Applying to Founder’s College
The process to apply for Founder’s College is straightforward. Our dedicated admission team is available to assist you at every stage of the process, so feel free to reach out with any questions.
The 2026 application for admission is now open. Apply now!
What We’re Looking For
Founder’s College students will be engaged learners who are open-minded, caring, reflective, inquirers, and risk-takers. We ask students to bring their “authentic self” to the College.
A strong candidate for admission to Founder’s College will:
- On average, possess a cumulative GPA of 2.5–3.0
- Be a current high school senior or have completed high school (or equivalent) within the past two years with no more than 11 college credit hours completed
- Demonstrate financial need
- Live in the Central Indiana area and wish to commute to college
- Demonstrate perseverance and grit in meeting their educational goals
High School Coursework
We recommend that Founder’s College applicants complete the following courses as part of their high school curriculum for the best chance of admission. These coursework guidelines are aligned with the Core 40 diploma, ensuring you’re well-prepared for success at Founder’s College:
English: 4 years (8 credits)
Mathematics: 3 years (6 credits)
Laboratory Science: 3 years (6 credits)
Social Studies/History: 3 years (6 credits)
World Language: 2 years of the same language (4 credits) preferred
Students with a high school diploma equivalent, such as a GED, may also be considered for admission to Founder’s College.
Application Checklist
Here’s a summary of what you’ll need to apply. The Founder’s College admission team must have all of the following items before application review can begin.
Please note that Founder’s College follows a test-blind admission policy. Standardized test scores (such as the SAT or ACT) are not considered as part of the application review—even if they are submitted.
Admission Resources
| Founder’s College Student Brochure | Founder’s College Student Flyer |
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| Academic Majors One Sheet | |
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FAFSA Requirement
The 2026–2027 FAFSA is expected to open on October 1, 2025.
To be considered for admission to Founder’s College, applicants should submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by the Priority Application Deadline of February 15. We will still accept FAFSAs after this date. Demonstrating a high level of financial need through the FAFSA is a prerequisite for admission to Founder’s College. Your application for admission will not be reviewed until your completed FAFSA is on file.
Use Butler’s school code when filing: 001788.
Most non-U.S. citizens are not eligible for federal student aid from the U.S. Department of Education, and cannot file the FAFSA. There are, however, some instances in which noncitizens may be eligible for federal government aid. Visit studentaid.gov for more information.
Students who are not eligible for federal aid (e.g., undocumented students) are invited to complete the CSS Profile Lite. The CSS Profile Lite allows students to explore non-federal aid options. It should be filed before the Priority Application Deadline of February 15, but will still be accepted after this date. Use the Founder’s College at Butler University code when filing: 1073.
If you have questions about completing the FAFSA or FAFSA alternative, please contact our Financial Aid team.