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Holy Family

Special Categories of Admission

Alternative Admissions Program (AAP) – This program is designed for selected high school Seniors who apply for full-time admission to the University but who do not demonstrate all of the criteria required for such admission. Typically these students have deficiencies in their high school achievement in one or more, but not all, academic areas.

The objective of this program is to assist the students in strengthening basic skills and in developing proper study habits so that they may be prepared to enroll on a full-time basis. All AAP students enroll in one 3-credit course that meets 3 days a week during Summer Session II. AAP students are considered full-time during the Fall semester because they are registered for a minimum of 12 semester credits (4 courses). Typically students register for 5 courses, however, AAP students will have completed one of these courses during the Summer, thus they will begin the Fall semester with a reduced course load.

If an AAP student achieves a minimum grade point average of 2.0 or above without earning a failing grade or withdrawing from any course at the end of the Fall semester, the student will then be permitted to register for 15 credits during the Spring semester. Students who do not meet these criteria will be limited to 12 credits for the Spring semester.

Tuition for the summer course is covered under the Fall tuition. However, students are required to pay for any books/supplies required of the Summer course. If a student withdraws from the University before the end of the Fall semester, the student will then be required to pay for the Summer course.

International Students – International students seeking to study full-time at Holy Family University must present the credentials and admission forms required of all applicants. All foreign transcripts must be evaluated by World Education Services, Inc. (WES – www.wes.org) an official credit evaluation agency, before being submitted. International students must demonstrate strong English proficiency as evidenced by scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), SAT I Test, or ACT Test and satisfactory achievement in their preparatory studies. In addition, the student must meet all academic responsibilities and must demonstrate financial capability before arriving in the United States. After the Admissions Office receives the necessary documents needed to make a favorable decision, the I-20 form will be issued to the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services (BCIS) for permission to enroll full-time. Because of the complexities involved in the admission of international students, all must apply well in advance of the anticipated date of enrollment, preferably at least four months prior to the desired start term.

Transfer Students, Second Degree or Postbaccalaureate Teacher Certification – Students may be admitted to the University by transfer from other colleges and universities. These applicants will be admitted to advanced standing only upon presenting to the Admissions Office:

  • A completed application and the non-refundable application fee of $25
  • An official high school transcript* and official transcripts from all other colleges, universities, and post-secondary schools attended. Failure to list a previously attended institution will result in denial of admission or dismissal from the University
  • One letter of recommendation, preferably academic or professional.

Upon presentation of the credentials, the applicant is admitted with Freshman, Sophomore, or Junior status. Only credits applicable to the program of study will be considered for transfer. With this stipulation, courses in which the applicant has earned a minimum grade of C at an accredited institution of higher learning within 10 years of application to Holy Family may be accepted up to a maximum of 75 credits.

Accepted students must complete a minimum of 45 credits in coursework at Holy Family including requirements in the area of specialization, core requirements, the comprehensive examination, and/or or any special examinations such as the GREs, PRAXIS, etc. A minimum 2.0 GPA** must be maintained for the additional credits earned. All transcripts become the permanent property of the University.

* Second Degree and Postbaccalaureate Teacher Certification applicants do not need to submit high school transcripts.

** The minimum GPA may vary by program (e.g., Education, Nursing). Specific program requirements should be consulted for relevant information.

NOTE: Applications not activated within a two-year period will not be retained. After this time, a new application process must be initiated.