First Time Freshman Viewbook 2025-2026

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UNIVERSITY OF

MEET YOUR CARDINAL COMMUNITY

We are a culture-rich and vibrant campus with students coming from our backyard and across the world to attend UofL. Students from a diverse range of backgrounds, identities and lifestyles come together to thrive, forming our academically renowned and complex student body.

WHO WE ARE

24,123 TOTAL ENROLLMENT

91 NATIONS REPRESENTED IN STUDENT POPULATION

23.5 AVERAGE ACT SCORE

GOLD

DESIGNATION STATUS AS A MILITARY-FRIENDLY SCHOOL*

190 FULBRIGHT SCHOLARS

*By Military Friendly

**By Carnegie 2025

12,411 TOTAL FULL-TIME UNDERGRADUATE ENROLLMENT

54 U.S. STATES & TERRITORIES REPRESENTED IN STUDENT POPULATION

3.6 AVERAGE HIGH SCHOOL GPA

OPPORTUNITY COLLEGE

HIGH LEVELS OF COLLEGE ACCESS AND POSTGRADUATION EARNINGS**

59% OF INCOMING FRESHMEN HAVE COLLEGE CREDIT

2,964 FIRST-TIME FULL-TIME FRESHMEN

25.5%

OUT-OF-STATE UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS

34.3%

FIRST-GENERATION COLLEGE STUDENTS

28%

STUDENTS IDENTIFY AS RACIALLY/ETHNICALLY DIVERSE

172,857 AND COUNTING UOFL ALUMNI

AREAS OF STUDY

We encourage major exploration : Some students come to college ready to tackle their major. Others are still thinking about their career choices and trying to nail down the right fit. We understand. That’s why we offer an exploratory program for students who are still deciding.

uofl.me/exploratory

ARTS & SCIENCES

• American Sign Language Interpreting Studies

• Anthropology

• Art

» Art History

» Graphic Design

» Interior Design

» Studio Art

• Asian Studies

• Biochemistry

• Biology

» Biomedical Sciences

» Ecology

» Molecular, Cellular & Developmental Biology

• Chemistry

• Communication*

• Criminal Justice*

• English

» Creative Writing

» Literature

» Professional & Public Writing

• French

• Geography

• History

• Humanities

» Comparative Cultural Studies

» Film Studies

» Linguistics

» Religious Studies

• Individualized Major (Liberal Studies)

• Latin American & Latino Studies

• Mathematics

» Actuarial Sciences

• Neuroscience

• Pan-African Studies

• Philosophy

• Physics

• Political Science*

• Psychology*

• Sociology*

• Spanish

• Sustainability

• Theatre Arts

• Undecided (Exploratory)

• Urban Studies

• Women’s, Gender & Sexuality Studies*

Build your own major: The Individualized Major allows students to design their own undergraduate degree, combining multiple disciplines to create a customized, interdisciplinary program of study. What will you design? louisville.edu/liberalstudies

BUSINESS

• Accountancy*

• Business Administration*

• Business Economics

• Computer Information Systems

» Business Process Management

» Cyber Security

» Data Analytics

» Web Development

• Economics

• Equine Business

• Finance

• Management

• Marketing

DENTISTRY

• Dental Hygiene

EDUCATION & HUMAN DEVELOPMENT

• Elementary Education

• Exercise Physiology

» Allied Health Therapies

» Human Performance

» Physical & Health Education

• Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education

• Middle & Secondary Education

• Organizational Leadership & Learning*

• Special Education

• Sport Administration*

ENGINEERING

• Applied Engineering

• Bioengineering

• Chemical Engineering

• Civil Engineering

• Computer Science

• Computer Science & Engineering

• Electrical Engineering

• Industrial & Systems Engineering

• Mechanical Engineering

MEDICINE

• Communication Sciences & Disorders

MUSIC

• Instrumental/Piano/Vocal Performance

• Jazz Performance

• Jazz Studies

• Music & New Media

• Music Composition

• Music Education

• Music General

• Music History

• Music Theory

• Music Therapy

NURSING

• Pre-Licensure Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

• Registered Nurse (RN) to BSN*

• 2nd Degree Accelerated BSN

PRE-PROFESSIONAL TRACKS

• Pre-Dentistry

• Pre-Law

• Pre-Medicine

• Pre-Occupational Therapy

• Pre-Optometry

• Pre-Pharmacy

• Pre-Physical Therapy

• Pre-Speech Pathology

• Pre-Veterinary Medicine

PUBLIC HEALTH & INFORMATION SCIENCES

• Public Health

SOCIAL WORK & FAMILY SCIENCE

• Social Work*

*Also offered as an online program

Soaring Scholars

The College of Arts & Sciences, Speed School of Engineering, Kent School of Social Work & Family Science, and School of Public Health & Information Sciences all offer accelerated bachelors to masters programs, allowing you to complete a masters program faster!

uofl.me/soaring

Minors

Explore additional interests and expand your skill set with one of our 100+ minors.

The top 10 most popular minors are:

• Marketing

• Criminal Justice

• Management

• Sport Administration

• Spanish

• Athletic Coaching

• Psychology

• Chemistry - Life Sciences

• Communication

• Philosophy

New 2026 minors:

• Legal Studies

• AI in Digital Communication uofl.me/undergrad_minors

Undergraduate Certificates

• Accounting

• Climate, Equity & Opportunity in the Workplace

• Construction Operations

• Equine Business*

• Ethics

• Franchise Management

• Geospatial Technologies, Applied

• Healthcare Leadership

• Healthcare Skills

• Human Resource Leadership

• LGBTQ Health Studies

• Peace, Justice & Conflict Transformation

• Police Executive Leadership Development

• Sales

*Post baccalaureate uofl.me/undergrad_certs

Full listing of majors, minors and certificates: catalog.louisville.edu

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Academic Unit or Program

Arts & Sciences, Education & Human Development, Public Health, Social Work

College of Business* Accountancy, Computer Information Systems, Economics, Equine Industry, Finance, Management, Marketing GPA: 3.0 | 25 ACT or 1200 SAT

Dental Hygiene**

2.8 | 21 ACT or 1060 SAT

3.5 | 24 ACT or 1160 SAT

ACT MATH or 580 SAT MATH

* Advanced math courses (AP, IB and dual credit) that demonstrate readiness for success in College Algebra are required when the application is being reviewed without test scores.

**Dental Hygiene and Nursing admission has a two-step process. Freshmen are admitted to the lower division and then apply for upper division after 3-4 semesters.

***Audition required for admission into School of Music.

Test-Optional Admission

All students applying without test scores will receive a comprehensive high school transcript review of grades and courses, particularly college preparatory courses.

For the most up-to-date information regarding UofL Admissions, please visit: uofl.me/admission

TRANSFER LEARNING CREDITS

Advantages of earning credits prior to college include:

• Participation in accelerated programs

• Early graduation

• Opportunity to pursue double major or minor

• Financial savings by earning college credit for less

Dual Credit

The University of Louisville accepts dual enrollment (college credit earned while attending high school). This credit will often meet one or more degree requirements and, in most cases, will fulfill UofL’s Cardinal Core general education requirements:

uofl.me/cardinal-core

Want to see how your dual credit transfers?

Please visit uofl.me/tes to view a library of all established equivalencies from institutions that we have previously received transfer credit from.

Advanced Placement (AP) Program

Academic departments have designated the current policy for students who score 3 or higher.

International Baccalaureate (IB) Program

Course credit is awarded for scores of 5 or higher on either the Standard-Level or Higher-Level exam.

College Level Examination Program (CLEP)

CLEP is a national program of credit by examination offered by UofL Testing Services. UofL accepts credit for 36 CLEP exams saving students both time and money.

Learn more about AP, IB and CLEP credit by exam at uofl.me/credit

Questions or concerns about credits?

We offer a pre-evaluation of credit that will help you chart a clear pathway toward a UofL degree.

uofl.me/credits

Contact the Office of Transfer Services at 502.852.0166 or transfer@louisville.edu

STUDENT SERVICES

Center for Belonging, Access & Engagement

At the Center for Belonging, Access and Engagement, every student matters, and every story and journey is celebrated. The center supports students in building community, achieving academic success, and thriving personally and professionally. Whether you’re looking for leadership experiences, academic support, or a vibrant and inclusive community, the Center for Belonging, Access and Engagement is here to walk alongside every student while at UofL.

Honors Program

Looking to challenge yourself? Each year, more than 500 freshmen join UofL’s Honors Program. With smaller class sizes, international travel, professional mentors, an exclusive living-learning community and early registration, the Honors Program gives students the intimacy of a small college combined with the vast resources of a national research institution.

louisville.edu/honors

Learning Beyond the Classroom

The Center for Engaged Learning (CEL) provides a coordinated effort to expand learning beyond the classroom by collaborating with campus, community and industry partners to provide engaged learning opportunities to prepare students for academic and career success.

The CEL connects students with engaged learning activities, such as internships, community engagement, study abroad and academic courses with an engaged learning component. Industry partners use the CEL to connect UofL students to learning opportunities and internships that could lead to future employment. Community partners provide opportunities for real-world experience and networking through service activities. Students can take part in experiential learning and undergraduate research opportunities by connecting with faculty.

louisville.edu/engaged-learning

Career Development

Three undergraduate career centers on campus help students and alumni expand major and career options. Cardinals can explore internships, work study, jobs and other resume-building experiences. The centers also provide major and career coaching, workshops, resume and cover letter editing, practice interviews, career assessments and more.

• College of Business Ulmer Career Center

• Speed School of Engineering Career Services & Cooperative Education

• University Career Center louisville.edu/career

Study Abroad

UofL also offers many study abroad opportunities so you can expand your worldview and experience different cultures while earning your degree. From England to Egypt, the destinations and opportunities for you to make a global impact are endless.

louisville.edu/studyabroad

Academic Support

REACH (Resources for Academic Achievement) supports the academic success of UofL students, helping them to be independent and successful learners. A variety of free tutoring services are available, as well as free test prep for the GRE, GMAT, LSAT and MCAT.

reach.louisville.edu

Disability Resource Center

The Disability Resource Center (DRC) fosters an inclusive campus climate through education, service, collaboration and outreach to the UofL community. The DRC provides support for students with documented disabilities by promoting equal access to all programs and services.

louisville.edu/disability

LIFE AS A CARDINAL

UofL is home to more than 400 registered student organizations (RSOs) including Greek Life, academic groups, faith-based organizations, social clubs and cultural organizations, all offering ways for you to get involved on campus. If sports are your thing, you can join one of our many intramurals or sports clubs. From basketball to volleyball, rugby to ballroom dancing, you’ll be able to find the perfect sport for you. And with student events such as the Fryberger Greek Sing competition, International Fashion Show and our annual dance marathon raiseRED, you’re sure to have fun while making memories to last a lifetime.

C-A-R-D-S CARDS! That’s our cheer, so get ready to hear a lot of it. We get to experience fandom on the big stage as members of the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), and students can attend most home games for free with their student ID. Football and men’s basketball student tickets are available thanks to the Ville’ns Student Ticket Membership Program.

OUR CITY, OUR HOME

Because UofL is located in the largest metropolitan area in the state, there are exceptional off-campus learning, cultural and social experiences available to our students. Although there’s always something exciting to do on our park-like and dynamic campus, there are also many opportunities to socialize and enjoy all the city of Louisville has to offer with your fellow students.

Louisville offers a delightful culinary adventure for food enthusiasts. Known for its vibrant food scene, this Kentucky city boasts a diverse array of dining options that cater to every palate. From classic Southern comfort food to innovative international cuisine, Louisville’s restaurants are a haven for both locals and visitors.

gotolouisville.com/restaurants

Historical places

• Frazier History Museum

• Kentucky Derby Museum

• Kentucky Science Center

• Louisville Slugger Museum

• Muhammad Ali Center

Arts attractions

• Actors Theatre of Louisville

• Cressman Art Center

• Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts

• KMAC Museum

• Louisville Palace

• Speed Art Museum

- free to students

Fun activities

• 4th Street Live

• Belle of Louisville

• Big Four Bridge

• Cherokee Park

• Iroquois Park

• Kentucky Kingdom

• Louisville Zoo

• Waterfront Botanical Gardens

• Waterfront Park Sports

• Churchill Downs

• KFC Yum! Center

• Louisville City FC

• Louisville Racing FC

• Louisville Slugger Field/Louisville Bats

LIVING ON CAMPUS

UofL guarantees housing for freshmen, allowing you to live at the epicenter of a vibrant campus experience. You can choose from a variety of housing options, including two state-of-the-art residence halls for first-year students only.

Living-Learning and Themed Communities

Living-Learning and Themed Community options are available for first-year and upper-level Cardinals. Located throughout our 11 residence halls, you can live and take classes with others who share your major or interests, while receiving specialized academic and staff support, leadership and social opportunities and more.

louisville.edu/discover/llc

All UofL Housing Options: louisville.edu/housing

Campus Dining Options: louisville.campusdish.com

AFFORDABLE EDUCATION

We're dedicated to helping you succeed and that includes breaking down financial barriers to your education. Our goal is to guide you in your financial planning to create a path for success, from admission to graduation and beyond.

LOW STUDENT DEBT

UofL students graduate with student loan debt that is among the lowest in the state and below the national average. Many graduate debt free.

Financial Aid

You can rely on us to assist you in understanding your financial responsibilities and accessing the greatest amount of aid you are eligible for. Our staff will walk you through all your options once you receive your financial aid offer.

FAFSA-Based Aid

• Require a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on file with UofL

• Need-based aid

• No additional materials required

Scholarships

The University of Louisville offers numerous scholarship programs, including:

Admissions In-State & Out-Of-State Scholarships

• Automatic upon admission

• No additional materials required

• Awarded through May 1

Competitive & Mentored Scholarships

• Additional materials required

• Dec. 1 deadline

Tuition & Fees

For all scholarship information please visit: uofl.me/scholarships_aid

Use UofL’s Cost Calculator tool to determine what costs are associated with attending the University of Louisville, including instate or out-of-state tuition, housing and meal plans.

For all cost and aid information please visit: uofl.me/cost-aid

ADMISSIONS TIMELINE

These dates are subject to change. Please refer to UofL's website for the most up-to-date information.

WE’RE READY FOR YOU

UofL offers the complete package — one that allows you to dive right into your major or explore your options until you find it. So, what’s next?

Apply Now

When you decide to take the next step: louisville.edu/apply

First-time freshmen:

• Take Flight or Common App

• High school transcript(s)

• $30 non-refundable fee

• No essays or letters of recommendation

• Apply with or without test scores

Get Connected

Stay in the know with UofL and learn more about student life, scholarships and more. uofl.me/interest

Explore Campus

Come see us in person or experience campus virtually. uofl.me/visituofl

Office of Undergraduate Admissions 502-852-6531 admitme@louisville.edu louisville.edu/admissions uofl.me/find-your-counselor

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