Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get credit for my military training?

Yes! Gordon offers credit for prior learning, and values the training and experience of our veteran students. The Office of Admissions can help connect your Joint Services Transcript (JST) to a common list of courses and their Gordon equivalents. Students may also receive transfer credit for prior college attendance. Visit our admissions webpages for more information, and incorporate your prior experience into this new chapter of your life. 

How do I pay for college?

The Gordon College Office of Financial Aid works closely with our service members to ensure that they receive all of the benefits offered by the government to private colleges, on behalf of those who have served or are serving in the United States military. 

Financial aid counselors are ready to direct students to available aid and scholarships, including our Yellow Ribbon Program. Up to 20 students at Gordon can be eligible recipients per year. Gordon will award a $2,500 scholarship which will be matched by Yellow Ribbon funds. Students interested in being considered may start by completing the online Yellow Ribbon Application Form. 

Am I required to live on campus?

Gordon College welcomes any student to live in on-campus housing, but those who are 23 or older, married, living with relatives, or attending part-time may choose to live off-campus. The Office of Student Life has various housing options available, and members of the residence life team are ready to help new students understand their options. Explore housing options online.

What does it mean to be military-affiliated?

Military-affiliated students are those with any connection to military service and support. The term is often used specifically for those who have close family relationships with active duty or former service members, such as parents and guardians, spouses, and children. Veteran families face unique challenges, as they are called upon to support the service of their loved one in numerous ways. Many of our faculty and staff have lived this experience, making Gordon an understanding and welcoming place for those who carry the honor and responsibility of support.

What resources do you offer for mental health and wellness? 

Gordon is proud to offer care through our team at the Center for Student Counseling and Wellness. Entirely confidential, this includes individual therapy sessions, addiction counseling, dating and relationship assistance, and much more. In addition, Gordon's Health Center maintains student health and immunization records, and offers nursing care including exams, testing, and education. 

Can I come to Gordon as a student athlete?

The athletics program at Gordon College welcomes student veteran athletes to apply to join our Fighting Scots teams. Our athletic programs are committed to Christian character, intellectual maturity, and program excellence. Basketball, rowing, tennis, track and field, volleyball, baseball, hockey, and more, keep our students physically and mentally sharp, and provide coaching and mentoring during the colligate journey.

As a Division III program, Gordon does not offer athletic scholarships, but aid and scholarship monies are available to those who qualify. Prospective student-athletes are encouraged to either contact coaches individually, or fill out the recruiting questionnaire listed under the sports of interest.

I have been out of school for a long time. Can I do this?

Yes you can! Gordon offers personalized resources for academic success. Whether you need help developing study skills for a challenging class, support for a documented disability, or you're navigating a new culture or language, our approach is personal. No one-size-fits-all. 

Our team is ready to help you explore strategies to expand your understanding of how you learn best. Our Academic Success Center offers academic coaching and resources to get the most out of your learning. Free tutoring is available, as well as peer mentors who can meet outside of class for help navigating homework and assignments. Our faculty provide scheduled drop-in hours where any student can visit with questions or concerns, or to get clarity about an upcoming assignment, without making an appointment.

Gordon College values the service and dedication of our veteran students, and honors the sacrifices and valor of our military family members. We support individualized learning, bringing workplace-ready skills which position our graduates for success in the job market.

How can I embrace my individual faith journey at Gordon College? 

Students, faculty, and staff at Gordon College come from many faith backgrounds. With a focus on character development and community, students find classroom experiences which develop their understanding of the history and culture of faith, and attend events such as Chapel and student-led faith experiences, allowing them to experience new forms of worship. Wherever you are on your faith journey, we invite you to come with an open heart and open hands, ready to share with and learn from others, and excited to grow in a shared life together. 

Do you have my intended major? What if I am not sure what I would like to study?

Gordon offers a wide variety of programs, and students may also combine interests by earning a minor in addition to their undergraduate degree. From Accounting to Youth Ministries and most everything in between, our programs allow students to connect with peers who share similar interests, gain hands-on learning experiences, connect to faculty who are experts in the discipline, and build individual career pathways. 

Explore our academic programs directory and don’t hesitate to reach out to our admissions team to learn more. Not sure? We welcome students to declare Deciding status, and a specialized academic advisor works with each student to choose courses of interest along a path of discovery.

Does Gordon College have ROTC?

Yes, Gordon works in partnership with the United States Army and Air Force ROTC (Reserve Officers’ Training Corps) programs. These allow students to earn their undergraduate degrees while also completing training through the ROTC. Students then move to full-time service upon graduation, commissioning as a Second Lieutenant. Students can choose any major, and participate in athletics and other traditional collegiate opportunities. In partnership with the University of Massachusetts at Lowell for the United States Air Force, and with Massachusetts Institute of Technology for the United States Army, Gordon ROTC students develop valuable leadership skills to serve them in their military service and beyond. Army ROTC information may be found here, and Air Force ROTC information may be found here. 

My question isn’t listed, who can I talk to?

Please reach out to Dr. Hersey, our Veteran Student Advocate, for a conversation at any time. Meet virtually, or on campus in historic Frost Hall, where you will also find our Office of Admissions. As a veteran, Dr. Hersey has the lived experience which allows her to fully support and understand our student veterans, and our wider military-affiliated community.