Donnelly College (DC) Academics and Admissions

Academics

Founded in 1949 by the Benedictine Sisters and sponsored by the Archdiocese of Kansas City, Donnelly College is a private, Roman Catholic, coed, two-year institution of higher learning. The college is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission of NCA. Some of the college’s programs also have individualized accreditation as well. The college offers a wide variety of associate and bachelor’s degree programs. There are numerous certificate programs as well. Popular programs offered at this college include Business, LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse), Pharmacy Technician I & II, Social Science, Mathematics, and Fine Arts. Donnelly offers flexible class options that include online classes and part-time schedules.

The college offers diverse academic support services such as a learning center, distance learning programs, dual enrollment, evening or early morning classes, remedial instruction, reduced course loads, study skill training, and tutoring services. A low student-to-faculty rations means small class sizes with lots of individual attention.

Most Popular Fields of Study

Information Summary

Ranks 33rd in Kansas and 2170th overall. See the entire top 2,000 colleges and universities list
Overall Score (about)	60.9
Total Cost On-Campus Attendance	$8,220
Admission Success rate	N/A
Student Ratio Students-to-Faculty	13 : 1
Retention (full-time / part-time)	64% / 20%
Enrollment Total (all students)	364

Admissions

Donnelly has an open enrollment policy, which means that any person who has either graduated from an accredited high school, successfully passed the GED examination, or met Ability to Benefit testing standards approved by the U.S. Department of Education is eligible to enroll.

Aspiring students must complete the school’s application form, which is available online. There is a nonrefundable application fee. Each applicant must also submit an official high school transcript or GED score report, an official SAT or ACT score report (optional), and any AP or college credit transcripts (where applicable). Letters of recommendation and interviews are not required, but all students have to take placement tests. Students can check the college’s Testing Center for availability and more information on the placement tests. Certain academic programs also have additional requirements. While students are admitted to the college on a rolling basis all year long, students are strongly urged to apply by the priority deadlines, which vary by term. Students should contact the school directly for exact dates and deadlines.

Adult students, non-degree seeking students, transfer students, home-schooled students, and international students may need to use different procedures, so they should refer to the university’s website or contact the Office of Admission for more information about the admissions process and application requirements. Useful statistics, including minimum admission standards and dates are listed on the college’s website.

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Financial Aid

Although Donnelly has one of the lowest hourly tuition rates of any private college in the state of Kansas, the majority of its students receive some form of state, federal, private, or institutional financial assistance. In fact, most of the students who applied for financial aid were awarded need-based financial assistance. Forms of aid include grants, scholarships, and loans. The college also offers a limited number of institutional scholarships and grants that include the Presidential Scholarship, the Dean’s Scholarship, the Sister Fran Cross Scholarship, and the Reach Scholarship. Some are based on merit; others require applicants to demonstrate evidence of financial need. All students who wish to be considered for financial aid must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). If selected for verification, students will also need to complete a Federal Verification Worksheet and/or submit additional documents.

Students are encouraged to contact the Financial Aid Office for more information and assistance with completing the financial aid application process. The college’s financial aid website has a wealth of information about the financial aid process, so students are advised to read through the information carefully. Students should note that financial aid applications must be renewed each year. Donnelly also offers a deferred payment plan to help students pay any tuition charges that are not covered by financial aid.

Student Financial Aid Details

Ranks 5288th for the average student loan amount.
Secrets to getting the best scholarships and financial aid in Kansas.

Students

Donnelly has a diverse student body, representing many backgrounds and points of origin. In fact, the college is the only federally designated Minority Serving Institution and Hispanic Serving Institution in the entire region. Students of color make up nearly ninety percent of the student body. Almost eighty percent of the students are first-generation college students.

The school makes available a host of academic and social support services such as academic advising, career counseling, and tutoring to help students make a smooth and seamless transition to campus life. At the college, there are also numerous clubs, organizations, and activities that include academic, professional, political, social, talent, athletic, student government, media, religious, service, multicultural, special interest, and honor groups. Popular activities include the Student Senate, the Healthy Student Task Force, soccer clubs, DLAC, and Student Ambassadors. As the college is affiliated with the Catholic Church, Catholicism is a major part of life on campus. The Campus Ministry program is a core activity at the college and is open to all Donnelly students regardless of religious background. The program is sponsored by the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas and emphasizes scripture study, advocacy, leadership development, catechesis, evangelization, community life development and celebrations, justice and service issues, pastoral care, prayer, and worship.

There is limited housing available on campus, but the college is located fairly close to the city’s downtown area, and the college can refer students to a number of helpful resources that could help them find affordable housing near the school. There are numerous computers available on campus, and all students are provided with email accounts. There is a wired and a wireless high speed Internet network on campus.

Student Enrollment Demographics

Student Graduation Demographics

Athletics

There are men’s and women’s soccer clubs at Donnelly. Most games are held indoors.

Donnelly College