Requirements
CAPS Admissions Requirements & Process
Friends University was the first college in Kansas to offer degree-completion programs to adults. Since 1985, we have been providing opportunities for adults to finish a degree or to begin something they’ve always wanted to accomplish. We’ve done it with flexibility and with an understanding of how busy your lives truly are. You are supported every step of the way. More than 13,000 lives have been changed in Kansas by Friends University – let’s get you started to be 13,001!
What it Takes to Earn a Degree
To earn a bachelor’s degree at Friends University requires 124 credit hours. These credit hours are broken into categories that guide your learning so that it builds on itself to provide you with a richer learning experience. Here’s how it works:
SAMPLE COURSEWORK PATH
This sample is for demonstration purposes only. Each student's coursework path could be different for their individual situation.
| General Education Requirements | 32 Credit Hours |
| Elective Courses | 30 Credit Hours |
| Associate Degree Level | 62 Credit Hours |
(Electives and general education requirements vary by associate degree. Most associate degrees are awarded at 62 credit hours).
| Bachelor’s Degree Course Work | 40-46 Credit Hours |
| Additional Electives* | 16-22 Credit Hours |
| Bachelor’s Degree Level | 124 Credit Hours |
(*Total additional electives needed could range between 16 and 22, depending on the number of credit hours in the degree/major coursework).
Become Familiar with Friends University
- Read the Academic Admissions Standards Policy and the Community Life Standards Policy before starting the application.
Choosing Where to Begin – 0 to 58 Credit Hours Earned
- If you have 0 to 58 credit hours, you will want to begin with our PACE program. The PACE program helps you complete the associate degree-level course work that prepares you to move into a degree-completion program with a major of study.
Getting Admitted to the PACE Program:
For full admission, students must meet the following admissions requirements:
- High school diploma with a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA or a GED with a composite score of 50 (if earned prior to January 1, 2002) or an average score of 450 (if earned after January 1, 2002).
- Students with either a high school diploma or a GED who do not meet the minimum GPA or GED test score requirements may be fully admitted with a minimum ACT score of 17.
- College transcripts from an accredited college with minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA.
Choosing Where to Begin – 59 or More Credit Hours Earned
If you have 59 credit hours or more, you may be ready to begin your degree-completion program. Each degree-completion program has specific general education course work required for that program. Working with your program representative can help guide you through this process.
Applying for Admission to a Degree-Completion Program
For full admission, students must meet the following admissions requirements:
- Completion of the PACE program with 62 or more credit hours that meet the general education requirements of the degree-completion program chosen or transferable general education requirements from an accredited institute that meet the general education requirements of the degree-completion program chosen.
- A signed, completed application and a $35 application fee ($40 international fee). Continuously enrolled PACE students must complete a change of program form in place of application. No application fee is required.
- Official transcripts from all institutions attended, sent directly from the institution to the Admissions Processing Office at Friends University.
- Completion of University-approved English Composition I and II classes with a C or better.
- A total of 62 or more earned hours.
- A cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or above.
Transfer Students (15 or more college credits) must provide college transcripts from an accredited college with a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA. We’ll help you get those requested, and we will pay the fee (if applicable). Work with your program representative on assistance with this service.
Note: Transfer Student Credit: Credit is transferred with the grade earned in the course at the institution where the course was taken. All grades are calculated for a transfer GPA, including courses that might have been deleted from consideration by an “academic fresh start” at the transferring institution. Students should be aware that credits may be transcripted but not counted toward major or graduation requirements. “D” grades in major courses and certain other courses are not accepted toward graduation.
Students with an associate degree must provide college transcripts from an accredited college with a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA. Work with your program representative on assistance with this service.
Getting Started – Completing the Application
- Complete and sign an application for admission. You can contact us by email, phone or online to obtain an application. Call 316-295-5300 or 1-800-794-6945, ext. 5300 or apply online.
- Submit a $35 non-refundable application fee.
Ordering Transcripts
- Complete and signed transcript request forms are required from the high school or prior college attended. Please ask your program representative about assisting you with this service.
- If you request the transcripts yourself, they must be mailed directly to the Friends University Admissions Processing department from each institution attended at the following address:
Friends University
Admissions Processing
2100 W. University
Wichita, KS 67213
Getting Admitted
Once your paperwork is submitted, you will receive constant communication from your program representative on where your application for admission stands every step of the way. Applicants who do not meet full admission criteria may appeal to be admitted and will be assisted by the program representative on this process, if that is necessary. Once you have met all admissions requirements, you will be admitted to Friends University and you can begin the journey of education.
Information Meetings
Ask your program representative about the next information meeting, or schedule a personal appointment today so we can get your questions answered.

