Undergraduate Students
At Saint Vincent College, you'll find people who inspire you and opportunities that transform you.
On Saint Vincent College’s 200-acre campus in the Laurel Highlands of Pennsylvania, you’ll find people who inspire you and opportunities that invite you to take your talents and strengths to new heights and new places— from across town to across the world. Along the way, you’ll discover more about yourself, your power to make a difference for others, and what it means to lead a life of purpose.
Admission Policies and Requirements
Admission to Saint Vincent College is competitive. As we look at your application, our foremost consideration will be your academic potential. We'll also look for indications of your academic and extracurricular achievement as well as for information that will help us evaluate your academic ability, character, motivation and promise.
For Applicants Who Have Taken Standardized Tests
Here are some of the things we'll take into account:
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The level and number of the academic courses you've taken
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Your grade-point average
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Your standardized test scores (SAT, ACT or CLT) (Not Required, See Below)
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Your class ranking - if available (75 percent of our students were in the top two-fifths of their high school classes)
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Your admission essay (optional)
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Your extracurricular activities
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Your recommendation(s) (optional)
For Test-Optional Applicants
Applicants who did not take the SAT/ACT may be required to submit one of the following items to aid in the application review process. Your recruitment manager will contact you via email and/or phone number provided on your application should one of these supplemental items be required.
- Personal statement of no more than 3 printed pages responding to the provided prompt:
- Saint Vincent is a learning community based in academic rigor, service and personal/spiritual growth. How do you plan to contribute to our community during your time as a student?
- Virtual interview with admission staff member.
- Each applicant will be evaluated on academic performance, the rigor of high school curriculum, class rank (when provided), one or more of the test-optional additional requirements in lieu of test scores, extracurricular activities/involvement, letters of recommendation (optional), motivation, character and potential for success at Saint Vincent College.
Policies and Program-Specific Requirements
To be admitted to Saint Vincent College, you'll need to complete 16 academic units of secondary school work. These 16 units must include four units of English, at least three units of college preparatory mathematics, one unit of laboratory science, three units of social science and two units of a foreign language among five elective units.
If you plan to major in engineering, you must have one unit of plane geometry, one unit of intermediate algebra, one unit of physics, and one-half unit of trigonometry in addition to the other requirements.
If you intend to pursue a degree in music, you must audition for acceptance to that department.
If you're applying to Saint Vincent College to study art, you'll need to submit a portfolio of your work to the Art Department.
If your secondary school program differs significantly from the program we've described, please consult our office of Admission and Financial Aid.
If you plan to major in Nursing (BSN with Carlow University), you must have a minimum of two units of laboratory science (these must be Biology and Chemistry) and you must meet GPA and test score requirements.
While you begin to explore your financial options for Saint Vincent College, the Net Price Calculator can be very helpful in giving you an estimate of your eligibility for aid from all sources.
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SVC BSN Program Admission Requirements
Admission to the SVC bachelor’s degree in nursing is highly selective and competitive. We will review and accept students who match the following criteria in addition to fulfilling Saint Vincent College’s general acceptance criteria:
High school graduates:
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.25 (on a 4.0 scale)
- 3.2 GPA in all science courses
- Minimum SAT score of 1060
- Minimum ACT score of 21.
Internal transfer applicants (students transferring from other schools within the College):
- 3.0 cumulative GPA (on a 4.0 scale)
- 3.0 GPA in all science courses.
External transfer applicants (students transferring from colleges and universities other than Saint Vincent College):
- 3.0 cumulative GPA (on a 4.0 scale)
- 3.0 GPA in science courses.
- Credit transfer is based on the Saint Vincent College academic credit transfer policy. Nursing courses completed at other institutions are not accepted for transfer credit.
Test Optional Applicants:
- Complete an in-person or virtual interview with an admission representative.
- Submit any additional information or testing as deemed necessary.
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Tuition and Fees (2024-25)
Please see our current cost of attendance.
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Scholarships and Grants (2024-25)
Our approach to scholarship awards is rooted in academic rigor and achievement. We strive to make a Saint Vincent education available to all students who desire to challenge themselves. We offer academic merit and need-based scholarships and grants. Merit scholarships are awarded based on academic profile, strength of curriculum and other factors. Students applying with or without college entrance exam scores are considered for all awards at the time of acceptance. Additional need-based assistance may be available depending on the results of your FAFSA.
Scholarship GPA Range (unweighted) Scholarship Amount Chancellor's Scholarship 4.0 GPA and above $27,000 President's Scholarship 3.80-3.99 GPA $24,000 Dean's Scholarship 3.30-3.79 GPA $23,000 Faculty Scholarship 2.85-3.29 GPA $20,000 Community Scholarship 2.849 GPA and below $18,000 Students who submit qualifying SAT/ACT/CIT exam scores may earn an additional scholarship in addition to the merit scholarships listed above. Scores must be submitted by March 1st.
Gold Award $3,000 Silver Award $2,000 Bronze Award $1,000 Catholic High School Grant $2,000 Awarded to all freshmen Catholic high school graduates Campus Visit Grant $250 Awarded to any student who completes an individual on-campus visit
Additional need-based financial aid from Saint Vincent may also be available to you based on the results of your FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). Therefore, we encourage every family to complete the FAFSA as soon as possible. Filing early will ensure that you are considered for this additional aid. The FAFSA will also determine your eligibility for state and federal aid programs such as grants and/or loans.Accepted students are encouraged to file the FAFSA and visit our Net Price Calculator to find out more!
Wimmer Scholarship Competition
- The Wimmer Scholarship Competition is a general knowledge examination open to graduating high school seniors. Seniors must have applied for admission by the date of the exam and have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.75, as well as a documented SAT (ERW and Math) score of 1250 or above, a minimum ACT of 28 or a CLT of 86. A test score is required to sit for the exam unless a student has a 4.0 GPA with at least six AP courses.
- This year's Wimmer Exam will be held on Saturday, Dec. 9 and registration closes on Nov. 30.
- The first-place winner will receive a full tuition, room and board scholarship to attend Saint Vincent College for eight semesters – an estimated value of more than $200,000.
- The second- through fifth-place winners will receive a full tuition scholarship for eight semesters – an estimated value of more than $150,000.
- If you have any questions, please call 724-805-2500.
Campus Visit Grant
Any student who completes an individual, in-person campus visit with the Admission Office will receive a $250 grant. Students must meet with an admission staff member to receive the award.
Transfer Student Grants
- An award of $18,000 is extended to transfer students who have maintained a grade point average of 3.0 or above in their previous college course work.
- A transfer grant of up to $16,000 will be awarded to other students depending on the quality of previous college course work.
Benedictine Pastors’ Awards
- Students who are registered members of parishes staffed by Benedictine monks of Saint Vincent Archabbey are eligible for a $2000 award.
- You must have been a member of a qualifying parish at least one year prior to your start at Saint Vincent College.
- You must submit a letter from your pastor verifying your membership by February 1st.
- Annual re-application is not necessary.
Catholic High School Graduate Grants
- Graduates of a Roman Catholic high school who enroll as first-time, full-time students immediately following their high school career receive a $2000 grant which is renewable for up to 4 years.
Aurelius Scholarship
Aurelius Scholarship recipients are selected on the basis of superior academic credentials and potential (including high school performance and ACT/SAT scores), declared major and interest in the Aurelius Scholars program. The program is offered to motivated students interested in the Western intellectual tradition and awards a limited number of competitive scholarships for incoming freshmen each year. This program is apart of the Honors Community at Saint Vincent.
Selected recipients receive a $2,000 ($1,000 per semester) Aurelius Scholarship, applied toward tuition as a part of their financial aid package, over the course of four years, assuming enrollment and satisfactory progress in the Aurelius Scholars program. Recipients will be expected to enroll in Principles of American Politics (a core course in the program) in their first year at Saint Vincent, demonstrate satisfactory progress in completing the Aurelius course sequence, attend occasional lectures sponsored by Saint Vincent’s Center for Political and Economic Thought, and periodically meet with the Aurelius program director to discuss their progress in the program.
Music Scholarships
A limited number of music scholarships (singers and band) are available to incoming freshmen, valued at $1,000 each. Students must audition to be considered for these scholarships. Deadline is March 1. If interested students should contact Dr. Sean Durkin to schedule an audition. Video auditions are also possible.Fred Rogers Scholarship
This scholarship, valued at $2500, is for students interested in pursuing careers involving children, early learning and media for young children. www.stvincent.edu/frs. This program is part of the Honors Community at Saint Vincent.
STEP Scholarships
Science, Technology, Engineering and Math Talent Expansion Program. Five four-year $5,000 scholarships are awarded to incoming freshmen majoring in biochemistry, data science or minoring in biotechnology. This program is part of the Honors Community at Saint Vincent. For more information on requirements and applying. See www.stvincent.edu/step.
Endowed Grants
These scholarships are supported by the generosity of alumni and private donors to the College's Scholarship Endowment Fund. Endowed funds may be used to underwrite a portion of institutional aid. The Financial Aid office determines eligibility for these funds based on your application for admission and FASFA.
State and Federal Aid
To be considered for federal and state grants, completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is required yearly. Grants do not have to be repaid. The FAFSA is available October 1 at www.fafsa.ed.gov. The maximum Federal Pell Grant award for the 2023-2024 year is $7,895.
The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) is awarded to undergraduate Pell grant recipients with exceptional financial need.
The maximum Pennsylvania State Grant (PHEAA) award for 2023-2024 year is $5,750. PA residents must complete the FAFSA prior to May 1. For more information, please visit the Pennsylvania State grant website at www.pheaa.org or call 1-800-692-7392.
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Loans
Federal Direct Loans for Undergraduate students
After institutional funding, Federal Direct Loans are the most common source of educational funding for undergraduate students. There are two types: subsidized and unsubsidized.
Subsidized loans are need-based and do not accrue interest while the student is enrolled at least 1/2 time, during a six-month grace period or periods of deferment. Unsubsidized loans are not need-based and begin to accrue interest at the time of disbursement. Please visit www.studentaid.gov for more information regarding loan limits, interest rates, fees, and more.
Federal Direct PLUS Loans for parents of dependent students
If your financial aid does not cover all of your costs, a parent can apply for a Federal Direct PLUS Loan at studentaid.gov and completing the application and Master Prom Note. If a parent is denied the PLUS, the dependent student becomes eligible for an additional Direct Loan of up to $4,000 in unsubsidized funds for the first and second years and up to $5,000 thereafter. A parent must apply and be denied each year.
Alternative Loans
Additional private loans, generally referred to as “alternative loans,” are also available to students to bridge any funding gaps. Most student borrowers will need a co-signer. Payment can usually be deferred until after graduation, but interest accrues from the time the loan is disbursed. Additional information on this type of loan is available through the Financial Aid Office.
The list of lenders is available online through www.ELMSelect.com. This summary information is intended only as a guide for comparison purposes. Many other options exist for supplemental borrowing. You are not required to use any of the loans or lenders listed on this guide. Please consider the lender and loan product that best meets your needs. More information and a list of private lenders can also be found at www.finaid.org. A list of Pennsylvania Credit unions who offer private loans can be found at https://www.studentchoice.org along with their requirements. Please refer to the lender for updated information before making your choice. Rates, Terms and Conditions are subject to change without notice. -
Work Study And Alternate Financing
Work-Study
A work-study position allows you to earn money to help cover non-billable educational expenses by working on or off campus. The position may be paid by federal funds, institutional funds or through the cooperative efforts of PHEAA and Saint Vincent College for community service work.
Federal Work-Study (FWS) is counted as part of your financial aid package and placed on your award letter.
Institutional Work-Study is not considered financial aid and will not appear on your award letter.
Students are not guaranteed a position and are required to secure their own employment, working up to 15 hours per week during the academic year and up to 40 hours per week during breaks. Earnings are paid directly to the student and are not deducted from your bill.
Students can search for on-campus positions through Career Service's database at https://stvincent.joinhandshake.com/login.
Monthly Interest-Free Payment Plan
Saint Vincent College administers a deferred payment plan that provides flexibility and time to meet your financial obligation. The SVC Payment Plan is administered by the Business Office at Saint Vincent College. The plan has a $25 per semester fee which is due at set-up but carries no interest charges. The plan allows you to spread out payments over each semester while are enrolled in classes, rather than making payment-in-full at the start of each semester and is typically spread over five months starting in July for the fall semester and December for the spring semester.
Information about the SVC Payment Plan will be available at orientation. Contact the Business Office at 724-805-2248 for questions or to obtain an application.
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Tuition Exchange
SVC Tuition Exchange Program Frequently Asked Questions
Information for Prospective Students
What is Tuition Exchange?
The Council of Independent Colleges (CIC), Catholic College Cooperative Tuition Exchange (CCCTE) and Tuition Exchange, Inc. (TE) are three separate tuition exchange programs each comprised of networks of colleges and universities which make tuition scholarships available to participating dependent children of eligible employees.
In which tuition exchange programs does Saint Vincent College participate?
Saint Vincent College accepts applications from Tuition Exchange, Inc. (TE), Council of Independent Colleges (CIC), and Catholic Cooperative Tuition Exchange (CCCTE). Students may submit applications from multiple institutions. TE, CIC and CCCTE all offer an online application process (check with your home/export institution for more information).
Who is eligible to apply for a Tuition Exchange Scholarship to attend Saint Vincent College?
You are eligible to apply for tuition exchange if you have a parent/legal guardian who is employed at a participating tuition exchange institution (Export institution). The Export institution certifies your eligibility for tuition exchange consideration. Scholarships are not guaranteed, even if the applicant is certified as eligible.
How many students apply for and receive tuition exchange scholarships at Saint Vincent College?
Saint Vincent College receives approximately 30 to 45 freshman tuition exchange applications each year. Each year SVC awards 5-10 new tuition exchange scholarships.
How is the tuition exchange scholarship awarded?
Prior to January 1 apply to Saint Vincent College and be accepted as a resident student, file the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), and complete the TE, CIC and/or CCCTE tuition exchange application(s). Tuition Exchange scholarships are based primarily, but not exclusively, on the applicant’s academic profile.
When should I apply for tuition exchange?
You may apply for tuition exchange at any time. It is highly recommended that applications are received by January 1st to be considered by the first review conducted in mid-January. Remember, you must also apply to Saint Vincent, be accepted as a resident student, and complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) to be considered for tuition exchange eligibility.
Do I have to apply for financial aid in general to be considered for a tuition exchange scholarship?
Yes, you are required to apply for need-based financial aid at Saint Vincent College to be considered for a tuition exchange scholarship. It is necessary to complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) prior to our review. Therefore, the FAFSA should be submitted by January 1st, if possible. The FAFSA must be filed yearly to remain eligible for a tuition exchange scholarship.
If I am eligible for PELL, PHEAA, or SEOG grants, will my tuition exchange scholarship be reduced?
Yes, student eligibility for federal and/or state grants will reduce the tuition exchange.
Is there a housing requirement to be awarded a tuition exchange scholarship?
Yes, students must live on campus to be eligible for a tuition exchange scholarship.
When will I know if I am awarded a tuition exchange scholarship?
All tuition exchange notifications are completed by email after each review (mid-January and mid-March). Students should expect to hear from the tuition exchange liaison immediately following the review. An email will be sent within 10 days. At times, a student may be admitted to Saint Vincent College, but placed on a waiting list for a tuition exchange scholarship. If this occurs, Saint Vincent College will do its best to notify waitlisted TE applicants of the final decision prior to May 1st, the freshman enrollment deposit due date.
What is the value of a tuition exchange scholarship?
The tuition exchange scholarship at Saint Vincent College covers the full cost of tuition for the academic year, less the reduction as noted for federal and/or state grants.
Are there any special conditions attached to a tuition exchange scholarship?
Once a student is provided with a tuition exchange scholarship, Saint Vincent College will continue it to a maximum of eight (8) consecutive semesters excluding summer and winter intersessions, provided the employee remains eligible at the Export institution.
The recipient must meet Saint Vincent College’s standards of academic performance and personal conduct and be certified eligible by his/her export institution. A Saint Vincent College tuition exchange scholarship can be applied to any on or off campus bachelor degree program of study that carries the Saint Vincent College tuition charge. If a tuition exchange student is not in attendance in a Saint Vincent College tuition-charging program for longer than one semester, the student will lose the tuition exchange scholarship and will need to reapply and re-compete to receive any future tuition exchange funding.
If I am not a successful freshman candidate to receive a tuition exchange scholarship, can I re-apply as an upperclassman for tuition exchange?
Yes, you can re-apply. However, preference is given to first-time, first-year applicants.
If I become eligible to apply for a tuition exchange scholarship after I have enrolled as a current student at Saint Vincent College, will I be considered for a tuition exchange scholarship?
Yes, if you meet all the requirements for a tuition exchange scholarship after you enrolled at Saint Vincent College, you may apply for tuition exchange for the next academic year. However, preference is given to first-time, first-year applicants.
Are transfer applicants eligible to apply for a tuition exchange scholarship?
Yes, however, it is rare that a transfer student is offered a tuition exchange scholarship.
Who administers Saint Vincent College’s tuition exchange program?
If you have specific questions about Saint Vincent’s tuition exchange program, contact Saint Vincent College and ask for the Tuition Exchange Liaison Officer. Saint Vincent College, 300 Fraser Purchase Road, Latrobe, PA 15650, by phone at 724-805-2084 or email Kate.dzurica@stvincent.edu.
Where can I get more information about tuition exchange?
Contact the tuition exchange liaison officer at the Export institution (where your parent/guardian is employed), typically within the human resources or financial aid office. You may also visit www.tuitionexchange.org for general information about Tuition Exchange (TE), www.cic.edu for information about Council of Independent Colleges (CIC), or www.cccte.org for information about Catholic College Cooperative Exchange (CCCTE).
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Financial Aid Process
The Financial Aid Process
- File the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as possible after October 1. Priority filing deadline for additional SVC need based financial aid is May 1. May 1 is the deadline to be considered for the Pennsylvania State Grant (other states may have different deadlines). To complete the 2023-2024 FAFSA, families will refer to their 2021 calendar year tax information. This tax year will be on file with the IRS and all filers are encouraged to use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool to pull their tax and income information into the FAFSA. File online at www.fafsa.gov/. Online filers are required to establish an FSA User ID at fsaid.ed.gov. Saint Vincent’s Federal school code is 003368.
- You should receive your FAFSA results - the Student Aid Report (SAR) - by email about 3-5 days after filing. Check the SAR for accuracy and make any necessary changes. The school will receive an electronic copy of this same information. The SAR will contain a figure called EFC or “Expected Family Contribution.” We use this figure to determine your family’s financial need.
- Receive your financial aid notification outlining your aid eligibility. Thoroughly review all documents, returning any required documentation. Complete the Direct Loan Entrance Counseling and Master Promissory Note (MPN) online in order to accept the federal student loans, as required by the Department of Education. Instructions for this process will be included in your award packet and are available in the Financial Aid Office.
- Determine if you will owe a balance to the college after all your financial aid has been applied. You and your family will need to determine the best way to pay the balance. Generally, there are three options: Saint Vincent College’s Payment Plan Option, the PLUS (parent loan) or an alternative loan. Additionally, students are encouraged to apply for outside scholarships.
- In July, you will receive an official bill that shows what you owe for the semester. It is important that you have completed all the necessary steps in the loan process. Please apply for all PLUS and Alternative loans by July 31 to allow sufficient time for processing.
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Be aware that your financial aid can change throughout the year as a result of, but not limited to, verification, additional awards that come in for you, a change in housing status or number of credits, or failure to meet the standards of academic progress as outlined in Saint Vincent College’s Bulletin.
Verification
Verification is the confirmation through documentation that the information provided on a student's Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is correct. The federal government requires colleges and universities to verify or confirm the data reported on the FAFSA. The verification process ensures that eligible students receive all the financial aid to which they are entitled. Students are selected for verification either randomly or because estimated information submitted on the FAFSA is deemed inconsistent. Once selected for verification, students will receive notification from the Financial Aid Office which will outline the documents needed. Federal aid will not be noted on the billing statement as a pending payment or disbursed until the verification process is completed. Updates to the FAFSA as a result of the verification process may result in a change to the EFC and financial aid awards.
Students and parents who have questions concerning the Financial Aid Application Process as outlined above or have unusual circumstances may contact the Financial Aid Office at 724-805-2555 or by email at financialaid@stvincent.edu.
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Deadlines
Saint Vincent College has a rolling admission policy; that is, we'll notify you of our admission committee's decision shortly after we've received all your credentials.
Priority filing deadline for additional SVC need-based financial aid is May 1.
To be considered for the Pennsylvania State Grant the FAFSA must be submitted by May 1 (other states may have different deadlines).
Transferring Credits
Documents for students transferring credits to Saint Vincent College.
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AP: The Advanced Placement Program
Click here for more information about AP: The Advanced Placement Program-
Any matriculated student at Saint Vincent College may be granted advanced standing credit via AP.
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No charge will be made for granting AP credit.
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Up to 62 credits may be earned via AP and similar evaluating mechanisms.
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Students who have earned credit through AP should be aware of the limitations of AP. Academic credit does not guarantee thorough knowledge of a subject. This is especially important for students in vertical sequence courses.
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If a student chooses to take a classroom course for which AP credit has already been awarded, the grade for the course will replace the AP credit. No double credit is possible. A faculty advisor can counsel a student to take a classroom course for the student’s own benefit even though the student has earned credit by AP in that subject area, but the faculty advisor cannot require that the student take the course.
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CLEP: The College Level Examination Program at Saint Vincent College
Click here for more information about CLEP: The College Level Examination Program at Saint Vincent College-
Any matriculated student at Saint Vincent College may be granted advanced standing credit via CLEP.
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Up to 62 credits may be earned via CLEP and similar evaluating mechanisms.
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Credit will not be awarded for repeated CLEP Examinations.
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Students who have earned credit through CLEP should be aware of the limitations of CLEP. Academic credit does not guarantee thorough knowledge of a subject. This is especially important for students in vertical sequence courses. The cutoff scores established at Saint Vincent College are at a "C" grade level.
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If a student chooses to take a classroom course for which CLEP credit already has been awarded, the grade for the course will replace the CLEP credit. No double credit is possible. A faculty advisor can counsel a student to take a classroom course for the student's own benefit even though the student has earned credit by CLEP in that subject area, but the faculty advisor cannot require that the student take the course.
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CLEP credit awarded to a student while matriculated at another 4 year accredited college will be accepted, ordinarily, at Saint Vincent College as advanced standing transfer credit.
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To be eligible for credit through CLEP General Exams a student cannot have earned previously any credit in the content area of the General Exam.
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To be eligible for credit through CLEP Subject Exams a student cannot have enrolled in and failed the equivalent course.
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Admission Information
Office of Admission
Phone: 800-SVC-5549 x 2500
Email: admission@stvincent.edu
Financial Aid Office
Phone: 724-805-2555 or 800-SVC-5549
Email: financialaid@stvincent.edu