Applying to Empire State University for an affordable online undergraduate degree is simple, but there are a few key steps to complete first. Find out exactly what’s needed and how to submit your materials. Applying for your master's? Visit Graduate Admissions for more details.

For Online Undergraduate Admissions, You Will Need:

  • Proof of high school completion 
  • Official transcripts 
  • Any program-specific requirements 
  • Proof of immunizations once you’re accepted

Proof of High School Completion

Requirements

For admission, proof can be in the form of one of the following:

  • Official high school transcript from a state-approved high school
  • Copy of a United States High School Diploma from a state-approved high school
  • High School Equivalency Transcript (GED/TASC Test Scores)
  • Official transcript from a U.S. regionally accredited college or university showing conferral of an associate degree
  • A copy of a high school diploma may be submitted; however, not all submissions will meet the requirement and additional proof may be requested

Submitting Your Documents

Official high school transcripts must be sent directly from the issuing institution by:

  • Mail: Admissions, Empire State University, 111 West Ave., Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
  • Fax: 518-587-9759
  • Email: admissions@sunyempire.edu

Nontraditional High School Transcripts

 

If you completed high school outside the U.S., your credential must be evaluated by a National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES)-approved service:

We recommend a general or grade evaluation for high school equivalency.

How to Submit Your Report

  • Plan Ahead – Check pricing, required documents, and processing times. Each service is different, so start early.
  • Submit Directly – Your evaluation must be sent from the approved service to SUNY Empire. Student-submitted copies won’t be accepted.

Canadian Students

  • High school documents must be approved by the Ministry of Education.
  • Transcripts must be in English.

If you graduated from a home-school or private school that:

  • Is not registered, recognized, or approved by the state where it operates
  • Is located outside the state where you reside

You must submit one of the following:

  • A High School Equivalency Transcript (GED/TASC test scores)
  • A letter from your school district superintendent confirming your program met state high school standards (per section 100.10 of NYS education regulations)

New York State does not recognize online or correspondence high school diplomas if you were a New York resident when you earned them.


What This Means:

  • If you lived in New York while completing an online high school program, your diploma is not valid for admission.
  • Online diplomas are only accepted if:
  • The state that issued the diploma recognizes the school, and
  • You were a resident of that state when you earned the diploma.

What to Do If Your Diploma Isn’t Accepted:

You will need to submit a High School Equivalency Transcript (GED/TASC scores) to meet admission requirements.

Undergraduate Transcripts

Official transcripts are required for associate and bachelor’s degree admissions and must be sent directly from your previous college or university.

How to Submit Your Transcripts:

  • Electronically – Through a secure transcript service
  • By Email – Sent from your school to our admissions office
  • By Mail – In a sealed envelope from your institution

Requirements differ for transcripts from outside the U.S. Find out more about all transcript requirements and submission options.

More About Transcripts
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Program-Specific Requirements

There are additional requirements for the following programs.

 

Immunization Requirement

State law requires any student taking 6 credits or more to provide proof of immunizations. Find out more about how to fulfill this requirement once you’re accepted to SUNY Empire for your online undergraduate degree.

Here to Help

Contact the Admissions Office with any questions or concerns.