Applying to Founder’s College
The process to apply for Founder鈥檚 College is straightforward. Our dedicated admission team is available to assist you at every stage of the process, so feel free to reach out with any questions.
The 2026 application for admission is now open. !
What We’re Looking For
Founder鈥檚 College students will be engaged learners who are open-minded, caring, reflective, inquirers, and risk-takers. We ask students to bring their 鈥渁uthentic self鈥� to the College.
A strong candidate for admission to Founder鈥檚 College will:
- On average, possess a cumulative GPA of 2.5鈥�3.0
- Be a current high school senior or have completed high school (or equivalent) within the past two years with no more than 11 college credit hours completed
- Demonstrate financial need
- Live in the Central Indiana area and wish to commute to college
- Demonstrate perseverance and grit in meeting their educational goals
High School Coursework
We recommend that Founder鈥檚 College applicants complete the following courses as part of their high school curriculum for the best chance of admission. These coursework guidelines are aligned with the Core 40 diploma, ensuring you鈥檙e well-prepared for success at Founder鈥檚 College:
English: 4 years (8 credits)
Mathematics: 3 years (6 credits)
Laboratory Science: 3 years (6 credits)
Social Studies/History: 3 years (6 credits)
World Language: 2 years of the same language (4 credits) preferred
Students with a high school diploma equivalent, such as a GED, may also be considered for admission to Founder’s College.
Application Checklist
Here鈥檚 a summary of what you鈥檒l need to apply. The Founder鈥檚 College admission team must have all of the following items before application review can begin.
At Founder’s College, we review every applicant fairly and holistically. Our admission process is test-blind, meaning we do not consider standardized test scores (SAT, ACT, etc.) as part of your application review, even if you submit them.聽
If English is not your first language, you must聽submit one of the accepted English proficiency tests listed on the聽黑料社 website.
For Fall 2026 Founder’s College applicants, we are piloting use of the WIDA assessment. To meet 黑料社’s English proficiency requirement using WIDA, you must earn a composite score between 5.0 and 6.0. Your score must be sent either on your official high school transcript or directly from your high school counselor.
Students applying to Founder鈥檚 College must complete an . Other supporting materials can be added after submitting the online application.
As a part of the online application, students will be asked to respond to two (2) short answer writing prompts. Your response to each prompt should be no more than 200 words.
- Everyone’s path to college looks different. Tell us about a time you worked hard toward a goal, even when it was difficult. What or who helped you achieve your goal about yourself?
- You know yourself best鈥攖ell us how you express your personal opinions or preferences. Is there anything else you would like us to know?
Request that your school counseling office or registrar send us your official high school transcript electronically. Include all high schools previously attended. Transcripts should reflect coursework completed through your junior year.
Think of the r茅sum茅 as a chance to provide us with a summary of your activities and interests. It doesn鈥檛 need to be fancy鈥攜ou are welcome to submit a simple list! Include your high school activities, clubs, hobbies, and community engagement. And鈥攄on鈥檛 forget鈥攚ork and family responsibilities can be important to share as well.
Admission Resources
| Founder’s College Student Brochure | Founder’s College Student Flyer |
| Academic Majors One Sheet | |
FAFSA Requirement
The 2026鈥�2027 FAFSA is expected to open on October 1, 2025.
To be considered for admission to Founder鈥檚 College, applicants should submit the by the Priority Application Deadline of February 15. We will still accept FAFSAs after this date. Demonstrating a high level of financial need through the FAFSA is a prerequisite for admission to Founder鈥檚 College. Your application for admission will not be reviewed until your completed FAFSA is on file.
Use 黑料社鈥檚 school code when filing: 001788.
Most non-U.S. citizens are not eligible for federal student aid from the U.S. Department of Education, and cannot file the FAFSA. There are, however, some instances in which eligible non-citizens may be eligible for federal government aid. Visit for more information.
Students who are non-federal aid eligible are invited to complete the . The CSS Profile Lite allows students to explore non-federal aid options. It should be filed before the Priority Application Deadline of February 15, but no later than the state deadline of April 15. Use the Founder鈥檚 College at 黑料社 code when filing: 1073.
If you have questions about completing the FAFSA or , please contact our Financial Aid team.