Frequently Asked Questions

What are the freshman admission requirements?

All entering freshmen applicants are considered for admission based on their high school academic average, academic units, *SAT/ACT scores and/or GED scores. Students from non-English speaking countries must take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) examination. All baccalaureate students must take the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) or ACT prior to admission. Prospective freshmen may click here to review last year's Freshman Admission Profile to get an idea of the mean grade point average (GPA) used for John Jay College. In addition to meeting the GPA requirements, students must meet the college readiness requirements in reading, writing and mathematics. Students can demonstrate that they meet the University’s college readiness requirements based on their SAT, ACT, or NY State Regents test scores. Click here to learn more.

*Temporary Suspension of Standardized Testing Requirements for Undergraduate Admission. In light of the COVID-19 crisis, SAT and ACT test scores are not required nor considered in application review through the Spring 2023 admission cycle. For more information on the suspension of SAT/ACT test scores, click here.

What are the admission requirements as a transfer student?

Prospective transfer students may click here to review last year's Transfer Admission Profile to get an idea of the mean grade point average (GPA) used for John Jay College. If you are transferring with fewer than 24 credits, you must meet the transfer GPA requirement, as well as the prerequisite high school average and academic units for admission. Please note, these requirements may change based on enrollment data. In addition to the GPA requirements, students are required to meet the college readiness requirements in English and Mathematics. You may click here to learn more about CUNY's College Readiness Requirements.

What happens if I do not get admitted as a freshman?

Students not admitted as freshmen, may apply to the CUNY Justice Academy Program offered at CUNY Community Colleges. By enrolling in a degree program of the CUNY Justice Academy, you receive dual admission into one of the six participating CUNY community colleges and John Jay College of Criminal Justice. The first 60 credits are taken at a "partner" community college campus, with the final 60 credits taken at John Jay. Click here to learn more about the CUNY Justice Academy.

Do I need to provide official documents for admission?

Yes. All students must provide *SAT/ACT Exam Scores and Official High School Transcript(s) from all schools attended.

*Temporary Suspension of Standardized Testing Requirements for Undergraduate Admission. In light of the COVID-19 crisis, we are suspending the use of SAT and ACT testst through the Spring 2023 admission cycles. Applicants will not be required to submit SAT or ACT test scores to be reviewed for admission; nor shall any submitted scores be considered in evaluating their applications. Click here for more information.

How long does it take to get an admissions decision?

Applications are reviewed after the online application, application fee (or waiver) and all supporting documents are received by CUNY. Students will receive an admission decision 6-8 weeks after submitting all of the above. Click here to check your application status.

I attended two colleges, but my last college has the courses from the previous college. Do I still need to submit the other transcript?

Yes. Students are required to submit transcripts from all schools attended. The application will not be reviewed until all transcripts are submitted.

Will you accept all my credits from my previous college?

Courses are evaluated on a course by course basis. Credit evaluations are conducted after a student is admitted and has submitted the commitment deposit. He/she will receive an email once the credits are evaluated, with additional information. The College has a number of articulation agreements with other colleges.

How can I appeal my decision?

You can appeal your decision by filling and submitting the Appeal Admissions Decision form

How will my foreign college credits be evaluated for transfer credit?

Add an answIf you attended a post secondary institution outside of the U.S., you must have your credentials evaluated by one of the following companies to receive transfer credit:

Josef Silny & Associates: https://www.jsilny.org
Transcript Research: https://transcriptresearch.com

Do you have scholarships available?

John Jay offers various scholarship opportunities to recognize outstanding students and help finance their education. In the last five years alone, we have awarded over $2.5 Million dollars in scholarship funds to students. Click here to learn more about scholarship opportunities.

How much is tuition?

John Jay College offers affordable tuition rates. Click here to learn more.

Do you offer payment plans?

Yes. John Jay College offers an easy and convenient payment plan that provides a low cost option. It is not a loan program and there are no interest or finance charges assessed as well as no credit check. Click here to learn more.

Do you offer financial aid?

Yes. At John Jay, we work hard to keep our tuition affordable while maintaining the highest academic standards. Click here to learn more about financial aid.

I recently moved to New York. Am I eligible for In-State tuition?

Students may be eligible for In-State tuition after residing in New York State for at least one year, prior to the start of classes. Click here to learn more.

Do you offer housing?

Yes. John Jay offers comfortable and caring off-campus housing options to its students. Click here to learn more.