Applying to JBU
As a First-Time College Student

Apply in just 15 minutes

Applying to JBU is quick and easy. Fill out the online application, send in your transcripts and other materials, and you'll receive an admission decision within as little as three business days!

Admission requirements for first-time college students

JBU is test-optional and considers all applicants for admission. Assured admission is offered to students with at least a 3.0 high school GPA (on a 4.0 scale). Assured admission is also offered to students with a high school GPA between 2.5 and 2.99 and either a 20 ACT, 1020 SAT or 66 CLT score.

Application deadlines

None. JBU makes admission decisions on a rolling basis (students are notified of their admission throughout the year). However, there are important dates to keep in mind, especially if you're interested in the benefits of the Early Commit Track.

Application fees

$25 for domestic and international students. Request an application fee waiver.

How to apply

1. Complete the JBU application

   Start-to-finish, the application takes less than 15 minutes!

   Start your application

2. Submit your high school transcript and other materials

   Official high school transcript (required)

   Work with your high school to provide JBU with an official high school transcript that includes at least six semesters of grades.

   JBU prefers to receive transcripts electronically via:

   • Parchment (Naviance)
   • SCOIR
   • Slate.org
   • Overgrad
   • EDI files through the National Student Clearinghouse

   JBU will also accept transcripts sent via email to systems@jbu.edu or postal mail to:

   John Brown University
   Attn: Admissions Office
   2000 W University St
   Siloam Springs, AR 72761

   Final official transcripts must be submitted upon completion of high school.

   Note: Home-educated students and international students have special requirements for high school transcripts.

   ACT, SAT and/or CLT scores (optional)

   While JBU's admission process is test-optional, consideration of your ACT, SAT or CLT scores may benefit you. Review our test-optional guide for more information.

   If you want JBU to consider your test scores and they are not included on your high school transcript, request that your test provider send JBU your official score report(s).

   • ACT: code 0130
   • SAT: code 6321

   While JBU will calculate and use a superscore for academic scholarship consideration, we will not consider your superscore as part of your admission decision.

   Other materials (potentially required)

   Depending on your GPA and test scores (should you submit them), you may be asked to supply other materials such as references. Use your applicant portal to find and upload requested materials.

3. Get your admission decision in as little as three business days!

   In most cases, you'll receive an admission decision and your academic scholarship award within three days of completing your application!

After you apply

1. Complete the FAFSA form

   You'll need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be considered for federal financial aid, including federal student loans and work-study. It is also required for certain state scholarships, such as the Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship, and JBU uses your results to offer its own need-based aid.

   To send your results to JBU, add JBU (federal code 001100) to your FAFSA form on the School Selection page.

   Learn more about the FAFSA

2. Review your financial aid offer

   JBU begins sending financial aid offers to newly admitted students as early as October! You will be notified when your offer is ready and may use your applicant portal to review and accept it. 

   Learn about available financial aid

3. Submit your enrollment deposit

   Let's make things official! If you're JBU bound, submit an enrollment deposit to hold your spot in the incoming class! The earlier you submit your deposit, the higher priority you'll have for housing placement (if applicable) and class registration.

   Submit your enrollment deposit

4. Submit proof of transfer and alternative credit

   If you've taken any concurrent (dual enrollment) courses or AP, CLEP, or IB exams, be sure to send official reports to JBU so that we can consider them for credit!