our team if there is anything we can do to assist you in the process. Please contact us at 877.477.4848 or email us at admissionsflorida@tiu.edu. We are here to help you navigate the college search in any way we can and are grateful that you are considering Trinity Florida to further your education.
Online Application
To apply please visit our application home page and complete our free and easy online application. Our Admissions Enrollment Counselors will walk with you each step of the way.
Info Sessions / Campus Visits
Trinity Florida cordially invites you come and meet us (virtually or in-person). Our team would be glad to schedule a time set aside just for you to answer any questions that you have about our programs, course offerings, modality of instruction, financial aid, or just about anything else. At Trinity Florida our sites are "Professional" or "Commuter" campuses with hybrid classes taking place in the evenings, weekends, and/or fully remote (at a distance). You can schedule a campus visit at either site during our hours of operation to see where we are located and where our in-person classes take place. You can also schedule a virtual visit at your convenience. To set up a visit please give us a call at 877.477.4848 or email us at admissionsflorida@tiu.edu.
TRANSFER STUDENTS
At Trinity Florida, students with prior college experience thrive in the undergraduate program. The great majority of undergraduate students at Trinity Florida transfer in from other schools (many after some time away from college), which means you will be greeted by a rich community of people who have made the same life-changing decision to attend Trinity Florida. We value your presence and the experience you bring to classroom discussions.
Once accepted to TIU-FL, transfer work will be evaluated. Though Trinity has a generous transfer policy in place, the University reserves the right to accept only courses that are equivalent in content, objectives, and extent to those offered by Trinity. Students may receive credit for subjects not offered at Trinity when approved by the Office of the Dean and validated by the Office of the Registrar. Trinity Florida students may also seek to earn credit through Trinity's Prior Learning Assessment process. For further information see the Advanced Standing (Transfer Credit) Policy section of this catalog.
General Admissions Requirements for Trinity Florida Undergraduate Programs
The standard requirements for admission to Trinity Florida undergraduate coursework, regardless of the number of credits transferred from other institutions, are:
- Proof of high school graduation or GED certification (i.e. an official high school or GED transcript).
- Original, official transcripts from all previous college/university study indicating an overall cumulative grade point average of 2.0 (using 4.0 scale).
- For those whom English is not their first language, a current score on the Test for English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or another comparable exam is required. This requirement can be waived if English was the language of instruction at the applicant's high school or prior college/university. Currently acceptable scores are:
- 71 on the Internet-based TOEFL exam.
- 560 on the written TOEFL exam.
- 132 on the computer-based TOEFL exam.
- Minimum age 18 (if you are under 18 and/or interested in dual enrollment as a high school junior or senior please contact us to explore the options available to you).
Applicants who do not fully meet the admissions requirements are considered if there are factors that point to probable success. Additional materials may be requested. This decision is made by the Admissions Committee. Admission decisions may be appealed to the Appeals Committee when questions of qualification arise. Applicants with a GPA below the requirement (or who otherwise do not meet the established criteria) are encouraged to work with their enrollment counselor to submit additional materials to the Admissions Committee in advance.
Trinity International University - Florida does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, age, national or ethnic origin, marital or parental status or handicap in student admissions, financial aid, educational and athletic programs, or employment in all other areas. Under these nondiscriminatory policies persons will not be excluded by reason of physical handicap provided they are otherwise qualified for admission as students at Trinity International University. In all other areas, Trinity Florida reserves the right to deny admission to any student for any reason it deems adequate.
Additional Considerations
Admission for Those Transferring Fewer than 15 Semester Credits
Applicants seeking admission with fewer than 15 college credits (semester hours) may take only lower-division (100-200) courses offered in General Education Courses. Given the lack of formal college experience on which to base an admission decision, prospective students will need to give evidence of ability in reading comprehension, critical thinking, and writing. Students may be required to complete a writing assessment, which will determine placement in the program. Refer to the Writing Placement section below. Students who do not wish to take the placement assessment test must begin by taking at least two of Trinity’s developmental writing courses and passing them with a grade of “C” or better before continuing in the program. Students must complete at least 3 credits toward the English composition requirement within the first year of coursework in the program.
WRITING PLACEMENT
The undergraduate program at Trinity Florida is writing-intensive. Students are expected to achieve a level of writing competence early in their Trinity Florida experience to excel in their studies. In an effort to ensure the success of all students, a computerized writing evaluation will be administered by the undergraduate admissions staff for students who do not meet ALL of the following criteria:
- Have 15 or more college credits (technical credits are not considered in meeting this criterion),
- Have been enrolled in school within the last five years,
- Have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5 from previous college work, and
- Have completed six credits of English Composition, or the relevant equivalents, achieving a minimum grade of C.
The results of the writing assessment will determine what, if any, writing course(s) students will be required to complete with a “C” or better within the first 24 credits of the undergraduate program. If students have met all their writing general education requirements and achieve a satisfactory score on the assessment, no further writing courses will be required. If, however, the score is below the determined level on the assessment, students will be required to take the course(s) most appropriate to their level, regardless of whether all general education requirements have been met. Note that if any Preparation for College Studies (PCS) courses are required, a maximum of 4 hours may be counted towards graduation. Refer to the university's Graduation Requirements.
Admission to Upper-Division Courses
Beyond the standard admission requirements, additional requirements to any upper-division courses include:
- Completion of at least 25 transferable credits from an accredited college or university or from Trinity for which a grade of “C” or better was received, and an overall GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale. (“C” includes C, C+).
- Completion of at least 3 credits in college composition with a “C” or better.
- Completion of IDS 105 Foundations for Adult Learning.
Admission to All Undergraduate Majors (except Elementary Education)
In addition to the general admission requirements, a student completing coursework within their major must meet the following criteria:
- Completion of at least 25 transferable credits from an accredited college or university or from Trinity for which a grade of “C” or better was received and an overall 2.0 on a 4.0 scale (“C” includes C, C+).
- Completion of undergraduate composition course (when applicable as determined by writing placement test).
- Completion of at least 3 credits in college composition with a “C” or better.
- Completion of IDS 105 Foundations for Adult Learning.
Admission to the Elementary Education Major
In addition to the standard admission requirements, a student entering the Elementary Education major must meet the following criteria:
- Completion of at least 25 transferable credits from a regionally accredited college or university or accredited by an agency accepted by the U.S Department of Education or accepted by its own State Department of Education for certification purposes, or from Trinity for which a grade of “C” or better was received and an overall 2.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale (“C” includes C, C+).
- A grade point average of 2.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale on all previous college work from a regionally accredited college or university.
- Successful demonstration of thinking, organization, and writing ability through a writing sample.
- Completion of at least 6 credits in college composition with a “C” or better.
- Successful interview with Program Director.
- Faculty references/recommendations.
- Completion of IDS 105 Foundations for Adult Learning.
Admission to the Teacher Education Program
For a student to progress into the Teacher Education Program (TEP), upon completion of the fourth course in the major sequence, the following must be successfully accomplished:
- Application to Teacher Education Program (TEP).
- Successful interview with Director of Elementary Education.
- Writing sample with a passing grade.
- Positive faculty references.
- Passage of GKE (General Knowledge Exam).
- Completion of first four courses in the major with a 2.5 GPA average or better.
- Background screening.
- Formal acceptance into the Teacher Education Program.
Computer Expectations
Students enrolled in the Trinity Florida undergraduate program are expected to have easy access to a computer, printer, and the Internet. It is very difficult to complete the degree programs without these tools. Courses will require the production of papers and interaction using email and other technologies. Students may also be required to do research online, complete web-based assignments, and produce computer-based electronic products. Further, all Trinity Florida courses use the Canvas learning management system to complement classroom instruction. Please refer to the Canvas technical requirements here (external link).
All Trinity Florida undergraduate students have access to on campus computer workstations at Trinity Florida locations. The workstations are available during the University's operating hours on a first-come, first-served basis. Students are encouraged to contact the Trinity Florida offices in advance to confirm availability and scheduling.
Additionally, students completing coursework at a distance using the HyFlex model are required to have a Zoom compatible device and a reliable, high-speed internet connection to avoid interruptions to their remote, synchronous course meetings. Please refer to the Zoom technical requirements here (external link).
Second Bachelor’s Degree Option
Applicants to the undergraduate programs who already hold a regionally accredited baccalaureate degree will be allowed to pursue and, if all requirements are met, earn a second bachelor’s degree from Trinity International University. From the existing bachelor’s degree coursework, we would transfer applicable general education and elective credits that meet current Trinity degree requirements for the second bachelor’s degree.
Students would be required to complete the major, as well as BI 101 and BI 111, if they do not transfer in equivalent courses (in accordance to the standards of the university's Advanced Standing policies) . Students who have a baccalaureate degree from another school need to take a minimum of 30 credit hours at Trinity Florida and must complete at least two-thirds of a major in new coursework at TIU-FL to receive the second bachelor’s degree from Trinity Florida. This second-degree option is also available to students who already hold a TIU bachelor’s degree. Students must take a minimum of 30 credit hours of new coursework at Trinity Florida that are not counted for any other degree.
Students considering this option should note that those pursuing a second bachelor's degree are generally not eligible for Federal or state grant funds. Lifetime Direct Loan limits for undergraduate work must be reviewed to determine if a student has remaining Direct Loan eligibility.
STEPS TO ADMISSION
Initial inquirers interested in an undergraduate degree program, and students who are reapplying to the undergraduate program are encouraged to begin the application process as soon as possible. The application process must be completed no later than two weeks prior to the start of class. The typical sequence of the application process is:
Request Information
Contact the Admissions Office to request information on degree programs and majors. Visit Trinity Florida's website to learn more about our academic programs.
Online Application
Complete the online application.
FINANCIAL AID
Although not required for admission, applicants are strongly encouraged to complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) form as early as possible during the admission process since some types of aid are available only at certain times of the year and some forms of aid are available on a first come, first served basis. More details on financial aid are provided in the Financial Assistance section of this catalog. The FAFSA school code for Trinity International University - Florida is 012314.
Official Transcripts
High School Transcripts
Official high school transcripts must be sent directly to Trinity from the school which you earned or will earn a diploma. Home-schooled students must submit transcripts from any high school attended, a transcript with all courses taken as a home-schooled student, and information/explanation of curriculum used for home schooling.
College Transcripts (If Applicable)
Official college transcripts must be sent directly to Trinity from each college you have attended. Your application cannot be processed until we receive all official college transcripts. Transfer students with 12+ college credits earned after graduating from high school do not need to submit high school transcripts unless they want a foreign language waiver.
Request official transcripts from all colleges or universities where you have attended classes. Student copies or hand-delivered copies that are not sealed by the issuing institution are not considered official transcripts and will not be accepted for purposes of admission. Upon receipt of all official transcripts the applicant will be provided with an assessment of previous college coursework.
Submitting Official Transcripts and Required Documents
Please send all required admissions pieces (transcripts, test scores, etc.) to:
Trinity International University
Attn: Admissions Operations
2065 Half Day Road
Bannockburn, IL 60015
Official electronic pieces may be sent to: aot@tiu.edu
NOTE: In most cases we can help you obtain transcripts from your prior schools. Please complete your application and ask your enrollment counselor about our transcript release form.
Offer of Admission
Upon completion of the application and receipt of all required documents, the undergraduate admissions staff will evaluate your application for admission. You will then be notified of your admission decision, usually within two weeks.
If you are offered admission, please accept your offer of admission promptly to confirm your spot and proceed with the registration process.
Student classifications are based on credit hours earned.
Class | Credits |
---|---|
Freshman | 0-25 hours of college credits |
Sophomore | 26-57 |
Junior | 58-91 |
Senior | 92+ |
Regular Student: A student who is enrolled in a degree program at Trinity International University.
Auditor: A student who is permitted to enroll in a course without being required to fulfill the normal requirements of a course when it is taken for credit. No credit is granted. Audited courses will be recorded on the official transcript. Abbreviated admissions credentials are required of those students who are only auditing classes.
Those students wishing further knowledge of a particular topic, but not interested in pursuing a degree or additional credits are invited to audit any of the elective courses offered. To enroll, a person completes an audit application, registers, and pays the audit fee for each course. The school reserves the right to limit the number of students in any class. NOTE: VA students seeking audit status are not approved for benefits by the DVA.
It is recommended that auditors do all reading and writing assignments and prepare for each class. If assignments are submitted on their due dates, faculty may provide feedback on prepared work but will not assign grades. An auditor is required to follow the undergraduate attendance policy to successfully complete the course.
Dual Enrollment Student: A high school student who is enrolled at TIU to earn college and possibly high school credit (pending approval of the respective high school guidance office). These students must apply and be accepted into the program. A simplified admission procedure is used. Dual enrollment students are registered after university student registration is complete. A dual enrollment student may take up to two (2) courses per semester as a high school junior and up to three (3) courses per semester as a high school senior. NOTE: Federal and staid aid require high-school graduation and are generally not available for Dual Enrollment students.
Leave of Absence: A regular student, as defined above, who does not enroll in classes for one semester (summer excluded). A student who desires a leave of absence for a period of one semester should request a Leave of Absence (LOA) from the Office of the Dean. This apprises Trinity of student program plans, and enables appropriate services to be provided. A student on an approved LOA is considered active and campus services, such as library and e-mail, remain available. The student must be in good standing with Student Accounting to remain active and be able to register for the next semester. Please refer to the Protocols for Student Leave of Absence policy within this catalog.
Student At Large: A student who meets all admission requirements but is not pursuing a degree program at Trinity. Such students elect a specialized program of their own choosing and are not required to meet degree requirements.
Visiting Student: A student not pursuing a degree program but desiring to be admitted for part-time studies (a maximum of 6 hours of credit per semester). A simplified admission procedure is used.