Brescia University

BU is an online school with a campus for local students to attend class in person if they choose. Its online offerings include five associate degrees, eight bachelor's degrees, and five master's degrees. There are also three certificate options in accounting and theology. 

Data from the National Center for Education Statistics shows that 38% of BU's undergraduate students study online. 

Yes, its online degrees are respected because BU is an accredited university. This means that the school has undergone a thorough investigation into the quality of its programs and faculty. While every school featured on OnlineU has accreditation status, BU is specifically accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate, baccalaureate, master’s and doctorate degrees, and certificates.

BU bases its education on the Catholic liberal arts tradition. Campus students have several options to engage in religious activities, such as preparing for ministerial service. All students, however, must complete a three-credit course in Theology in order to meet the school's general education requirements. 

Additionally, students can fully immerse themselves in religious studies if they choose with a Bachelor of Arts in Theology - Pastoral Studies or a Certificate in Theology. 

The highest earning degree at BU is its online Bachelor of Social Work. According to College Scorecard data, this program can earn students a median annual salary of ~$35,700 once they've been in the workforce for three years. Another helpful tool in figuring out how much a Brescia graduate can earn is OnlineU's Salary Score. This proprietary metric compares alumni salaries from different schools using the same degree. On a scale of 1 to 100, BU has a 73 at the bachelor's level and a 5 at the master's level. 

BU's GPA requirements depend on what program a prospective student applies to as well as what type of student is applying. For example, transfer students must have a 2.0 GPA, while first-year students who are more than three years out of high school must have a 2.5 GPA. Meanwhile, Master of Social Work applicants must have maintained a 3.0 GPA during their bachelor's degree program to be accepted.

To determine how easy it is to get into Brescia, it's best to look at its acceptance rate. College Scorecard shows that it has a 48% acceptance rate. Since the national average is around 60%, BU is considered more difficult to get into than most other schools.

Online students can apply to college at BU on a rolling basis. While the school does have minimum requirements in some cases, admissions counselors are committed to working with students that may fall short. This flexibility also extends to college entrance exam scores, which are accepted but not required. 

Students must complete the following steps to apply:

• Complete Brescia University's online application
• Pay the non-refundable $25 application fee. 
• Submit high school transcripts or GED showing the applicant's cumulative GPA and graduation date. 

If transferring credits from another college or AP courses from high school, students must include a separate transcript from that institution.