Applying to JBU
As a Home-Educated Student

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Why choose JBU?

JBU will build on the rich education you've received

  • You will be encouraged to cultivate the fruits of the Spirit in every class, no matter the discipline.
  • Our Honors Scholars Program will encourage you to connect deeply with class content.
  • The Templeton Foundation selected JBU as a Character-Building College.
  • JBU is ranked among the top 30 best colleges for homeschool graduates by TheBestSchools.org (May 2022).
  • Our motto – Christ Over All – is literal, and you'll find our Christian mission integrated across our entire campus.

We know how to support home-educated students.

We know that home-educated students often do not have the same opportunities for college and financial aid counseling as their peers in public and private schools.

Our experienced admissions and financial aid staff are here to help you navigate the entire college enrollment process. Please connect with your admissions counselor if you need help with transcripts, the FAFSA, or anything else. They would love to be of assistance.

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 home-educated students

JBU is test-optional and considers all applicants for admission. Assured admission is offered to students with a 2.5 high school GPA (on a 4.0 scale) and either a 20 ACT, 1020 SAT or 66 CLT score. The following high-school-level courses should have also been taken:

  • English – 4 units
  • Natural Science – 2 units (at least one laboratory)
  • Mathematics – 3 units (4 units for engineering majors)
  • Social Studies – 2 units
  • American History – 1 unit
  • Foreign Language – 2 units are recommended

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!

  2. Submit your homeschool transcript and other materials

    Homeschool transcript (required)

    Send JBU a homeschool transcript that includes at least six semesters of grades. Your transcript must also include a parent's signature.

    JBU prefers to receive homeschool transcripts via email to systems@jbu.edu. JBU can also receive transcripts via postal mail to:

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

    A final transcript must be submitted upon completion of high school.

    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.

  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. 

  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.

  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!

Important dates (fall 2023)

Date Deadline
Oct. 1 FAFSA opens
Oct. 2 Financial aid awarding begins
Nov. 1 Deadline to complete your application file for consideration for an invitation to the Fall Scholarship Competition
Dec. 1 Deadline to apply and be eligible to participate in the Early Commit Track
Jan. 15 Deadline to commit to JBU as part of the Early Commit Track
Jan. 25 Deadline to complete your application file for consideration for an invitation to the Spring Scholarship Competition
May 1 Priority enrollment deposit deadline
Jun. 10 Eagle Base Camp
Aug. 16 New Student Move-In Day
Aug. 16–20 New Student Orientation
Aug. 21 First day of classes
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