Information for Parents -
Your Questions Answered
Admissions
Yes. Student GPA, class rank, SAT/ACT scores, and high school classes are all taken into consideration when evaluating an application. If a student applies to PNC without having all of the high school classes to be required admitted into their chosen major, there is the possibility that they may be admitted to our General Studies program as a "pre" student if the other information indicates college level ability. As a "pre" student, a student can prove their college ability while taking classes toward their major.
We recommend students take their SAT or ACT in the spring of their junior year. This gives them the opportunity to retake the test in the fall of their senior year, should they want to improve their scores. PNC will accept either an SAT or an ACT and will count the highest scores achieved.
All students who plan to enter college after high school should take the most challenging high school curriculum that is manageable. Students who have been challenged and learned how to study and manage their time are often the most successful in college. To contact a PNC admissions advisor to discuss high school preparation and admissions requirements, call 1-800-872-1231 ext. 5505.
PNC Student Support Services offers students with disabilities accommodations and the support necessary to meet the challenges of higher education. Information about accommodations offered at PNC and documentation required to receive assistance may be obtained by contacting Student Support Services at ext. 5312.
We recommend students submit applications early in their senior year, after six semesters of high school have been completed.
There is no application fee for new students. Students transferring from other colleges, however, are required to pay a $30 college transcript evaluation fee.
Completed applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Students are informed of our admission decision as soon as possible, generally within two weeks of completing the application process.
When the application is processed and the student is admitted, a letter is sent to notify the student of the admission. This letter includes the academic advisor's name and contact information.
Choosing a major is not necessary for admission. 70 percent of all college freshmen across the United States change their major at least once. When filling out the PNC application, the student should indicate "Undecided" as the choice of major. Once admitted, the student will be assigned an advisor who will provide academic and career counseling, including career testing. This can help the student in choose a degree program. Students admitted with an undecided major can enroll in general education classes that will apply to most degrees.
To apply, your child can submit an on-line application through our website, or request a paper application to mail to PNC. We will need transcripts from the home school, showing the individual high school courses taken each year (i.e. Algebra, Geometry, Biology, English), grades for each class, overall grade point average, and graduation date. SAT or ACT test score reports should be submitted with the transcripts.
PNC credits are Purdue University credits and will generally transfer to other universities. The student should work with his/her academic advisor to select courses that are required for and transferable to the specific degree program the student plans to pursue at the transfer school. PNC students routinely transfer successfully to other universities.
PNC currently has no housing on the campus. However, University Park Apartments, privately owned off-campus housing, is available across the street from the PNC campus. Students interested in the University Park Apartments can get further information at www.universitypark.info or by calling 219-785-7275.
You may speak with an admissions advisor by calling 1-800-872-1231 ext. 5505. Our advisors will be happy to speak to you on the phone or meet with you in the admissions office. Office hours are Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m. to 6p.m. and Friday 8a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Yes, high school students can take courses at PNC if they meet the High School Non-Degree student requirements. To be admitted as a High School Non-Degree student, students must submit an application with high school transcripts and meet two of the following three requirements: rank in the upper third of their class, have a 3.0 GPA, and score 1000/SAT or 21/ACT. The High School Non-Degree application is available on-line or can be requested by phone or mail.
All college-level courses taken as a non-degree student at PNC carry college credits and are posted to the student's Purdue transcript. If a non degree-seeking student is considering pursuing a degree, he/she should select courses that are required for the degree. The academic advisor assigned to the student can assist with this selection.
Financial Aid
Check out our frequently asked Financial Aid questions.
