Apply free.
Known by name.
No application fee. Test-optional. Financial aid to meet your needs. Every application is read by hand — because you're a person, not a score. No algorithm reads your file.
Visit
Tour campus, sit in on a class, and meet your counselor in person or virtually. Once you visit Guilford, we know you will love it: book an on-campus tour with our Admissions Office and you will receive a $500 grant toward your first year's tuition once you are a Guilford student.
Schedule a visit →Request Info
Tell us what you're into and we'll send the details that matter to you.
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Financial Aid and Cost
Your goals are too important to let money stand in the way. That’s why Guilford awards more than $23,000 in financial aid on average to our students. From scholarships that recognize your commitment to community service and academic excellence to grants that recognize your need for assistance, we offer numerous options to finance your education.
In addition, you'll be assigned a financial aid counselor who will help you bridge the gap between college costs and your ability to pay. You have goals, and we want to be sure that you have all the necessary tools to meet them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Guilford is a test-optional North Carolina college. If you like, you can submit test scores. If not, please mark the test-optional box on the Common Application. Learn more.
You can apply early decision (binding), early action (non-binding), or regular decision. See details on the Apply page.
For first-year students, we consider all information available to us, including test scores (if submitted, but Guilford is a test optional North Carolina college), academic record, extracurricular activities, personal essay (if submitted), and school recommendations from a counselor and a teacher.
For transfer students, we consider your most recent academic performance. We also consider test scores (if submitted, as they're optional), academic record, extracurricular activities, your personal essay (if submitted), and Dean of Students form.
If you were enrolled at the College and left for any reason other than to attend a Guilford-run or Guilford-affiliated study abroad program, you must apply for readmission. Go to this page to review deadlines and requirements and to complete the Application for Readmission form.
The admission staff is available to assist you during the application process and until the time you arrive on campus. Learn more on the College's page dedicated to international students.
An education that's within reach.
Nearly every Guilford student receives financial aid. We'll build your package the moment you're admitted.
Dates to know
- Early Decision
- Sunday, Nov. 15
- Early Action
- Thursday, Dec. 10
- Spring Transfer
- Friday, Dec. 18
- Regular Decision
- Friday, Jan. 15
- Final Decision
- Friday, March 26
- Fall Transfer Decision
- Friday, June 11
Applications are reviewed as they are completed — apply by the date that fits your plan.
Common questions
Is Guilford really test-optional?
Yes. You choose whether to submit SAT/ACT scores; not submitting never counts against you.
When should I apply?
See “Dates to know” above for every deadline. Guilford reviews applications as they are completed, so applying earlier means hearing back sooner.
Can I afford Guilford?
Almost certainly. Nearly every student gets aid, and most pay far less than the sticker price.
How does transfer credit work?
More than 100 students transfer to Guilford each year. We evaluate credit before you enroll and accept up to 90 transfer hours.