Gannon University Admissions 2025: Process, Requirements & Deadlines

Gannon University is a private Catholic institution in Erie, Pennsylvania. Its acceptance rate is 77%, admitting about 4,856 out of 6,331 applicants. The university offers two major admission intakes: Fall (August) and Spring (January).

Gannon enrolls over 4,500 students, including 351 international students from 70+ countries, and offers more than 100 degree programs, including biomedical engineering, occupational therapy, and physician assistant studies. The university emphasizes experiential learning, providing internships, co-ops, and service learning opportunities.

Here's a brief overview of the essential facts you'll need before applying:

With a clear view of Gannon University’s strengths, it’s time to break down the key dates and deadlines for each admission intake.

Gannon University Admission Dates

Gannon University offers two prominent intakes: Spring (January) and Fall (August), along with a limited Summer (May) intake for select programs. 

Fall intake applications typically open in September with deadlines around March 1 (Closed), while Spring intake applications are generally due by November 1.

Specific programs like Doctor of Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy have earlier particular deadlines, and programs like the MBA follow rolling admissions. Specialized healthcare fields maintain strict, non-flexible timelines.

Here’s a summary of the intake details at Gannon University:

Summer (May)

The summer intake at Gannon University offers limited enrollment and is focused on specialized programs requiring early clinical placements. The Nurse Anesthesia program leads this intake, reflecting the university’s emphasis on structured clinical preparation.

Below are the key program deadlines for the summer intake to help you plan accordingly.

Note: The Nurse Anesthesia program has a fixed annual intake in May, with the application deadline set for the preceding October.​

Following the summer intake, the fall semester offers the broadest range of programs and application opportunities at Gannon University.

Spring (January)

The Spring (January) intake at Gannon University offers a mid-academic year entry, mainly suited for healthcare and clinical programs.

With strict early deadlines, competitive fields like Physician Assistant and Physiotherapy courses demand timely applications due to limited seats and intensive academic schedules.

Here are some program deadlines for the spring intakes:

Note: Rolling Admission allows applicants to apply anytime, with decisions made as applications are received.

While spring intake focuses heavily on healthcare-related graduate programs with firm deadlines, Gannon also offers a summer intake for select programs, providing additional opportunities to start your studies.

Fall (August)

The Fall semester remains Gannon’s largest intake, covering most undergraduate and graduate programs. High-demand Gannon University courses like Occupational Therapy have strict deadlines, requiring early preparation.

The following table highlights key application deadlines for major fall programs.

Once you’ve identified your preferred intake and program, the next step is to understand Gannon University’s admission process.

Gannon University Admission Process

Gannon University follows a comprehensive admissions process for undergraduate and graduate students, reviewing over 6,300 applications annually. The method considers academic performance, extracurricular activities, leadership experience, and personal statements.

Gannon’s commitment to diversity is reflected in the 18% of enrolled students identifying as minorities. The university employs a holistic review to assess applicants' strengths and potential.

Here is a summary of the university admission process:

• Step 1: Application Submission: Prospective students can submit their applications through the Common Application or Gannon’s online application portal.​ Required Documents include:
  • Official high school transcripts
  • Personal statement (optional but recommended)
  • Letters of recommendation
  • ACT/SAT scores
• Step 2: Submit Financial Aid Documents: If you're applying for financial aid, submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by Gannon’s deadline for financial assistance. Over 95% of Gannon students receive some form of financial aid.
• Step 3: Document Review & Application Assessment: Once submitted, the admissions team will review your documents, including high school performance, recommendations, and personal essays.
• Step 4: Interview (Optional): While interviews are not mandatory, Gannon may invite certain applicants for an interview, especially for competitive programs like Physician Assistant, or if additional information is needed to assess fit.
• Step 5: Admission Decision: Gannon University will submit admission decisions after reviewing your application. The timeline is as follows:
• Early Action applicants: Admissions decisions will be made by mid-December.
• Regular Decision applicants: Admissions decisions will be communicated by mid-April.
• Step 6: Confirmation & Enrollment: Once you have been admitted, you will need to confirm your enrollment by submitting a deposit:
  • Early Action: Confirm by January 15, 2025 (Closed).
  • Regular Decision: Confirm by May 1, 2025.
• Step 7: Visa Application (For International Students): After confirming enrollment, international students applying to Gannon University must obtain a U.S. student visa (UF-1 or M-1).

Note: Gannon University admission requires an Enrollment Confirmation Deposit of $100(INR 8.5K), which ensures your place in the incoming class and applies to your tuition fees.

If you're uncertain about meeting these requirements or selecting the appropriate program, you can schedule a free one-on-one counseling session with upGrad experts to help guide your Gannon University application process.

Now, let’s explore the MBA admissions process at Gannon University, including its unique criteria and deadlines.

Gannon University MBA Admissions

Gannon University’s MBA program follows a rolling admissions process and offers flexibility with three start options: Fall, Spring, and Summer. The program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).

Students can complete the program in 30 credits, including 6 free electives, and have the opportunity to earn both the master's degree and a graduate certificate in Business Essentials without additional time or cost.​

The specifics of admission criteria and scholarship opportunities for the Gannon University MBA program have been given in the breakdown below:

MBA Admission Requirement

Gannon University's Master of Business Administration (MBA) program requires applicants to have a bachelor's degree in any discipline from an accredited college or university with a minimum GPA of 75%.

The GMAT requirement may be waived based on professional experience following the Program Director's application review.

Admission to the MBA at Gannon University requires meeting the following standards:

To maximize your investment in the Gannon MBA program, it’s also essential to understand the available scholarship opportunities designed to help you finance your education.

MBA Scholarships

Gannon University offers several scholarships to help make the MBA program more affordable. Among them is the Graduate Assistantship, which provides up to $9,000 (INR 7.6L) in tuition remission per year to all graduate students, including MBA candidates.

Here are some scholarship opportunities available:

Next, let’s look into the overall requirements for MS admissions at Gannon University.

Gannon University MS Admissions

Gannon University offers various Master of Science (MS) programs, each with customized admissions processes. For instance, the MS in Engineering program considers applicants' previous projects and real-world experience in their field.

Admissions for these programs begin in the Fall intake (August 2025). Graduate assistantships offer tuition remission between $7,200 (INR 6.1L) and $9,000 (INR 7.6L) annually.

Here’s a detailed overview of Gannon University's MS program admission requirements and available scholarships:

MS Admission Requirement

For the Master of Science in Computer and Information Science program, applicants must possess a baccalaureate degree in computer science, information systems, or a related field.

This should be from a regionally accredited institution with a GPA of at least 2.5 on a 4.0 scale. International applicants who do not speak English are required to submit TOEFL scores.

Check the specific Gannon University admission criteria for MS:

To further support your academic journey, Gannon University offers a variety of scholarships customized to graduate students pursuing their MS degrees.

MS Scholarships

MS scholarships are available at Gannon University to ease financial burdens while rewarding academic achievement. Among these is the NSF S-STEM Scholarship, which supports students in STEM fields with financial aid of up to $10,000 (INR 8.5L) annually.

Below are some scholarship options available:

Having MS scholarships covered, let’s focus on the MD admission criteria for Gannon University.

Gannon University MD Admissions

In collaboration with medical institutions like LECOM, Gannon University's MD program offers a unique pathway for students interested in pursuing medicine.

The Gannon University admission process for this program begins on November 15, 2025, for the Spring (January) intake. It focuses on academic excellence and the personal dedication required for medical studies. 

Applicants must demonstrate a strong understanding of the medical field and volunteer or clinical experience.

Here’s a detailed look at the Gannon University MD program, covering admission criteria and available scholarships.

MD Admission Requirement

Gannon University has affiliations with medical schools such as the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM) and the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM).

For the LECOM 4+4 Early Acceptance Medicine program, students must achieve a cumulative overall GPA of 3.4 or higher and a cumulative science GPA of 3.2 or higher.

They must also complete the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) and earn a competitive score, typically in the 50th percentile or above.

These are the admission requirements for the MD at Gannon University:

Despite a moderately selective admissions process, Gannon University rankings reflect its growing reputation for academic excellence, attracting students nationally and internationally.

At Gannon University, MD students can benefit from unique scholarship opportunities to alleviate medical education costs.

MD Scholarships

Gannon University offers scholarships for MD students, including the Delaney Medical School Scholarship Fund, which provides $8,000 to $38,000 (INR 6.8L to INR 32L) annually for Erie County graduates accepted into an allopathic medical school.

Additionally, the Gannon University MD Program Scholarship offers up to $10,000 (INR 8.5L) per year to students demonstrating academic excellence and financial need.

Some notable scholarships include:

Next, let’s look at the admissions for other postgraduate courses at Gannon University.

Gannon University: Other PG Courses Admission

Gannon University offers over 40 postgraduate programs beyond traditional master’s degrees, including advanced certifications and professional development courses.

The admissions process for these programs typically starts in the Spring (January) intake and is highly adaptive. Applicants can apply online and submit supporting documents digitally. 

Considering this, let's explore the specific admission criteria for these postgraduate programs.

Other PG Course Admission Requirements

Gannon University offers a diverse range of graduate programs. For instance, the Master of Public Health (MPH) program requires applicants to have a minimum GPA of 3.0 from their most recent degree.

Additionally, applicants must submit official transcripts, a resume or curriculum vitae, and a personal statement. For non-native English speakers, proof of English language proficiency through TOEFL or IELTS is required.

Below are the specific admission requirements for postgraduate programs at Gannon University:

To start your academic journey at Gannon, let's explore the requirements and opportunities for undergraduate admissions.

Gannon University Bachelor's Admissions

Gannon University offers over 70 undergraduate programs across liberal arts and professional fields. This includes the highly regarded Physician Assistant program, with the Spring (January) intake application deadline for November 15, 2025.

Each program is structured to prepare students for leadership roles in their careers, communities, and beyond. The admissions process evaluates over 2,500 applications annually, and the university follows a holistic review approach.

However, before exploring the admission requirements, it's also essential to understand the unique advantages of earning a bachelor's degree at Gannon University, from academic support to career development.

Advantages of Getting into Gannon University for a Bachelor's Degree

Gannon University, with a student body of over 4,700, including 3,000+ undergraduates, offers a supportive environment for academic success. It is also backed by a $272,364 grant from the U.S. Department of Education for its TRIO Student Support Services program, ensuring additional student resources.

Here are some key advantages of pursuing a bachelor's degree at Gannon University:

• Academic Excellence: Gannon University ensures small class sizes and personalized attention. The university offers 70+ bachelor's degree programs, providing various academic choices.
• Diverse Community: The student body represents over 70 countries, enabling a global and inclusive environment that enhances the educational experience.
• Research Opportunities: Gannon offers undergraduate research programs across various disciplines. For instance, the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry provides collaborative research experiences, preparing students for graduate school or careers in industry.
• Financial Support: Approximately 85% of undergraduate students receive financial aid through grants, with the average grant award being $17,168 (INR 14.6L). After scholarships and grants, the average net price for students is $22,200 (INR 19L).
• Strong Career Outcomes: Gannon has a 94% employment rate for graduates six years after graduation, reflecting the university's commitment to preparing students for successful careers.
• On-Campus Resources: The university's campus includes advanced facilities like the 10,000-square-foot MakerSpace, which offers access to state-of-the-art equipment and enables hands-on learning in engineering, robotics, and manufacturing.

Gannon University combines academic strength, a diverse community, financial support, and strong career outcomes, making it a compelling choice for students pursuing a bachelor's degree.

Bachelor's Admission Requirements at Gannon University

Gannon University has an acceptance rate of approximately 77%, reflecting a moderately selective admissions process. Prospective students typically present an average GPA of 3.65, with SAT scores between 990 and 1250, and ACT scores between 20 and 28.

Notably, Gannon University offers a test-optional policy, allowing applicants to choose whether to submit standardized test scores as part of their application.

The essential requirements for undergraduate admission at Gannon are as follows:

You can also maximize your educational investment with the variety of scholarship opportunities available for Gannon University’s Bachelor's students. Let’s take a look at some scholarships.

Bachelor's Scholarships at Gannon University

Gannon University offers merit-based scholarships to reward academic achievement, such as the Knight Achievement Award ($22,000/ INR 18L) and the Maroon & Gold Award ($19,000/ INR 16L).

These scholarships reduce financial barriers for incoming students with strong academic records, enhancing access to quality education. Here are a few scholarship opportunities available:

After understanding Gannon University admission and scholarship opportunities, let’s explore the student support services that help ensure success throughout your academic journey.

Gannon University Student Support Services

Gannon University offers comprehensive student support services to enhance academic and personal success. Financially, Gannon awards over $3 million in aid annually. Its six-year graduation rate is 87%. Gannon ensures individualized student attention, helping them succeed academically. Some key support services include:

• Academic Support: The Student Success Center provides free tutoring services to students in various subjects, including STEM courses and writing. The Writing Center also offers personalized writing assistance for academic success.
• Health & Wellness: The Gannon University Wellness Center provides comprehensive health services, including medical care, counseling, and wellness programs. These services are available to all students.
• Career Development: The Career Development Center provides comprehensive career services, including resume workshops and internship placement. Through platforms like Handshake and Interstride, students can access 250K+ job and internship opportunities, including OPT/CPT options.
• Online Learning Readiness Assurance: Students can assess their readiness through an online questionnaire before enrolling in online programs. The questionnaire recommends studying 10-15 hours per week per course.
• Technical Support: The ITS Helpdesk provides 24/7 assistance for technical issues related to online courses and campus technology. It is available via walk-in, phone, and online support, ensuring students receive help anytime.
• Life Coaching and Seminars: Gannon’s SSS offers life coaching and seminars on time management, study skills, wellness, and communication, helping students transition from 100- and 200-level courses to more challenging classes.

These support services ensure Gannon students receive the necessary resources to succeed academically, personally, and professionally at the university.