All new students are required to take a COMPASS placement test. Students may be exempt from COMPASS testing who have taken the ACT if the test has been taken within a three-year period and their scores meet minimum placement standards of 20 or above for Reading and English and 21 or above for Mathematics, or who have taken the SAT within a three-year period and their scores meet minimum placement standards of 480 or above on Reading and English and 530 or above on Math. Students who have successfully completed college-level mathematics and English courses at an accredited college or university are exempt from this policy.

Assessment results will be used by academic advisors to match students with courses that are consistent with their skill level. COMPASS scores will be valid for one year from the date of the original assessment, and students are permitted no more than two retests per discipline each semester.

Students who do not meet the requirements for exemption are required to take the recommended courses in their first semester as this coursework will enhance their achievement in other college classes and keep them on track for graduation in two years.