Frequently Asked Questions

Admissions

What are the admissions requirements?

For freshman applicants: completed application (Common App or Mongoose Direct), official high school transcript (2.5+ GPA recommended), one letter of recommendation, and a personal essay. SAT/ACT scores are optional for Fall 2026 and Fall 2027 applicants. Our mid-50% admitted profile is GPA 3.2-3.8, SAT 1100-1320. See full details on our Admissions page.

What are the application deadlines?

Early Decision (binding): November 1 | Early Action: November 15 | Regular Decision: February 1 | Rolling: after Feb 1 (space-available). Transfer deadlines: Fall June 1, Spring November 1. International deadlines: Fall March 1, Spring October 1.

Is there an application fee?

$50, but it’s waived for Early Action applicants and students with demonstrated financial need. Request a fee waiver through the Common App or contact Admissions.

How do I check my application status?

Log in to the MyMongoose Applicant Portal using the credentials sent to you within 24-48 hours of applying. You can track received documents, view missing items, and check your decision once released.

When will I receive my admissions decision?

Early Decision: by December 15 | Early Action: by January 15 | Regular Decision: by March 15 | Rolling: within 2-4 weeks of completed application.

What is the enrollment deposit and when is it due?

$250 (non-refundable after May 1). Submit through the MyMongoose portal after receiving your acceptance. The deposit deadline is May 1 for fall admits.

Can I visit campus?

Yes! Daily tours Monday-Friday at 10am and 2pm, Saturday at 10am. Open House events: October 12, November 9, February 8, April 5. Admitted Student Days: March 22 and April 12. Virtual tours available 24/7. Register at admissions@mongooseuniversity.edu or (555) 478-3210.

Tuition & Financial Aid

How much is tuition?

Undergraduate full-time: $18,750/semester (in-state), $29,400/semester (out-of-state). Mandatory fees: $1,335/semester. Graduate tuition varies by program ($715-$1,175/credit hour). Full breakdown on our Tuition, Fees & Scholarships page.

How do I apply for financial aid?

Complete the FAFSA at studentaid.gov using School Code MONG12. Priority deadline: February 1. Final deadline: June 1. Your financial aid award letter will be sent within 2-3 weeks of admission. See our Financial Aid page for the full step-by-step process.

What scholarships are available?

Presidential Scholarship (full tuition, 3.9+ GPA), Dean’s Scholarship ($15,000/year), Provost Scholarship ($10,000/year), Mongoose Achievement Award ($6,000/year), plus special scholarships for transfers, STEM majors, fine arts, legacy students, and community service. Most are automatically considered during admissions review. Details: Tuition, Fees & Scholarships.

When does financial aid disburse?

Approximately 10 days before the first day of classes each semester. Refunds (when aid exceeds charges) are issued within 14 days via direct deposit. Set up direct deposit in MyMongoose.

What if my financial situation has changed?

You can request a Professional Judgment Review by submitting a written explanation and supporting documentation to the Financial Aid Office. Reviews take 2-3 weeks.

Are payment plans available?

Yes. Mongoose University partners with Mongoose Payment Solutions for interest-free monthly payment plans. Enroll through MyMongoose > Student Accounts.

Does Mongoose University accept GI Bill benefits?

Yes. We are a Yellow Ribbon Program participant. Contact Veterans Services at veterans@mongooseuniversity.edu or (555) 478-3205.

Housing & Dining

Do I have to live on campus?

All first-year students are required to live on campus. Sophomores, juniors, seniors, and graduate students may choose on-campus or off-campus housing.

What are the housing options and costs?

Founders Hall (first-year): $5,850/semester double, $7,200 single | Lakeside Commons (sophomore suites): $6,475 | University Village (upper-class/grad apartments): $5,950-$8,100. See Housing, Dining & Student Life.

When is the housing application deadline?

New students: after submitting enrollment deposit and housing deposit ($300, non-refundable). Returning students: March 15. Room selection begins April 1 by class standing.

Can I have a car on campus?

Sophomores and above: yes, with a parking permit ($275/semester commuter, $425 residential). First-year residential students generally cannot have cars unless they have documented medical need or employment. See Campus Life for transportation options.

Are pets allowed?

Pets are only allowed in University Village (cats and small dogs, $250/semester pet fee). Emotional support animals (ESA) are accommodated in all housing with proper documentation through Disability Services.

What meal plans are available?

Unlimited ($3,250/semester), Mongoose 14 ($2,875, 14 meals/week + $200 flex), Mongoose 10 ($2,450, 10 meals/week + $350 flex), Commuter 50 ($725, 50 meals + $150 flex). All residential students must select a meal plan. Flex dollars work at all campus dining + 12 local restaurants.

Can the dining hall accommodate my dietary needs?

Yes. We offer allergen-free stations, halal options, kosher meals by request, and a full vegan/vegetarian menu daily. Contact dining@mongooseuniversity.edu for specific needs.

Registration & Academics

How do I register for classes?

Through the MyMongoose Student Portal > Registration > Add/Drop Classes. Registration opens by class standing (seniors first). See the Academic Calendar for dates and the Registration & Records page for step-by-step instructions.

I have a registration hold. What do I do?

Check MyMongoose > Student Records > View Holds to identify the hold type. Common holds: Financial (contact Student Accounts at 555-478-3220), Academic (meet with your advisor), Health (contact Health Center at 555-478-3240), Library (contact library at 555-478-3260). Most holds resolve in 1-2 business days.

When is the add/drop deadline?

The first week of classes. Exact dates are on the Academic Calendar. No academic or financial penalty during this period.

How do I withdraw from a course?

Through MyMongoose after the add/drop period and before the withdrawal deadline (approximately week 10). You’ll receive a “W” on your transcript (no GPA impact) but no tuition refund. Dropping below 12 credits affects full-time status and financial aid.

What GPA do I need to maintain?

2.0 cumulative GPA for good academic standing and financial aid eligibility. 3.0 for graduate students. Below 2.0 = academic probation. Two consecutive semesters on probation may result in suspension. Support is available at the Student Success Center.

How do I change my major?

Meet with your current advisor, then the new department’s advisor. Complete the Change of Major form in MyMongoose > Academic Planning. Processed in about 5 business days. Browse Programs and the Course Catalog.

How do I order a transcript?

Through MyMongoose or the National Student Clearinghouse. Electronic: $5 (1-2 business days). Paper: $10 (3-5 days). Rush: add $15 (same-day if before 12pm). Cannot be released with a financial hold.

What are the graduation requirements?

120 credits minimum, 2.0+ cumulative GPA, completion of major/minor requirements, 42-credit General Education core, and residency requirement (30 credits at Mongoose, including final 15). Apply for graduation via MyMongoose. See Registration & Records.

Campus Life & Services

What is the campus shuttle schedule?

Three routes running every 15 minutes, 7am-midnight during the academic year. Free for all students. Routes connect residence halls, academic buildings, recreation center, and downtown Orchard Park.

How do I get my student ID?

First-year and transfer students receive their Mongoose ID card during orientation. Replacement cards are available at the Student Center info desk ($25 replacement fee). Your Mongoose ID provides building access, dining plan usage, library checkout, recreation center entry, and campus event admission.

Where do I go if I’m sick?

The Campus Health Center (Health Sciences Center, 1st Floor) is open Monday-Friday 8am-6pm and Saturday 9am-1pm. After-hours nurse hotline available 24/7 at (555) 478-3241. First 10 mental health counseling sessions are free. See Housing, Dining & Student Life for full health and wellness details.

Is there a campus health insurance requirement?

Domestic students are not required to carry insurance through the university but must show proof of coverage. International students must have the Student Health Insurance Plan ($1,850/year) or approved equivalent.

How do I connect to WiFi?

Connect to “Mongoose-Secure” and log in with your Mongoose ID credentials. IT Help Desk: (555) 478-3300 or helpdesk@mongooseuniversity.edu.

Where can I study on campus?

Mongoose Library (open until midnight most days, 24 hours during finals), Student Center study lounges, residence hall study rooms, Math & Science Help Center, and various quiet areas throughout academic buildings. Reserve group study rooms via MyMongoose.

How do I get involved in student organizations?

Browse 150+ organizations on MongooseConnect (MyMongoose portal). Attend the Campus Resource Fair during Welcome Week in August. To start a new org: gather 10+ members and a faculty advisor, submit a charter to Student Life.

Is there tutoring available?

Yes, free for all students. Drop-in tutoring at the Tutoring Center (Library, 2nd Floor) for math, science, business, and writing. Appointments available for any course. Writing Center (Library, 3rd Floor). Math & Science Help Center (Science Building, Room 105). See Student Success.

What career services are available?

Career Services (Student Center, Suite 310) offers career counseling, resume/cover letter review, mock interviews, job/internship board (MongooseHire), and career fairs each semester. 94% of 2025 graduates were employed or in grad school within 6 months. More at Student Success.

International Students

What English proficiency tests do you accept?

TOEFL iBT (min 80), IELTS Academic (min 6.5), Duolingo English Test (min 110), or PTE Academic (min 58). Waivers available for students with 4+ years of English-medium education. See International Students.

How do I get my I-20?

After admission, submit your enrollment deposit ($250) and financial certification documents. Your I-20 will be issued within 3 weeks. Contact ISS at international@mongooseuniversity.edu or (555) 478-3235.

Can I work as an international student?

On-campus: up to 20 hours/week during semester, 40 hours/week during breaks. Off-campus: requires CPT (during program, major-related) or OPT (after graduation, 12 months; STEM majors get 24-month extension for 36 total months). Details on our International Students page.

Is there an airport pickup service?

Yes. Free shuttle from Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF) at semester start. Register with ISS by August 1 (Fall) or January 1 (Spring).

Contact Directory

Department	Phone	Email	Location
Admissions	(555) 478-3210	admissions@mongooseuniversity.edu	Admin Building
Financial Aid	(555) 478-3200	financialaid@mongooseuniversity.edu	Admin Building, Rm 150
Student Accounts / Billing	(555) 478-3220	studentaccounts@mongooseuniversity.edu	Admin Building, Rm 160
Registrar	(555) 478-3215	registrar@mongooseuniversity.edu	Admin Building, Rm 210
Housing Office	(555) 478-3225	housing@mongooseuniversity.edu	Founders Hall, Rm 102
Dining Services	(555) 478-3230	dining@mongooseuniversity.edu	Student Center
International Student Services	(555) 478-3235	international@mongooseuniversity.edu	Student Center, Ste 305
Campus Health Center	(555) 478-3240	health@mongooseuniversity.edu	Health Sciences Center
After-Hours Nurse Hotline	(555) 478-3241	—	24/7 phone
Disability Services	(555) 478-3245	disability@mongooseuniversity.edu	Student Center, Rm 215
Student Life / Campus Life	(555) 478-3250	campuslife@mongooseuniversity.edu	Student Center, Ste 100
Student Success Center	(555) 478-3250	studentsuccess@mongooseuniversity.edu	Student Center, 2nd Floor
Career Services	(555) 478-3255	careers@mongooseuniversity.edu	Student Center, Ste 310
Library	(555) 478-3260	library@mongooseuniversity.edu	Mongoose Library
IT Help Desk	(555) 478-3300	helpdesk@mongooseuniversity.edu	Library, 1st Floor
Veterans Services	(555) 478-3205	veterans@mongooseuniversity.edu	Admin Building, Rm 105
Campus Police (Emergency)	(555) 478-3911	—	Campus Safety Building
Campus Police (Non-Emergency)	(555) 478-3100	safety@mongooseuniversity.edu	Campus Safety Building
Parking Services	(555) 478-3105	parking@mongooseuniversity.edu	Campus Safety Building

Can’t find what you need? Contact Us or call the main university switchboard at (555) 478-3000.