STEP into Your Future

Carlow University’s Student Transition and Exploration Programs (STEP Programs) are designed to help high schools, career and technical educational programs, and educational partners create seamless, supported pathways from high school to college.

Through structured collaboration, we provide opportunities for high school students to earn college credit, explore future careers, and confidently transition into post-secondary education.

STEP Partnership Programs

Available through your school

Earn up to 15 credits toward an undergraduate degree.
Become a STEP Partner

STEP Partnership Programs

Available through your school

Earn up to 15 credits toward an undergraduate degree.
Become a STEP Partner

College in High School

Earn credits early, at a discount, and become eligible for a $1,000 scholarship.
Find out How

Pathway to an Accelerated Carlow Education (PACE)

Take advantage of reduced tuition and early college credit opportunities that position you to complete your undergraduate degree with confidence.
Find out How

Discover Direct Student
Enrollment Opportunities

College doesn’t have to wait until after high school, step into your future now.

Earn College Credit

Experience college-level courses

Explore Future Careers

With guided support, find your academic and career pathway.

Make an Impact

Build the confidence and skills needed to make an impact.

Rooted in Carlow's mission to provide a purpose-focused education, STEP connects academic preparation with real-world skills to support a smooth transition from high school to college and your future career.

Dual Enrollment

Earn up to a year's worth of college credits before high school graduation at a discounted tuition rate.
Find out How

Summer Workshops

Explore academic interests, potential college majors, and engage with industry professionals through a hands-on, career-connected workshop.
Find out How

Our Articulated Credit (AC) program provides an opportunity for your student to get a head start on college while they are still enrolled in their Career & Technical Education (CTE) program. Students can earn up to 15 major-specific college credits, giving them progress on their undergraduate degree before high school graduation at no-cost.(i)Articulated Credit is activated when the student enrolls at Carlow University.

Take the First Step to become a STEP Partner

Request Information
Questions? Contact chs@carlow.edu.
Become a STEP Partner Download Printable PDF

Our College in High School (CHS) program allows students to earn transferable college credit right in their high school classroom. Find out if your high school offers Carlow University's CHS program by asking your counselor.

Discover More (CHS Information)
Questions? Contact chs@carlow.edu.
Become a STEP Partner Download Printable PDF

PACE provides a structured path for high school students to earn up to 30 college credits through a Carlow-approved high school curriculum. Students partner with both Carlow advisors and high school counselors to build an academic plan that positions them to complete their undergraduate degree early. This program begins with a partnership at the high school — find out if your high school offers PACE by asking your counselor.

Questions? Contact chs@carlow.edu.
Become a STEP Partner Download Printable PDF

Dual Enrollment (DE) gives high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors the opportunity to take real Carlow University courses (degree-specific or general core) and earn transferable credit (i). The DE program is designed to supplement, not replace, your high school curriculum. Throughout your Dual Enrollment, you will have access to our academic resources and accommodations (i).

Discover More
Schedule a meeting to see if you’re eligible (i) for Dual Enrollment at Carlow University. Contact chs@carlow.edu.

(a) Eligibility

Sophomore high school status or above. Sophomore students are eligible for no more than one course per semester during the academic year while juniors and seniors are eligible for up to two courses.

Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.25, with eligibility confirmed by the school.

For homeschooled applicants, please provide one of the following:

A parent-generated homeschool transcript that includes courses, final grades, earned credits, and a cumulative unweighted GPA, OR

An official transcript or GPA report issued by a homeschool co-op, umbrella/supervising school, online curriculum provider, or academic evaluator.

The transcript must clearly show how the GPA was calculated and reflect the student's most current cumulative GPA.

High School administration must grant approval for students to complete DE courses at Carlow during the academic year. Schools may opt out of the DE program, but students may always take DE courses during the summer, independently of the high school approval.

A High School Counselor recommendation is required. Students must provide contact information at time of DE application.

Parent/guardian approval is required. Students must provide contact information at time of DE application.

(b) Course Information

DE courses follow the same structure, rigor, and schedule as traditional Carlow University undergraduate classes. Students receive Carlow student access, including a Carlow email address, allowing easy access to Carlow's online platforms to complete coursework and communicate with instructors. The student is responsible for the tuition, textbook, and course fees.

(c) Academic Resources:

Our academic resources (including tutoring services) for DE courses will be available for DE students at no-cost. If you are utilizing accommodations in your high school curriculum, we offer accommodations through our Office of Disability Services.

Carlow's Summer Workshops invite students to engage in hands-on, experiential learning rooted in the University's long-standing tradition of education that serves both individuals and communities. Through interactive activities, project-based learning, and engagement with faculty and professionals, students explore academic pathways, career fields, and the real-world impact of their learning.

Questions? Contact summerworkshops@carlow.edu.

Learn more about our partnerships with high schools and CTE programs.

Carlow University

Facebook

Twitter

YouTube

Instagram

LinkedIn

TikTok

Blog

A More Just & Merciful World Podcast

A More Merciful World Series

Become a Celtic

Virtual Tour

Request Information

Become a Celtic

Virtual Tour

Request Information

3333 Fifth Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15213
800.333.2275
questions@carlow.edu

View Map & Directions
▸ Campus Laboratory School

Student Login

Employee Login

Alumni

Athletics

Press Kit Toolbox

Title IX

Employment

Consumer
Information

Privacy Notices

Accessibility Statement

Policy & Disclosure Directory

A-Z Index

Sitemap

© Copyright 2024 Carlow University. All rights reserved.

Carlow University prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates. Individuals may report concerns or questions to the Title IX Coordinator, Jackie smith at jmsmith@carlow.edu or 412-578-6050.

Traditional First-Year Undergraduate

How to Become a Celtic

To become a Celtic, students currently enrolled in high school should submit the following:

Application for admission

Official high school transcript sent directly by your high school to Carlow

Essay or personal statement (optional)

Counselor and/or teacher recommendation (optional)

Standardized test scores (optional for most students )

Apply through Common App

Contact Admissions

We’re here to support you every step of the way. Once you apply, you will be assigned an enrollment counselor to help guide you through the process.
admissions@carlow.edu
+1 (412) 578-6059
Accessibility accommodations are available (submit a request).

Not ready to Become a Celtic? Stay Curious.

Adult Undergraduate

How to Become a Celtic

To become a Celtic, adult learners who earned a high school diploma more than four years ago should submit the following:

Application for admission

Official transcripts from all previous undergraduate institutions sent directly by the institution to Carlow

Apply via Celtic Portal

Contact Admissions

We’re here to support you every step of the way. Once you apply, you will be assigned an enrollment counselor to help guide you through the process.
admissions@carlow.edu
+1 (412) 578-6059
Accessibility accommodations are available (submit a request).

Not ready to Become a Celtic? Stay Curious.

International

How to Become a Celtic

To become a Celtic, students who are not citizens or permanent residents of the United States should submit the following:

Application for admission

A certified course-by-course credential evaluation from World Education Services (preferred) or another current member organization of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES)

Official transcripts from all previous institutions sent directly by the institution to Carlow or alongside the certified credential evaluation

Proof of English language proficiency from an applicable testing agency (TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, SAT, ACT)

Copy of passport

Requirements may differ by program and are included on the individual program pages (e.g., recommendations, additional writing samples, etc.). Some programs may also require an interview.

Apply via Celtic Portal

Note that if Carlow determines that any fraudulent documents have been submitted by you or on your behalf, your application will be withdrawn immediately, and you will no longer be eligible for admission.

Contact Admissions

We’re here to support you every step of the way. Once you apply, you will be assigned an enrollment counselor to help guide you through the process.
admissions@carlow.edu
+1 (412) 578-6059
Accessibility accommodations are available (submit a request).

Not ready to Become a Celtic? Stay Curious.

Traditional Transfer Undergraduate

How to Become a Celtic

To become a Celtic, students transferring from another college/university and who have earned a high school diploma less than four years ago should submit the following:

Application for admission

Final official high school transcript, showing evidence of graduation/diploma date, sent directly by your high school to Carlow

Official transcripts from all previous undergraduate institutions sent directly by the institution to Carlow

If you transferred from the Community College of Allegheny County before earning your associate degree, you may qualify for a reverse transfer

Apply via Celtic Portal

Contact Admissions

We’re here to support you every step of the way. Once you apply, you will be assigned an enrollment counselor to help guide you through the process.
admissions@carlow.edu
+1 (412) 578-6059
Accessibility accommodations are available (submit a request).

Not ready to Become a Celtic? Stay Curious.

Graduate

How to Become a Celtic

To become a Celtic, students who want to pursue a graduate certificate or a master’s or doctoral degree should submit the following:

Application for admission

Personal essay, prompt may vary by program (upload when applying)

Resume or curriculum vitae (upload when applying)

Official transcripts from all previous undergraduate institutions sent directly by the institution to Carlow

Requirements may differ by program and are included on the individual program pages (e.g., recommendations, additional writing samples, etc.). Some programs may also require an interview.

Apply via Celtic Portal

If you are applying for SLP, PA, OT, or PT, you will need to apply through the respective Centralized Application Service.

Contact Admissions

We’re here to support you every step of the way. Once you apply, you will be assigned an enrollment counselor to help guide you through the process.
admissions@carlow.edu
+1 (412) 578-6059
Accessibility accommodations are available (submit a request).

Not ready to Become a Celtic? Stay Curious.

NATIONAL DECISION DAY

STEP into Your Future

STEP Partnership Programs

Available through your school

STEP Partnership Programs

Available through your school

College in High School

Pathway to an Accelerated Carlow Education (PACE)

Discover Direct StudentEnrollment Opportunities

Earn College Credit

Explore Future Careers

Make an Impact

Dual Enrollment

Summer Workshops

Take the First Step to become a STEP Partner

Traditional First-Year Undergraduate

How to Become a Celtic

Contact Admissions

Adult Undergraduate

How to Become a Celtic

Contact Admissions

International

How to Become a Celtic

Contact Admissions

Traditional Transfer Undergraduate

How to Become a Celtic

Contact Admissions

Graduate

How to Become a Celtic

Contact Admissions

Discover Direct Student
Enrollment Opportunities