Admission FAQs
Below are answers to some of the questions asked most frequently by prospective students. If you have other questions, please feel free to call or e-mail us.
Is Saint Joseph’s College accredited?
When are applications due?
How do I apply?
Do I need to take the GRE or GMAT?
How much is tuition?
Can I receive financial aid?
What are the formats of your courses?
Do I need a computer to take classes?
How many credits can I transfer?
Can I transfer credits I earned a long time ago?
Are there accommodations for students with disabilities?
Is Saint Joseph’s College accredited?
Yes. Saint Joseph’s College is accredited by the New England Association of Schools & Colleges, Inc., a non-governmental, nationally recognized organization. Accreditation by the New England Association indicates that the college meets or exceeds criteria for the assessment of institutional quality periodically applied through a peer group review process. An accredited school or college is one that has available the necessary resources to achieve its stated purposes through appropriate educational programs, is substantially doing so, and gives reasonable evidence that it will continue to do so in the foreseeable future. Institutional integrity is also addressed through accreditation.
The Nursing program is approved by the Maine State Board of Nursing, Augusta, Maine, and accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, Washington D.C.
The Long-Term Care Administration program is accredited by the National Association of Boards of Examiners of Long-Term Care Administrators.
When are applications due?
There is no specific due date for applications because we accept them year round. Most courses for the majority of degree programs start on the last day of every month, so the application can be completed anytime. In addition, for most programs, you can actually enroll in your first course at the same time you apply for admission.
How do I apply?
The fastest and easiest way to apply for admission is to complete our online application. It takes only a few minutes, and all of the information is transferred safely and securely through our secure web site. An admissions counselor will call you when we receive your online application.
If you prefer, you can also contact an admissions counselor – by telephone at 800-752-4723 (toll-free) or 207-893-7841.
Prospective students may apply and enroll at any time during the year. Using your previous college credits, work experience and professional training, you may be a lot closer to your degree than you think!
Do I need to take the GRE or GMAT?
No. It is not necessary to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or the Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) for any online graduate program at Saint Joseph’s College.
How much is tuition?
Saint Joseph’s College offers a very competitive tuition rate. – link to tuition rates We are a nonprofit college and work hard to keep tuition affordable for all prospective students. We also offer an optional payment plan - link to payment plan for added flexibility. Visit the financing page for the current tuition and fee schedule. Please call our admissions staff if any questions arise about cost, tuition, fees, or employer reimbursement plans. Military families can call to discuss Tuition Assistance and other related programs.
Can I receive financial aid?
The College offers federal financial aid for students enrolled in degree programs in the Division of Graduate & Professional Studies. Eligible students who have schedules that will allow them to complete courses on time, and who also plan to remain enrolled without breaks, may find that federal aid is a good option. Funding is available through both the Federal Stafford Loan and the Federal Pell Grant (for undergraduates only). For students who desire a more flexible financing option, please contact the Office of Financial Aid for credit-based educational loans that can be used to meet tuition and summer residency costs.
What are the formats of your courses?
Self-directed online learning – Our independent study model is available 12 months of the year. You can begin your course on at the end of every month, and complete assignments on your own schedule, usually in a 15-week period. A typical course involves the completion of four to six assignments submitted by e-mail, and some courses involve a proctored final exam. While you work independently with the faculty member to complete the course, most courses have online discussion boards so you can interact with other students in the same course.
Cohort online learning – The cohort, or group, typically consists of 10-15 students who follow a specific published start-and-end date as well as various assignments due over the 10-week course. The flexibility of this format allows you to enter the virtual classroom at any time during the week to best meet your individual schedule. A typical course involves the completion of three to four assignments submitted by e-mail, typically including a longer written assignment at the end of the course. A key component of the course is an online discussion board where you interact with other students and your instructor on a regular basis.
Other formats – Several other course formats exist. Intensive classroom instruction is offered for select courses during the Summer Program. – link to summer program For specific corporate partners, link to partnership traditional semester-length classroom instruction is offered onsite, such as a BSN program running at the Central Maine Medical Center School of Nursing. Within the MBA program, – link to MBA students can also choose executive seminars, a shorter cohort option where students participate in three weeks of online instruction, followed by an on-campus or off-site extended weekend seminar, and ending with a final week online.
Do I need a computer to take classes?
Yes. Since our courses are delivered online, you will need reliable access to a computer with an Internet connection. Other requirements can be found on the computer requirements page.
How many credits can I transfer?
The Division of Graduate & Professional Studies values prior formal learning and career-based experiences. The College follows the American Council on Education guidelines in granting transfer credit. – link to transfer credit page Transfer credits may include: courses of study from accredited colleges or universities with a grade of “C” or better, examinations through CLEP, ACT/PEP and DANTES DSST programs (the maximum number of semester-hour credits which may be challenged and transferred is 30); ACE/PONSI approved credit; ACE-approved military training and experience credits.
Can I transfer credits I earned a long time ago?
Yes, we will go as far back as your transfer credits take you, as long as they are from a regionally accredited program of study. There is no time frame for transfer of credit. You must have ‘C’ or better for undergraduate courses and ‘B’ or better for graduate courses to transfer.
Are there accommodations for students with disabilities?
Saint Joseph’s College of Maine is committed to providing equal education opportunity and full participation for people with disabilities.