You belong at Cambridge College at Bay Path University if you aspire to make positive changes in your life, workplace and community. Instead of demanding standardized exam scores, we appreciate your diverse skills and experiences and integrate your real-world expertise into the classroom.
Undergraduate Admissions Policy
Traditional, Online, and CC Boston at Bay Path University
Overview & Admissions Philosophy: This document outlines standard admissions policies applicable across all university undergraduate divisions, followed by specialized requirements for Traditional Residential College, Bay Path Online (BPO), CC Boston at Bay Path University, and targeted academic programs.
Universal Policies & Standard Requirements
Bay Path University admits students from diverse backgrounds, interests, and talents whose academic record, aptitude, and motivation predict success. The University operates on a rolling admissions basis, allowing candidates to apply throughout the year as long as space remains available in their selected program.
To achieve its mission of preparing career and community leaders, the University strictly prohibits discrimination and illegal harassment (including sexual harassment) based on sex, age, race, color, national origin or ancestry, disability, religion, sexual orientation, military/veteran status, gender identity, or genetic testing. Policies are detailed in the Policy on Sexual Misconduct and Civil Rights and Anti-Harassment/Anti-Discrimination Policies.
- Application: A completed electronic application.
- High School Credential (<12 College Credits): Official high school transcript from an accredited secondary school, or high school equivalency certificate (G.E.D., HiSET, or TASC). Massachusetts public high school graduates must pass the MCAS exam. Homeschooled or non-accredited high school applicants are evaluated by the Admissions Committee; homeschooled students may submit an approved Board of Education/school committee plan.
- College Transcript(s): Official transcript(s) from all post-secondary institutions where college coursework was attempted or earned, including Dual Enrollment or Early College.
- Grade Point Average: A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale (specific majors require higher GPAs).
- Optional Supporting Materials: Writing samples, personal essays, and letters of recommendation from teachers or counselors are welcomed to strengthen the application.
- First-Year Preparation: Recommended college preparatory coursework includes 4 years of English, 3 years of Mathematics (Algebra I & II, Geometry), 2+ years of Laboratory Science, and 3+ years of Social Studies (including U.S. History). Foreign language, computer science, and public speaking are highly recommended.
- Transfer Applicants: Applicants with 3 or more completed college credits are considered transfer students and admitted based on post-secondary academic achievement and personal motivation.
- Massachusetts Transfer Guarantee: Students holding an Associate Degree from a Massachusetts public community college with a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher are guaranteed to transfer 60 credits into select Bachelor's degree programs with junior status. The general core curriculum aligns with the MassTransfer block.
- Transfer Credit Acceptance: Credits from institutions recognized by the US DOE, CHEA, or ACE are eligible for transfer. Standardized examinations (AP, CLEP, IB) and Joint Services Transcripts (JST) are evaluated upon receipt of official transcripts. Foreign credentials require a course-by-course evaluation by a NACES-approved agency.
- Admissions Appeals: Appeals must be submitted in writing with supporting documentation to the Vice President of Enrollment Management (admiss@baypath.edu for Traditional undergraduate programs, undergradonline@baypath.edu for Bay Path Online). The VP of Enrollment Management renders final decisions in consultation with the Academic Dean and Program Director.
- Division Changes: Enrolled students transferring between BPO and Traditional programs do not reapply through Admissions. They submit a Division Change Form between semesters with required approvals.
- Health & Immunization: Full-time undergraduates and select health programs must upload complete medical histories and Commonwealth of Massachusetts immunization records via Medicat by August 1 (Fall) or December 15 (Spring). Uncompliant students cannot register or attend classes.
- Non-Matriculated Enrollment: Non-degree seeking students may take courses for enrichment or transfer credit if they hold high school diplomas. Non-matriculated students are ineligible for financial aid and visa-sponsored study.
- Accelerated Degree Options: Students may accelerate degree completion by leveraging transfer credits and enrolled term options under advisor supervision.
Division-Specific Application Requirements
Feature/Policy | Traditional College (Longmeadow) | Bay Path Online (BPO) & CC Boston |
|---|---|---|
Application & Entry | Rolling admission for Fall/Spring terms. | Six annual start sessions/terms; continuous year-round application. |
Decision Window | Notified via email within 2 weeks of file completion. | Notified within 48 hours of completing all application requirements. |
Enrollment Deadlines | Intent to Enroll form & deposit due no later than 6 days prior to class start. | Intent to Enroll form due 7 days prior to term start. Deferrals allowed up to 1 year via form. |
Deposits & Refunds | $200 commuter / $300 resident deposit. Nonrefundable after May 1 (Fall) / Nov 1 (Spring). | No tuition/housing deposit required; enrollment reservation tied to Intent to Enroll form. |
Test Policy & Testing | Test-optional for standard entry. | Test-optional standard entry. Math competency assessment may be required upon entry. |
Conditional Acceptance | Candidates not meeting standard criteria may be admitted conditionally with reduced course loads. Achieving specified benchmarks in the first semester grants full acceptance; failing to do so results in Academic Warning status under Satisfactory Academic Progress guidelines. |
Specialized Academic & Programmatic Requirements
- Standard Science Majors: Requires a minimum cumulative high school or transfer GPA of 2.70.
- Science Exploratory Major: Requires a minimum GPA of 2.50. Students must achieve a grade of 'C' or higher in BIO 110/110L and CHE 120/120L and maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.70 by 45 credits (or third semester) to declare a major in the Science Department.
- Credential Evaluations: Translated, evaluated official transcripts from WES, CED, or equivalent NACES organization.
- English Language Proficiency: Minimum required test scores: TOEFL iBT 4.5, IELTS 5.5, or Duolingo 44.
- Documentation for I-20 Form: Please refer to the International Admissions section for additional information.
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN):
- Standard Criteria: Associate Degree or Diploma in Nursing from an ACEN/NLNAC accredited program, current active U.S. RN license, passed NCLEX-RN, minimum cumulative GPA of 2.7 (or Director evaluation), BCLS CPR card, and clear national background check
- Conditional NCLEX-Pending Acceptance: Recent nursing graduates (within 12 months) who have not yet passed the NCLEX-RN may be admitted conditionally. They are limited to 1 course per session and restricted from WEL 331, WEL 441, and core BSN courses. They must pass the NCLEX-RN within their first 3 consecutive sessions to remain enrolled.
- Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN):
- Application to BPU: High school diploma or GED equivalent; Official high school and college transcripts (2.0 GPA required per university policy); 2 letters of recommendation.
- Application to ASN: Conditional BPU acceptance; Completed ASN program application; Admission essay; Possess NCSBN functional abilities essential for nursing practice; Meet clinical agency requirements (background checks, drug testing, vaccinations/immunizations per MA DPH, BLS, health insurance, and Clinical Placement Policy).
- Traditional Residential College
- Tel: (413) 565-1700
- Email: admiss@baypath.edu
- https://www.baypath.edu/academics/undergraduate-programs/residential-college/
- Bay Path Online & CC Boston
- Tel: (413) 565-1700
- Email: undergradonline@baypath.edu
- https://www.baypath.edu/admissions-aid/undergraduate-online-programs
Tuition and Financial Aid
We keep our tuition low and offer financial aid and scholarships, including specialized support for military students, enabling more people to unlock their full potential.
