Enrollment Options and Admission Plans

Enrollment Options

Single Enrollment

Single enrollment means you apply to one of nine undergraduate colleges where you will earn a bachelor’s degree. This is the most common option.

Dual Enrollment

Do you have more than one academic interest?

When you apply to Syracuse University you can apply for dual enrollment, meaning that you will have two different majors in two different colleges. And when you graduate, you will receive a single bachelor’s degree granted by both colleges. Having two majors opens up your academic experiences—and increases your future career options.

Most dual enrollments are readily completed in four years; you must satisfy major requirements in each college.

Admission Plans

Students may apply for fall or spring semester. If applying for fall, first-year applicants are offered three ways to apply: either through the Early Decision I or II plans or the Regular Decision plan. Please refer to application deadlines for more information.

Early Decision

If Syracuse University is your first choice, consider applying for Early Decision (ED) I or II. As an ED candidate, you agree to enroll at Syracuse University if admitted to your preferred college. The ED I application deadline is Nov. 15. Most ED candidates are typically notified of their admission decision prior to Jan. 1. The ED II application deadline is Jan. 5 and candidates are typically notified by mid-February. You may apply to other colleges and universities through Regular Decision or Early Action, with the understanding that you will withdraw these applications if admitted to Syracuse University.

As part of the ED application, you will be required to submit your e-signature on your application agreeing to the terms of ED. Your parent and high school counselor will need to sign off as well.

If you are applying for financial aid, you will receive an early estimated financial aid award package. While Early Decision is binding, we understand that financial considerations may affect a student’s ability to enroll.

Find out if Early Decision is right for you.

Regular Decision

Most applicants to Syracuse University apply for a Regular Decision (RD). To have the best opportunity to be notified of an admission decision in late March, be sure to complete all admissions requirements (including auditions and portfolio reviews) by the required deadlines. The deadline for Regular Decision is Jan. 5.

Transfer Students (Fall)

Transfer students who would like to apply for fall should apply by July 1. However, you are encouraged to apply as early as possible. Notification will begin late February on a rolling basis as application reviews are completed.

Although enrollment in some colleges and programs may be limited, transfer applications will be evaluated as they are received and completed by July 1.
Spring semester transcripts may be required, but applicants should not wait until the conclusion of the semester to apply.
Students will continue to be aided as funds remain.
Check out the Transfer Applicants section for helpful information about transferring to Syracuse.

Applying for the Spring Semester

Both high school and transfer applicants are welcome to apply for the spring semester. Applications should be submitted by Nov. 15. Transfer applicants are encouraged to apply by this date, and any applications submitted after this date will be considered on a space-available basis. Transfer students should also submit fall transcripts as soon as possible; credit evaluations will follow the admissions notification.

For high school students wanting to take time off or pursue part-time study prior to starting college, spring admission is an option. Spring orientation is available for students entering midyear, and on-campus housing is available.

Please refer to the application deadlines and the financial aid deadlines for more information on deadlines.

Early Admission

Early Admission is an option for secondary school juniors who have completed all but a few course requirements for secondary school graduation.

It is the responsibility of students to meet requirements to obtain a diploma from their secondary school at the end of their first year at Syracuse University.
A personal interview is required.
High school juniors who will finish all of their graduation requirements early must apply under the Regular Decision plan.
Contact the Office of Admissions for additional requirements.

​Enrollment Options and Admission Plans