Admissions

Admissions Policy

We rely on high school GPA, transcripts (including grade performance and rigor of courses selected), extracurricular activities, college essay, and counselor or teacher recommendations in making our admission decisions. We value strong writing skills, a solid secondary school program, and a student’s potential for making an important contribution to our campus community. Daemen University does not require applicants to submit standardized test scores (SAT, ACT) as part of the admission application. Our decision to make test scores optional demonstrates our commitment to enrolling students who reflect intellectual curiosity, persistence in reaching a goal, talent, motivation, and determination to make a difference in their lives and the lives of others. We will also give careful consideration to applications from students whose preparation is unusual and who can provide strong recommendations as to their ability to succeed in a college program of study.

Persons who desire application materials or wish to arrange for an interview and tour should contact the Office of Admissions, Daemen University, 4380 Main Street, Amherst, New York 14226. Telephone: (716) 839-8225. Toll-free: 1-800-462-7652 or visit our website:  daemen.edu/admissions.

University Requirements

Applicants for admission to an undergraduate degree or certificate programs must possess, or be candidates for, a high school diploma, or must have received satisfactory scores in a high school equivalency examination.

Students who have been homeschooled are requested to provide appropriate evidence of equivalency of high school education. Typically, this will be documentation in the form of possession of a General Equivalency Diploma (GED) or written attestation by the superintendent of schools in the student’s public school district of residence that the student has completed an appropriate program of home instruction. Appropriate documentation is also needed to establish eligibility for financial aid. All home-schooled students should discuss their particular situation with financial aid and admissions counselors.

If an applicant is approved admission to Daemen University and is currently a student, it will be understood that such admission has been granted on a provisional basis until all final records have been reviewed and found to be in accordance with Daemen’s admission requirements.

Departmental Requirements

Unless a course of study is listed below, a general high school academic program meets entrance requirements.

  • Art — Portfolio
  • Biology — Trigonometry* and Chemistry
  • Business Administration — Trigonometry*
  • Foreign Languages: French or Spanish — three years of a language or interview with Department Chair
  • Mathematics — Trigonometry*
  • Natural Science — Trigonometry* and Chemistry
  • Physical Therapy — Trigonometry* and Chemistry
  • Physician Assistant — Trigonometry* and Chemistry
  • Psychology — Trigonometry*

* Trigonometry is highly recommended: those who have not completed Trigonometry will be required to take an entry-level mathematics course.

Application Procedure for New First-Year Students

Applications are reviewed throughout the year beginning in August of each fall.

  1. Complete the application online or with the Office of Admissions, Daemen University, 4380 Main Street, Amherst, New York 14226. A visit to the Daemen campus is strongly recommended. Please email admission@daemen.edu or call the Office of Admissions at (716) 839-8225 or toll-free, 1-800-462-7652, to arrange an appointment for an interview and campus tour or visit our website: daemen.edu/admissions.
  2. Ask your high school guidance counselor to forward transcripts directly to Daemen University, Office of Admissions.
  3. Decide whether or not you will be submitting your application as test-optional or would like to submit your SAT or ACT test scores or other documents such as scores from AP, IB, college credit, and writing sample, as part of your application. (See Admissions Policy above)
  4. To be complete, all applications must include the following documents:
    • A completed Daemen University application
    • A personal essay
    • An official secondary school transcript
    • For Physician Assistant Majors:  two (2)  letters of recommendation are required. For all other majors, no letter of recommendation is required
    • International Baccalaureate (IB) test scores and/or IB courses in progress (if applicable)
    • College credit courses offered on a college campus and taught by college faculty (if applicable)
    • College credit courses offered by the secondary school and taught by college-approved faculty (if applicable)
  5. When the application for admission is complete the student’s credentials are reviewed. Applicants are then notified of the admission decision.

Admissions Requirements

  • Apply online or by mail
  • Applicants for admission must possess, or be candidates for, a high school diploma, or must have received satisfactory scores in a high school equivalency examination.
  • Minimum Cumulative grade point average of 80/3.0.
  • If you choose to submit an SAT/ACT score: An SAT score of 980 or above (Math and Evidence-based reading and writing), ACT score of 19 or above (Composite score). 
  • One Letter of recommendation – Please have your guidance counselor complete the recommendation section of the application and submit a letter. 
  • A personal essay of at least 250 words or an un-timed graded paper of at least 250 words on a topic of your choice.
  • Average enrolled student GPA is 92.
  • Average enrolled student SAT score is 1174.

Transfer Students

Transfer students who have attended two-year or four-year colleges and who have a college average of at least “C” (2.0) are eligible to apply for admission. Transfer applicants must submit an application for admission indicating all previous institutions attended.

Transfer students who are admitted from colleges accredited by the appropriate regional/career/faith-based accrediting body as listed in Accredited Institutions of Postsecondary Education will be considered for transfer. In most cases, a minimum grade of “C” is required for a course to be eligible for transfer. For students who have earned an associate or higher degree, courses with a grade of “D” may also be eligible for transfer.

Acceptance of transfer credit is based upon course content and the specific curricular requirements of the program in which a student intends to matriculate. Credit evaluations are completed upon receipt of all transcripts from institutions previously attended, and upon acceptance to Daemen University.

Final official high school and college transcripts indicating honorable dismissal from the last college attended must be sent directly to the office of admissions. Daemen University does not require high school transcripts of those applicants who have earned an associate’s or higher degree.

For detailed information on the transfer policy at Daemen University, please visit the registrar’s website.

Part-Time Students

Students who carry fewer than twelve semester hours of credit are classified as part-time students. They must fulfill all admission requirements.

Conditional Admit Students

Students admitted conditionally show evidence of academic promise and potential: the University is committed to facilitating their successful transition to college and will work with students to develop essential academic skills through personalized advisement and support from the Student Success Center. Conditionally admitted students may take a maximum of four to five courses per semester, as recommended by their advisor.

Non-Degree Students

Students who wish to enroll in courses to supplement professional backgrounds or to enrich their personal lives, but who do not plan to matriculate for a bachelor’s degree, enroll as non-degree students. Non-degree students must meet all academic standards for enrollment in courses. Applicants should contact the Academic Advisement Office to register for courses as non-degree students. Non-degree students whose performance is below acceptable standards will not be permitted to continue to enroll in courses.

Cross-Registered Students

Students from WNY Consortium of Higher Education colleges or universities who wish to attend Daemen University for the purpose of transferring earned credits to their parent institutions must provide a cross-registration form, which is obtained from their parent institution. Link here to the complete Cross-Registration policy  in the university policy portal located at policies.daemen.edu.

Readmission

Students who have left the University and who desire to return are not automatically readmitted. If they have officially withdrawn, they must file an application for readmission after waiting one year and, if appropriate, submit official transcripts of any subsequent college-level courses taken. Students who have taken an official Leave of Absence may return without submitting an application for readmission. A student returning from a Leave of Absence or accepted for readmission following a withdrawal must meet all requirements in force at the time of the student’s return to the University.

Veterans

Veterans and dependents eligible for GI Bill™ benefits must have a high school diploma or its equivalent to apply for admission to Daemen. To begin the application process, the veteran or eligible dependent may contact the Office of Admissions to obtain an application or may complete an online application for admission by visiting Daemen’s Admissions website. Veterans and eligible dependents who wish to study using GI Bill™ monies should consult the Veterans Administration’s Regional Office or visit www.gibill.va.gov to determine what forms should be filed to apply for or to transfer their benefits to Daemen University.  Both the application form and the transfer form can be completed on this site through VONAPP – the VA Online Application Process.

Once accepted as a student at Daemen, the veteran/eligible dependent will meet with the Daemen University Veteran Certification Officer to facilitate tuition, fees, books, and related expense payments. It is during this meeting that GI Bill™ entitlements and reporting procedures will be explained, as well as your obligations in maintaining eligibility to receive these funds.  In addition, the Veteran Certification Officer will assist you in managing the eligibility time limit, in preventing VA debt, and in other concerns regarding your VA payments.  DAEMEN UNIVERSITY IS APPROVED BY THE NEW YORK STATE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT FOR THE TRAINING OF VETERANS AND OTHER ELIGIBLE PERSONS.

ConAp (Concurrent Admissions Program)

Daemen University is a member of the Concurrent Admissions Program in conjunction with the U.S. Army. Admission to Daemen University is concurrent with enlistment in the Army. Actual enrollment is deferred until the active-duty soldier has completed his or her enlistment. Interested students may contact the Admissions Office for more information about this program.

Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC)

Daemen University has a special cross-registration arrangement with Canisius University for students desiring to enroll in military science courses and earn an officer’s commission through the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (Army ROTC) program. All ROTC program requirements must be fulfilled during the period of enrollment and registration at Daemen University and at Canisius University.  Successful completion requires an additional period of obligated active or reserve military service. For more details on this program, contact the Daemen University Admissions Office.

Arthur O. Eve Higher Education Opportunity Program

This State and University sponsored program is specifically tailored to provide support for New York State residents who may not meet the traditional criteria for university admission but possess the potential for academic success. The Arthur O. Eve Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP) offers a valuable opportunity for individuals holding a high school diploma or equivalency, along with demonstrated financial need, to pursue higher education. Applicants are required to submit specific income documentation in accordance with state guidelines to determine their eligibility.

HEOP students are warmly welcomed into the TRI Scholars Academy, an extensive five-week residential summer program. This transformative experience serves as an introduction to academic life at Daemen University and offers invaluable opportunities for personal growth. The program centers around building a strong educational foundation, equipping students with essential skills and readiness for university life. Emphasis is placed on enhancing proficiency in math, reading, writing, and study skills.

Throughout the academic year, HEOP students benefit from ongoing individual and group counseling that addresses various aspects of their college experience. This dedicated support system is designed to address the unique needs and challenges that students may encounter throughout their educational journey. By participating in the Arthur O. Eve Higher Education Opportunity Program, students not only gain access to a high-quality higher education but also benefit from a comprehensive support system that fosters their academic, personal, and financial success.

Students with Disabilities

Daemen University is committed to ensuring equal access and full participation in programs and activities for students with disabilities in compliance with section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act and applicable state and local laws.  Accessibility Services is the department designated by the University to determine reasonable and appropriate accommodations and services for students with disabilities.

All students must meet the academic standards of their curriculum and abide by the Student Code of Conduct articulated in the Student Handbook. Certain programs have additional technical standards relative to performance in clinical and similar experiential learning environments. Reasonable accommodations are determined on a case-by-case and course-by-course basis. Accommodations that would fundamentally alter the nature of a course, program, or activity cannot be authorized. If you are a qualified applicant who may need an accommodation within the academic setting or the campus environment (student housing, dining, etc.) please contact Accessibility Services via email: access@daemen.edu or phone: 716-839-8228 to discuss your needs.

Students or applicants who have any questions concerning the university’s non-discrimination policy or policy on accommodation of students with disabilities should consult the institutional policy portal found at policies.daemen.edu.

International Student Admissions

You can link here to our university’s full policy for international student admissions. The policy can also be found in our policy portal: policies.daemen.edu

Application Procedures and Requirements for International Students

  1. Complete the online application at daemen.edu/admissions/international/apply or request a paper application by e-mailing the Office of Admissions at admissions@daemen.edu or mailing Office of Admissions, Daemen University, 4380 Main Street, Amherst, New York 14226, USA.
  2. Submit all official secondary (high school) and post-secondary (college/university) transcripts. Transcripts should be submitted in both the country’s official language and translated into English. Transfer and Graduate students must send international transcripts through a credit evaluation service that can evaluate their transcripts to the American grading and course equivalencies. We recommend using Spantran  SpanTran Application – Daemen University, World Education Services, www.wes.org or Josef Silny Associates, www.jsilny.com. 
  3. International students for whom English is a non-native language must submit a DUOLINGO, IELTS (International English Language Testing System), or TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) exam score; this requirement may be waived for students who have lived in an English-speaking country for two or more years. Students who receive a score lower than the minimum requirement will need to complete an Intensive English Program at another institution with which it has a formal agreement prior to regular admission. To enter into academic course work at Daemen, the TOEFL Minimum Requirement is a 77 Internet-Based Test, the IELTS Minimum Requirement is 6.5, the ELS minimum is 112 and the DUOLINGO minimum requirement is 100. Physician Assistant, Physical Therapy, and Nursing require a minimum TOEFL total test score of 100 or a DUOLINGO score of 120.
  4. Proof of Financial Support must be submitted. You must show the ability to pay for the entire cost of the academic program and living expenses in order to be eligible for the I-20 form necessary for a student visa (F-1) application. Financial support documentation will also be necessary when applying for your student visa at a United States Consular Office.

University Program for High School Students

This program is for academically qualified juniors and seniors who are recommended by their school counselors. They may take a maximum of two university courses per term while enrolled in a regular high school program. For further information, contact the Student Success Center, 716.839.8228.

Advanced Placement

High school students who have completed studies in an Advanced Placement program at their high school may be eligible to receive academic credit for these college-level studies. A minimum score of three (3) on the Advanced Placement examinations (administered by the College Entrance Examination Board) must be earned in order for credit to be granted. Further information is available from the Office of the Registrar.

Credit by Examination

Daemen participates in programs through which applicants can receive college credit for competencies developed outside the formal classroom. Enrolled students who score successfully on select college proficiency examinations offered by the New York State Education Department or the College Board may receive credit applicable to a degree at Daemen. In order to have examination scores reviewed for the possible granting of credit, students must have official transcripts/grade reports submitted to the Office of the Registrar. Official transcripts must be sent directly from the examination source. Further information on acceptable exams and scores may be obtained from the Office of the Registrar. Further information on exams may be obtained by contacting Excelsior College Examinations, 7 Columbia Circle, Albany, New York 12203-5159, www.regents.edu or the College-Level Examination Program, P.O. Box 6600, Princeton, New Jersey 08541- 6600, www.collegeboard.com.

Veterans of the armed services may receive credit for satisfactory scores received on tests administered by the United States Armed Forces Institute and for their military educational experiences as recommended by the Commission on Accreditation of Service Experience.

Credit for Educational Programs in Non-Collegiate Organizations

Credit will also be granted for educational programs in non-collegiate organizations as published by the New York State Education Department; the amount of credit granted depends upon course content and the Daemen degree program in which a student wishes to matriculate. Daemen University also awards academic credit for learning through these extramural experiences as part of its Credit for Learning from Life Experience (CLLE) program, described in the Academic Regulations section of this catalog.

Developmental Courses and Placement

Student records are used to help determine placement in mathematics, science, and English courses. Placement examinations may also be administered in these courses.  Daemen offers developmental and prerequisite coursework for students who need support in preparation for college-level work in English and mathematics. If developmental work is required, a student must enroll immediately in the appropriate course sequence and remain enrolled until satisfactory completion. In cases where this requirement would result in a first semester first-year student’s inability to maintain satisfactory academic progress for eligibility for student aid, the student is permitted to modify the scheduling of developmental coursework under the direction of his or her advisor and subject to the approval of the Associate Vice President for Student Success.

Health Records

In compliance with New York State Public Health Laws 2165 and 2157, students are required to submit immunization records as outlined below:

  • Students born on or after January 1, 1957 and taking 6 or more credits are required to submit proof of immunization for Measles, Mumps & Rubella (vaccinations or titers).

  • Students taking 6 or more credits must submit proof of immunization (or submit a declination) for Meningococcal disease (completed vaccination or vaccination series within the past 5 years or a signed waiver declining the vaccination).

For more information on this requirement, health forms and more, visit daemen.edu/healthrequirements.

Orientation

The purpose of Daemen’s orientation program is to provide new students with an all-inclusive introduction to Daemen University to ease their transition into the academic and social community of the institution. New students and families are introduced to campus life through a variety of programs including Transfer Orientation & Registration Days, First-Year Academic Kick Off, New Student Orientation, and Family Orientation. The programs provide students and their families with greater access to the services, information, and assistance needed to best prepare them for their progression into the University. Orientation sessions include social events as well as seminars and discussion groups conducted by upper class students, administrators, and faculty. These orientation events offer the incoming student an opportunity to meet new friends, to meet with the faculty, and become acquainted with University personnel and campus facilities.

Alcohol and Drug Policy

The unlawful possession, use or distribution of alcohol and illegal drugs by students and employees on University property or while engaged in University activities off the University campus is prohibited. A complete description of the University’s Drug and Alcohol Abuse Policy, pursuant to the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989, is published in the Daemen University Student Handbook.