Everything you need to send a student to Allen, in one place.
You guide dozens of students at once. We made this page so you can find our requirements, codes, deadlines, scholarships, and people in minutes, not phone calls.
Whether it’s your first year or your twentieth.
New counselors need the big picture. Seasoned counselors need the details, fast. Pick your path.
Build your confidence with Allen
Learn what makes Allen distinct
A private HBCU founded in 1870 in South Carolina’s capital city, with an average class size of 15.
About Allen →Know the basics cold
Our codes, GPA minimum, and priority dates fit on one screen.
Quick facts →Get comfortable with the FAFSA
Our step-by-step tutorial walks students and parents through every screen.
FAFSA tutorial →Lean on free training
Federal Student Aid’s Financial Aid Toolkit is built for counselors and mentors.
Financial Aid Toolkit →
Get what you need in seconds
Skip to the details
Requirements, document rules, and AP, IB, and dual-enrollment credit policies.
Requirements →Match students to scholarships
Allen’s academic scholarship tiers by GPA and test score, with renewal rules.
Scholarship table →Plan the year
Every Allen date that matters, from the FAFSA opening to final transcripts.
Senior-year calendar →Advising transfer students?
Allen has pathways for transfer students and adult learners finishing a degree.
Transfer & adult learners →Go straight to a person
Direct lines for our admissions counselors, plus group-visit requests.
Admissions contacts →
The numbers you get asked about most.
Keep these handy for senior meetings, college nights, and FAFSA workshops.
- 003417Federal School Code (FAFSA)
- 5006SAT code (for scholarships)
- 2.0Minimum GPA (4.0 scale)
- Test optionalSAT/ACT not required for admission
- May 1Apply by, fall semester
- Nov. 1Apply by, spring semester
- March 15FAFSA priority date
- 15Average class size
Applications are accepted after the priority dates on a space-available basis through the end of registration.
Every Allen date that matters, in order.
These dates repeat every year. Add them to your counseling calendar once and you’re set.
Applications are still accepted after the priority dates on a space-available basis through the end of registration.
- By October 1
The new FAFSA opens
Students and parents can file using Allen’s code, 003417. Earlier is better.
- November 1
Spring semester priority date
Students starting in January should apply by now.
- March 15
Allen’s FAFSA priority date
Aid is awarded in order of completion and need.
- May 1
Fall semester priority date
Students starting in August should apply by now.
- June 15
Presidential Scholarship deadline
Scholarship application and FAFSA due for Allen’s top award.
- August 1
SC Tuition Grant FAFSA deadline
South Carolina residents must file the FAFSA by this date to be considered for a Tuition Grant.
- Six weeks out
Final transcripts & college credit
Send transcripts at least six weeks before the semester begins.
What first-year applicants need, and how to send it.
Pick the application that works best
- Allen’s online application: apply directly at futureyellowjacket.allenuniversity.edu.
- The Common Black College Application (CBCA): Allen is a member school. Students can apply to many HBCUs at once with one application and a single fee.
For first-year students
- Completed online application
- Official high school transcript showing graduation from a regionally accredited high school, or a state-approved GED certificate
- 2.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale
- Test optional: SAT or ACT scores are not required for admission. Students applying for academic scholarships should send official scores (SAT code 5006).
- Student résumé (optional, but encouraged)
Transcripts come from you
Official transcripts must be sent directly from the high school. Documents sent by the applicant won’t be accepted.
Electronic submission is preferred: admissions@allenuniversity.edu
Allen UniversityAttention: Office of Admissions
1530 Harden Street
Columbia, SC 29204
AP, IB & dual enrollment
- AP and IB exam scores of 3 or higher may earn credit.
- College courses must be college-level, from a regionally accredited institution, applicable to the student’s program, and earned within the past 10 years.
- Send transcripts at least six weeks before the semester begins.
Show your students the path to paying for Allen.
Allen awards institutional scholarships for academics, athletics, and the performing arts. Here are the academic scholarships for incoming first-year students. Academic scholarships require SAT or ACT scores, even though admission is test optional.
| Scholarship | Who qualifies | Award | To renew |
|---|---|---|---|
| Presidential Scholarship | 3.40+ GPA, 1200 SAT or 25 ACT, scholarship application and FAFSA by June 15, recommendation letter | Up to full tuition, room, board & fees for eight semesters | 3.4 GPA, 15 credit hours per semester, FAFSA by June 15 |
| AU Honors Scholarship | 3.40+ GPA | Up to $5,000 per year | 3.5 cumulative GPA |
| AU Scholars Scholarship | 3.00–3.39 GPA | Up to $3,500 per year | 3.0 cumulative GPA |
| AU Merit Scholarship | 2.50–2.99 GPA | Up to $2,000 per year | 2.5 cumulative GPA |
File the FAFSA early
Use Federal School Code 003417. Allen’s priority date is March 15. Institutional scholarships also require the FAFSA and full-time enrollment.
FAFSA tutorial for families →South Carolina residents
Eligible students may qualify for the SC Tuition Grant and the LIFE, HOPE, or Palmetto Fellows scholarships.
State aid details →Estimate the cost
Families can get a personalized estimate with the Net Price Calculator and compare it with the cost of attendance.
Net Price Calculator →Answers to what families ask you.
Quick, accurate answers you can pass along.
Is Allen test optional?
Yes. SAT and ACT scores are not required for admission. Scores are required for academic scholarships, including the Presidential Scholarship (1200 SAT or 25 ACT).
Does Allen accept the GED?
Yes. Students may submit a GED certificate approved by the originating state department of education in place of a high school diploma.
Can my students still apply after the priority dates?
Yes. Applications are accepted on a space-available basis through the end of registration, but applying by May 1 (fall) or November 1 (spring) is strongly encouraged.
Do first-year students have to live on campus?
Yes. All first-year students are required to live on campus. Allen recommends that first-year residents not bring cars their first semester.
What health services are available?
An on-call doctor and a medical assistant are on campus daily. Students should bring their medical and immunization records.
Is campus safe?
Allen has its own Campus Police department that secures the grounds. Residence halls have set hours and sign-out procedures.
Does Allen offer ROTC?
Yes, through a consortium agreement with the University of South Carolina and Benedict College.
Can I bring a group of students to visit?
Yes. Allen hosts group visits for high schools, churches, and community organizations. Request one at least two weeks in advance.
What if a student is a transfer or an adult learner?
Allen has pathways for transfer students and adult learners. Point them to the Adult Learner page or connect them with Admissions.
Real people, ready to help your students.
Call or email us to schedule a school visit, check on an application, or ask anything. Office of Admissions: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Office of Admissions
Main line & documents(803) 376-5735admissions@allenuniversity.eduMr. John H. Wright, Jr.
Admissions Counselor / Recruiter(803) 758-2704JHWright@allenuniversity.eduMr. Isaiah Money
Admissions Counselor(803) 536-5971imoney@allenuniversity.edu
Ways to partner with Allen
Thank you for what you do.
Every student you send our way joins a 150-plus-year tradition on Harden Street. We’ll take great care of them.