Undergraduate Admissions
Future Students
It all starts here
At Johnson & Wales University, we want you to imagine everything your future can be. And then we’ll help you work toward it — because when you work, so does your education. With campuses in Providence and Charlotte, each with distinct offerings, your options are as open as your potential.
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Affording JWU
We work to ensure that your education is not just a valuable investment — it’s a financially attainable goal. Our financial aid team helps families invest in an experience that guides students towards success.
Submitting your Application
Building a life you’ll love starts here. Begin your path towards a lifetime of success by completing your application now. JWU offers both early action and rolling admissions options. Whether submitting online or in print, the process takes less than 30 minutes to complete. Get started!
Johnson & Wales University holistically reviews all elements of a student’s application to identify those students most likely to succeed at the university.
For students applying as a first-year student, a completed application and high school transcript(s) are required, except in circumstances where a student is homeschooled or where the traditional high school transcript is, for various reasons, not available. For students applying as a transfer student, a completed application, high school and/or college transcript(s) is required for admissions review.
Successful candidates for first year admission have taken a high school, college preparatory academic program including English, mathematics, science, social science and foreign language. Admissions decisions may also consider individual experiences and particular circumstances unique to each student. Other considerations are made based upon recommendations, writing ability and extracurricular activities.
Visiting campus, both in‐person or virtually, and interacting with admissions staff are all valuable ways of assuring that JWU is the right university for you.
For the most recent undergraduate admissions requirements, visit the JWU catalog.
Application
Johnson & Wales University holistically reviews all elements of a student’s application to identify those students most likely to succeed at the university. Visiting campus, both in‐person or digitally, and interacting with admissions staff are all valuable ways of assuring that JWU is the right university for you.
- An accurate, complete and legible application must be submitted, apply via JWU’s online application or the CommonApp. All schools attended must be listed with dates of attendance.
Transcripts
- Official secondary school transcript showing subjects and marks received with graduation date. Diplomas and any external examination results should be submitted, if applicable. Students who have not yet graduated from secondary school must submit a transcript showing all completed work, and expected results and graduation date may be submitted for review.
- Certified word-for-word translations must be submitted with all non-English documents.
- Applicants who have attended any college or university must submit transcripts, marks sheets, diplomas or certificates from all post-secondary institutions attended, along with course descriptions and credit values for transfer review.
In addition to the undergraduate admissions requirements above, you must also provide:
- Proof of English proficiency, if applicable.
- Completed and signed International Student Financial Declaration Form (PDF).
- Certified bank statement or government sponsorship letter verifying financial support for one academic year.
- Copy of biographical section of your valid passport.
- Non-U.S. students transferring to JWU from another U.S. post-secondary institution must submit a Transfer Verification Form.
The submission of standardized test scores (SAT, ACT) is optional and students who do not submit scores will not be disadvantaged in the review process. Essays and portfolios are optional but may be submitted to supplement the JWU application.
How much is the application fee?
There is no fee to apply to JWU.
What is the difference between Early Action and Regular Admission?
Early Action has a November 1 deadline for application submission and is only available for the fall entrance semester. It is a non-binding program.
Regular Admission has a July 1 final deadline for the Fall semester and July 15 final deadline for Transfer students. The Spring semester has a December 1 deadline. Admissions may choose to extend these deadlines.
How and when will I find out if I am accepted?
Early Action Fall Semester decisions are released by December 1. Regular Admission decisions are released within two weeks of complete submission in the JWU applicant portal. For the Spring Semester start, we begin releasing decisions within two weeks of complete submission.
What are the admission criteria?
Johnson & Wales University holistically reviews all elements of a student’s application to identify those students most likely to succeed at the university. Visiting campus, both in‐person or digitally, and interacting with admissions staff are all valuable ways of assuring that JWU is the right university for you.
Do I need to write an essay?
Students may wish to submit additional information beyond the required items if they would like to enhance their Johnson & Wales University application. An example of this optional item includes an essay of 300 words or less answering the question “What brings you joy?” Once JWU receives and enters your application into our system, you will receive an invite to the JWU applicant portal and then you may upload your essay.
May I submit a portfolio of my work related to my program of choice?
In order to provide a more complete understanding of your capabilities, applicants may wish to submit an optional digital portfolio to supplement the JWU application. Some examples include: articles or opinion pieces written for student publications; creative works; or photos or video’s from clubs, activities or competitions. Once JWU receives and enters your application into our system, you will receive an invite to the JWU applicant portal and then you may upload your portfolio.
Does JWU require SAT/ACT scores or SAT Essay/ACT Writing?
No, the submission of standardized test scores (SAT, ACT) or SAT Essay/ACT Writing is optional and students who do not submit scores will not be disadvantaged in the review process.
What are the requirements for the Honors Program?
Students with a 3.5 GPA and in the top 20% of their class will be invited to apply for the Honors program. The applications will be reviewed for admission into the program and students will be notified of their status.
What is required of Home Schooled students?
Home-schooled students must be able to document that they have completed high school. Verification documents for home-schooled students include either a high school diploma/transcript recognized by their state department of education, or a high school equivalency exam.
I previously attended JWU, how do I re-enroll?
If you were previously enrolled at JWU, you do not need to reapply. Simply fill out the readmittance form to our on-campus programs or online programs.
Are there special requirements for the Early Enrollment Program (EEP)?
Yes, please refer to our Early Enrollment page.
When will I receive my financial aid offer?
If you have already filed the FAFSA as part of the admissions process, financial aid offers may be available with your acceptance. If your FAFSA is completed after your acceptance, your offer will appear in your student portal approximately two weeks after we receive your completed FAFSA.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out to our experienced Admissions staff:
Providence
1-800-342-5598
Fax: 401-598-2948
Undergraduate
401-598-1000
Email
WSET Beverage Classes
855-598-1881
Email
Wine & Beverage Education
Graduate
401-598-1015, 401-598-1853
Email
Mailing Address
Johnson & Wales University
8 Abbott Park Place
Providence, RI 02903
Yena Center (Undergraduate Admissions)
111 Dorrance St.
Providence, RI 02903
Grace Welcome Center (Culinary & Graduate Admissions)
120 Harborside Boulevard
Cranston, RI 02905
Charlotte
866-598-2427 or 980-598-1100
Fax: 980-598-1111
Email
Mailing address
Johnson & Wales University
801 West Trade Street
Charlotte, NC 28202
Online
855-236-8492
Email
Contact the Online Team