FAQ
Is there an application deadline?
Yes. Early Action application deadline is December 10 and the Regular Admission deadline is March 1.
How long does it take to process an application and when will the acceptance letter be mailed?
Typically the process takes between two and three weeks once the application is completed and the student is regularly admissible. Files needing committee review may take a longer. Early Action applications should be notified no later than January 20 and Regular Admission applications should be notified no later than March 15.
Is an application fee required and if so, how much?
Regular decision paper applications cost $30 after December 10. Early Action applications and online applications never have a processing fee.
What is the average fall enrollment?
The average incoming freshman class (with transfer and international students) is 350 and the average total enrollment for the college is 1,300.
What credentials must be submitted to properly file an application?
Application for admission, one counselor or teacher recommendation, official transcripts, official test scores, one to two page personal essay.
Does the college require a minimum SAT/ACT for admission?
Yes, minimum ACT is 20, SAT is 1000.
Is an interview, recommendation or essay required for admission?
An interview is not required but encouraged. Both a recommendation and an essay are required.
Must a physical examination be submitted prior to admission?
A physical examination is not required before admission, but is required before registration.
Must a prescribed curriculum be completed in high school?
No. The encouraged curriculum is 4 years of English, 3 years of math, 3 years of science, 3 years of social sciences and 2 years of foreign language.
Are high school honors courses weighed in favor of the grade point average and what is the minimum GPA required?
Yes, honors and advanced standing classes (AP, IB) are weighted and the minimum GPA for admission is a 3.0/4.0 scale.
Will the college accept the General Education Diploma (GED)?
Yes, Coe accepts the GED, but the student must show official scores or the certificate.
Will the college honor a home study program or diploma from an unaccredited private high school?
Yes, but the student still needs to meet Coe's general admission guidelines.
How will the college evaluate or use two or more sets of SAT/ACT scores?
Coe will use the highest composite score, regardless of when it was earned. Coe does not combine scores to create a new composite.
Does the college offer an Early Admissions Program (EAP); is there a deadline date?
No, Coe does not have a special EAP program or deadline date. However, students who are eligible to graduate early and meet high school requirements are able to apply to Coe.
Is there a waiting list for admission?
No, Coe does not have wait list.
What are the transfer admission requirements?
Coe recommends that transfer students have a 2.5/4.0 GPA from the last college attended. If the student has earned an AA degree, the high school record will not be considered.
Is admission open for freshmen and transfers at any semester?
Yes, admission is available to all students each semester.
Does the college offer a Post Secondary Education Option (PSEO)?
Yes, Coe offers the post secondary enrollment option to eligible high school students.
Will the college honor either the SAT or ACT?
Coe accepts both the SAT and the ACT.
What is the core curriculum or general education requirement?
The core general education requirements are 10 courses in five categories. Please refer to academic catalog page 31.
What requirements must students meet in order to complete the Coe Plan, do transfers complete the Coe Plan as well?
Students must complete twenty hours of community service, eight campus events and complete one academic practicum (internship, study-abroad, research). Transfer students must also complete the Coe Plan requirements.
How many areas of study and degrees are offered?
Coe offers 43 areas of study and 4 types of degrees: Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Music (BM), Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), Masters of Arts in Teacher (MAT).
Are internships, cooperatives or study abroad available?
Internships/Cooperatives are required and study abroad is available through Coe and through the ACM.
Describe Coe's academic calendar.
Coe is on a 4-4-1 academic calendar with a fall and spring semester and a May term. Students traditionally take four classes in the fall and spring semesters and one class for a four week period during May term.
Will the college honor AP/IB and if so what are the minimum scores to receive credit?
Coe accepts AP/IB credit. Students must earn a 4 or 5 on AP exams and a five, six or seven on IB exams. All questions about credit should be directed to the academic program.
How many courses are considered a full load?
Four courses are considered a full load (three is considered full-time).
When must an academic major be declared?
Academic majors should be declared during the second semester of the sophomore year.
Does the college offer a tutorial service?
Coe offers a tutorial service through the Academic Achievement Program.
Will "D's" transfer in from other colleges?
D's do not transfer in from other schools into Coe.
Is physical education required? If so, can it be waived?
Physical education is not required at Coe.
Are academic scholarships available?
Yes, academic scholarships are available to students based on GPA and test score and will be evaluated at the time of admission.
What are the college's most well-known academic areas?
Coe is well known for the following areas of study: the sciences (biology, chemistry, physics, nursing), business, psychology, English and teacher education.
What is the percentage of graduates that gain admission to graduate schools?
30%
Does the college have a graduate program?
Coe offers a Masters of Arts in Teaching for students who are already have professional experience.
How many credits does it take to graduate? How long on average does it take to accumulate these credits?
It takes 32 credits to graduate and usually is completed in four years. You may graduate without ever taking a May Term class.
What major agencies accredit the college?
Coe is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools, the American Chemical Society, the National Association of Schools of Music, the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, the Committee for the Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs, and the Iowa Department of Education.
What is the student-faculty ratio?
11 : 1
How many full-time faculty are employed and how many hold a doctorate or terminal degree?
Coe employs 80 full-time faculty and 91 % of these hold a terminal degree.
Does Coe have an honors program? What are the requirements to be in Coe's honors program?
Coe has an honors program that students can apply for during the freshman year. Admission is based on first year Coe GPA, recommendations from professors, a writing sample, an interview, a review of First Year Seminar work, the high school transcript, and ACT or SAT test scores.
What is the definition of a Liberal Arts education?
Liberal Arts education is defined as general areas of study--philosophy, mathematics, literature, art history, economics, languages, and so on--rather than in applied or specialized fields. A liberal arts education is not intended to train you for a specific job, though it does prepare you for the world of work by providing you with an invaluable set of employability skills, including the ability to think for yourself, the skills to communicate effectively, and the capacity for lifelong learning.
What academic areas of study are the largest?
Business, Education, Psychology (in that order) graduates the most Coe students.
May freshmen have cars on campus?
Yes, however space is limited and it is on a first come-first serve basis. A parking permit cost is $90 per year.
Do national fraternities and sororities exist?
Yes, there are 5 national fraternities and 3 national sororities on Coe's campus.
Are students required to purchase a meal plan?
Yes, all students living in residence halls must purchase a Coe board plan. Board plans are optional for students living in the Coe apartments and Kohawk Village.
What is Coe Cash?
Coe cash is included in both the standard and basic meal plans and is used for: purchasing additional meals in the dining hall, purchasing guest meals when a friend or family member visits, making purchases in the coffee shop, and making purchases in the convenience store. Coe cash is on your student ID card.
What campus organizations emphasize religious activities?
Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), Intervarsity, Brothers and Sisters in Christ (BASIC)
Is there a health facility on campus?
Coe employs a full-time advanced registered nurse practioner (ARNP) to provide medical services. The student is responsible for all health costs beyond those provided by the ARNP. The student is expected to carry medical insurance.
What music groups exist (i.e. marching band, choir, ensemble)?
Music groups at Coe include: Women's choral, concert choir (mixed), jazz band, orchestra, drum line.
Does the college sponsor a drama or theater club?
Yes, it's called Off-Stage Players.
How long are the holiday and term breaks?
Fall break occurs in October for two days, Thanksgiving break lasts for three days, the break between fall and spring semester is about four weeks, spring break is the second week in March. Finals week is the first week in May and graduation occurs the weekend after finals.
Is there a job placement service or career day?
No, there's not a job placement service though your four years will be spent developing professionally so you are well prepared for employment or furthering your education. However, we have a Career Services office on campus that proves beneficial to our students.
What are current expenses for room, board, and fees?
For 2010-2011, the comprehensive fees are $38,150 for a full-time student.
Does out-of-state tuition apply?
No, Coe is a private institution.
Are jobs available on the college campus?
Yes, many students have jobs on campus through our federal work-study program. Students interested in working on-campus but not eligible for work study can work catering, telecounseling via Admissions, or telecounseling via the Alumni Office.
How much are books on average per year?
$600-$1,000 per year.
How do I apply for financial aid?
Fill out the FAFSA for need-based financial aid.
What scholarship may be available for my situation?
Merit-based scholarships are available as soon as students are admitted to Coe. Additional departmental scholarships can be earned during Scholarship Weekend in February. Filing the FAFSA will make any federal need-based grants, work study or loans also available.
Will the college bill me for tuition and fees and when are fees due?
Yes. Depending on your payment plan, a bill will be sent to your residence. Payment plans consist of monthly over 10 months, semesters, or a one-time payment in the fall.
Will the college take a credit card?
Yes. The College is prepared to accept Visa, MasterCard and Discover credit cards.
How much is the deposit and when is it due?
A $200 deposit is due by May 1. Preferential housing is based on the date of deposit.
