Policies and questions.

Continuous admissions

eLadder accepts applications throughout the year. Once you are accepted and enrolled, you begin your programme at the start of the next available term.

The six steps

• Enquiry and conversation — an admissions officer speaks with you by phone or video about your goals, eligibility and the application.
• Application — you submit the signed application, your transcripts (evaluated by an approved credential evaluation service if earned outside the United States) and proof of English proficiency. Everything is submitted electronically.
• Eligibility review — the Director of Admissions checks your documents against the published requirements and either recommends you for admission or tells you in writing why you do not yet meet them.
• Academic review — the Academic Dean reviews recommended applications, may ask to speak with you, and makes the final decision.
• Decision — you are told in writing. If accepted, you receive the Enrollment Agreement and enrolment documents.
• Enrollment Agreement — return it signed within 10 days of receiving it. Without it, the application is incomplete and the offer of admission lapses.

English proficiency

Every applicant shows English proficiency with one of: TOEFL iBT 80, IELTS 6.5, Duolingo English Test 100, official confirmation from a previous institution that instruction was in English, or an interview with eLadder admissions.

Information you provide

The application asks for your full legal name, address, email, mobile number, date of birth, emergency contact and, where relevant, immigration status. Social Security number, ethnicity and gender are optional. Everything you provide is handled under the Privacy and Student Records policies.

The Enrollment Agreement

Signing the Enrollment Agreement completes enrolment and confirms that you accept eLadder's policies on refunds, cancellation and withdrawal, transfer of credit, and conduct. It is signed by you and by the admissions office.

Appealing a decision

If you are not admitted, you may appeal in writing to the Chief Executive Officer within 30 calendar days of the decision, explaining why and attaching any supporting documents. You may be invited to an interview. A decision is sent within 14 calendar days of receiving your appeal and is final. If you did not meet a minimum requirement, the better route is usually to reapply once you do.

Your copy

Every prospective student can request the Academic Catalog, in electronic or printed form, before enrolling. Write to info@eladderuniversity.com.

What it covers

• Programmes, with each course's number, title, credit hours, description, prerequisites and grading.
• Admission requirements, policies and procedures.
• Transfer credit, credit by examination and credit for prior experiential learning.
• Attendance and participation expectations for online courses.
• The technology, equipment and learning materials used in online instruction.
• Tuition, fees, refunds, and every institutional policy.

Updates

The catalog covers the calendar year, 1 January to 31 December, and is reviewed every year. Changes to programmes, services or policies are published promptly, as a supplement where needed. If nothing changes, a catalog may cover two years.

eLadder measures study in semester credit hours. Every programme is delivered online, and the catalog names the learning platform used.

Terms and start dates

eLadder admits students throughout the year. Once enrolled, you start at the beginning of the next available term. Term start and end dates, the add/drop period and assessment deadlines are published before each term begins and sent to enrolled students.

Add and drop

The first week of each term is the add/drop period. Courses dropped during this week do not appear on your transcript, and tuition for them is refunded in full under the Refund policy.

Time zones

Every deadline is stated with its time zone. Because students study around the world, check the time zone on each deadline; if you are unsure, ask and we will confirm it.

How much can transfer

• Bachelor's degrees: up to 75% of the credits required.
• Master's and doctoral degrees: up to two-thirds of the credits required.

Where credit can come from

• Accredited institutions in the United States.
• Institutions licensed by the Florida Commission for Independent Education.
• Institutions outside the United States, once evaluated by a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES).

How it is assessed

Submit official transcripts from every institution you attended. Credit is evaluated course by course against the eLadder course it would replace, for content, level and credit hours. Transfer cannot be guaranteed. The decision is given with your admission decision, so you know the length and cost of your degree before you commit.

Credit by examination and prior learning

• Up to 12 general education credits may be earned through CLEP subject examinations (not general examinations), with official scores meeting the required standard.
• Learning from professional work, training or certification may be recognised where it is documented and evaluated against the course outcomes.

Transferring credit elsewhere

Whether another institution accepts eLadder credit is that institution's decision. If you plan to transfer, check with them before you enrol.

Grading scale

• A (4.0) — excellent · 90–100%
• B (3.0) — good · 80–89%
• C (2.0) — satisfactory · 70–79%
• D (1.0) — passing, below expectations · 60–69% (undergraduate only)
• F (0.0) — fail · below 60%
• I — incomplete · W — withdrawn · TC — transfer credit (not counted in the average)

Grade point average

Your GPA is the total grade points (grade value × credit hours) divided by the credit hours attempted. W, I and TC do not count. A repeated course counts once, using the later grade.

Incomplete grades

If circumstances beyond your control stop you finishing a course you have mostly completed, your instructor may give an Incomplete. The remaining work must be finished within 30 days of the end of the term, or the I becomes the grade earned on the work submitted.

Questioning a grade

Raise it first with your instructor within 14 days of the grade being posted. If it is not resolved, appeal in writing to the Academic Dean within a further 14 days. The Academic Dean's decision is final.

Transcripts

Official transcripts are issued by the Registrar on your written request to info@eladderuniversity.com, sent to you or directly to the institution or employer you name. A transcript is released only when your account has no outstanding balance.

The three measures

• Grades — a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0 for undergraduate programmes and 3.0 for master's and doctoral programmes.
• Pace — successfully completing at least 67% of the credit hours you attempt.
• Time — finishing your programme within 150% of its published length in credit hours.

When it is checked

Progress is reviewed at the end of every term, and you are told the result in writing.

If you fall below

• Academic warning — for one term, with an advising plan to get back on track.
• Academic probation — if you are still below the standard after the warning term; your course load may be limited.
• Dismissal — if you do not meet the standard by the end of probation.

Appeal and return

You may appeal a dismissal in writing to the Academic Dean within 14 days, explaining the circumstances (such as illness or a family emergency) and how they have changed. If the appeal is granted, you continue on probation with an academic plan. A dismissed student may apply to return after one term.

What counts as attendance

Attendance is active participation: logging in to your course, completing activities, submitting assignments, taking part in discussions, and joining any scheduled live sessions. Logging in alone does not count.

What is expected

• Take part in every course at least once each week.
• Join scheduled live sessions, or watch the recording and complete the related activity if you cannot attend.
• Tell your instructor in advance if you will be unable to participate.

If you stop taking part

If you do not participate for 14 consecutive days, we contact you to help you get back on track. After 21 consecutive days without participation or contact, you may be withdrawn from the course, and your last date of participation is used for any refund calculation.

Planned absence

For illness, family circumstances or work commitments, contact your instructor and student support before the absence. A longer break may be arranged as a leave of absence under the Cancellation, Withdrawal and Leave of Absence policy.

The principle

Every piece of work you submit must be your own, and every source you use must be acknowledged. Your degree is only worth what the work behind it is worth.

What counts as a breach

• Plagiarism — presenting someone else's words, ideas or work as your own.
• Contract cheating — having another person or service produce work for you.
• Collusion — working with others on work meant to be individual.
• Fabrication — inventing or falsifying data, sources or results.
• Using unauthorised help in an assessment, or sharing assessment content.
• Submitting the same work for credit twice without permission.

Artificial intelligence tools

Each course states whether, and how, AI tools may be used. Where they are allowed, say how you used them. Where they are not, using them is a breach. If in doubt, ask your instructor before you submit.

What happens

Your instructor raises the concern with you and the Academic Dean, and you have the chance to respond. Depending on seriousness and whether it has happened before, outcomes range from a warning or resubmission, to a failing grade for the work or course, to suspension or dismissal. Outcomes are confirmed in writing.

Appeal

You may appeal in writing to the Chief Executive Officer within 14 days of the decision.

Where it applies

In courses, live sessions, discussion forums, email, messaging and any eLadder platform or event, and in any conduct that affects other members of the eLadder community.

What we expect

• Treat students, faculty and staff with courtesy and respect, across cultures and time zones.
• Communicate professionally, and disagree constructively.
• Keep your login credentials private and use university systems only for their intended purpose.
• Respect other people's privacy and intellectual property.
• Be honest in your studies and in your dealings with the university.

Misconduct

• Harassment, bullying, discrimination, threats or abusive language.
• Disrupting classes or online sessions.
• Sharing another person's personal information or recordings without consent.
• Unauthorised access to systems or other people's accounts.
• Copyright infringement or distributing course materials without permission.
• Providing false information to the university.

Process and outcomes

Report concerns to info@eladderuniversity.com. The Academic Dean reviews reports, speaks with those involved and gives each person the chance to respond. Outcomes range from a written warning to suspension or dismissal, and are confirmed in writing. You may appeal in writing to the Chief Executive Officer within 14 days.

Step 1 — raise it informally

Most concerns are resolved quickly by speaking to the person involved or to student support. Raise it as soon as you can.

Step 2 — formal written complaint

If it is not resolved, write to the Academic Dean at dean@eladderuniversity.com describing what happened, when, who was involved, and the outcome you are looking for. You will receive an acknowledgement within 5 working days and a written response within 30 days.

Step 3 — review

If you are not satisfied with the response, ask the Chief Executive Officer in writing, within 14 days, to review it. The review decision is sent in writing within 30 days and completes the university's internal process.

Outside the university

If a complaint cannot be resolved through this process, you may contact the Florida Commission for Independent Education, 325 West Gaines Street, Suite 1414, Tallahassee, FL 32399-0400; toll-free (888) 224-6684.

No retaliation

Raising a complaint in good faith will never affect your grades, your standing or how you are treated.

Our commitment

eLadder does not discriminate on the basis of disability and provides reasonable accommodations, consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, so every student has equal access to learning.

Examples of accommodations

• Extra time for timed assessments and flexibility on deadlines.
• Captioned videos and transcripts of recorded sessions.
• Course materials in accessible formats that work with screen readers.
• Alternative ways to take part in live sessions.

How to ask

Write to info@eladderuniversity.com, ideally before your term begins, describing what you need and including supporting documentation from a qualified professional. Requests are confidential. We will discuss options with you and confirm the agreed accommodations in writing, normally within 10 working days.

If you disagree

You may appeal an accommodation decision through the Grievance and Complaints policy.

Our commitment

eLadder does not discriminate in admissions, education, employment or any activity on the basis of race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Harassment

Harassment — unwelcome conduct related to a protected characteristic, including sexual harassment — is prohibited in every eLadder course, platform and communication.

Reporting

Report discrimination or harassment to the Academic Dean at dean@eladderuniversity.com, or to the Chief Executive Officer if the concern involves the Academic Dean. Reports are handled promptly, fairly and as confidentially as possible, and both parties can respond before any decision.

Outcomes and protection

Anyone found to have discriminated or harassed faces action under the Code of Conduct, up to dismissal. Retaliation against anyone who reports in good faith or takes part in an investigation is itself a serious breach.

What copyright protects

Copyright gives creators the exclusive right to copy, distribute, display, perform and adapt their work. It covers books, articles, music, film, images, software, databases and digital course materials.

What infringement looks like

• Downloading, sharing or distributing copyrighted material — software, music, films, television, games or images — without permission, including through peer-to-peer file sharing.
• Copying or posting eLadder course materials, recordings or assessments outside the course.
• Using someone else's work in your own beyond what the law permits, without permission or acknowledgement.

It is prohibited

Copyright infringement by any eLadder student or staff member, or through any eLadder system or account, is prohibited and breaches the Code of Conduct as well as federal law.

Consequences at eLadder

• Suspension or removal from one or more courses.
• Dismissal from the programme.
• Referral to the appropriate authorities.

Legal penalties

Under U.S. copyright law, infringement can lead to civil liability for actual damages, or statutory damages of up to $30,000 per work (up to $150,000 where the infringement is wilful), as well as possible criminal penalties.

When we ask

• A short, anonymous survey at the end of every course.
• A programme survey each year, and when you complete your programme.

How it is used

Feedback is reviewed by faculty and the Academic Dean each term and is used to improve courses, teaching, support and the learning platform. A summary of what changed as a result is shared with students.

Any time

You do not need to wait for a survey. Send suggestions at any time to info@eladderuniversity.com. Feedback is different from a complaint: if you want a specific issue resolved, use the Grievance and Complaints policy.

Charges

• Tuition and every other fee, with its amount, are published under Admissions, on the Tuition and fees tab.
• The registration fee is non-refundable, as set out in the refund policy.
• Textbooks are not included in tuition.
• Tuition and fees are subject to change.

How to pay

We accept Visa and Mastercard (through Stripe), bank wire and PayPal. Pay only through the methods published on the Admissions page; our account details never change by email.

Allow two weeks for a receipt requested by mail or fax.

When payment is due

Payment dates are set out in your Enrollment Agreement.

Late payment

• More than one month late: a late fee may be charged, and you may be temporarily withdrawn from your courses until the account is brought up to date.
• More than three months late: you may be dismissed from your programme.
• Transcripts and your award are released only when your account is paid in full.

If you are struggling to pay

Contact us at info@eladderuniversity.com before a payment is missed so we can discuss options.

Full refund

• If you cancel within three business days of signing your Enrollment Agreement, or after attending your first class — whichever is later.
• If you withdraw during the add/drop period, the first week of the term.
• If you are not accepted for admission.
• If eLadder cancels your course or programme, or withdraws its offer of enrolment (unless the offer was based on incorrect information you provided).

After the add/drop period

• Withdrawal before 60% of the term is completed: a pro-rata refund of up to 40% of tuition for the term, based on the scheduled days remaining after your last date of attendance.
• Withdrawal after 60% of the term is completed: no refund.
• The non-refundable registration fee is deducted from any refund.

Loans and sponsors

eLadder does not currently award federal financial aid. If any part of your tuition was paid by a lender, sponsor or agency, the refund is returned to them first.

How to request a refund

Send the Refund Request Form to the Registrar at info@eladderuniversity.com. It asks for your full name, student ID or passport number, date of birth, contact details, the reason for the request, the payment method and account details, the amount requested, and your signature and date. A refund is processed only when no balance is outstanding on your account.

Timing and method

Approved refunds are paid within 30 days of your cancellation or withdrawal notice, to the account and by the method you originally paid.

Your right to cancel

You may cancel your Enrollment Agreement for a full refund within three business days of signing it, or after attending your first class, whichever is later. Cancellation during the add/drop period (the first week of term) also receives a full refund.

Send written notice to the Office of Admissions by email or post, including your name, student ID, programme and a clear statement that you are cancelling.

Withdrawing

After the cancellation period you may withdraw at any time by writing to the Registrar at info@eladderuniversity.com with your name, student ID, programme and a clear statement that you are withdrawing. Your last date of attendance is used to calculate any refund under the Refund policy.

Leave of absence

For personal, medical or other serious circumstances you may request a leave of absence in writing to the Registrar, with your name, student ID, programme and the reason. While an approved leave lasts, you remain enrolled and no withdrawal is recorded. If you do not return when it ends, your withdrawal date is your last date of attendance.

Refunds

Refunds follow the Refund policy and are paid within 30 days of your notice, by the method you originally used.

Asking for an exception

If your circumstances justify an exception, appeal in writing to the Academic Dean at dean@eladderuniversity.com with your name, student ID, programme, a full explanation and supporting documents. Appeals are considered case by case and answered in writing.

Your rights under FERPA

• To see your education records, within 45 days of a written request.
• To ask for a record you believe is inaccurate or misleading to be corrected, and to a hearing if the request is refused.
• To decide who else may see your records: we need your written consent before releasing them, except where the law allows.
• To complain to the U.S. Department of Education if you believe your rights have not been respected.

What we keep

Your application and admission documents, enrolment, courses, grades, academic standing, transcripts, award, and financial account. Academic transcripts are kept permanently; other records are kept for at least five years after you leave.

When records are shared without consent

• With eLadder staff who need them to do their job.
• With accrediting and state licensing bodies, including the Florida Commission for Independent Education.
• To comply with a court order or subpoena, or in a health or safety emergency.
• With an institution you are transferring to.

Directory information

eLadder may confirm your name, programme, dates of enrolment and award. Write to info@eladderuniversity.com if you do not want this information released.

Security

Records are held on secure systems with access limited to authorised staff, and requests are verified before any record is released.

What we collect

• Information you give us — name, email, phone, address, date of birth, academic records and, where applicable, payment details.
• Information collected automatically — browser type, IP address, device information, cookies and how you use the site.

How we use it

• To process enquiries, applications, admissions and student services.
• To keep you informed about your application and your studies, and, if you agree, about news and programmes.
• To improve our website.
• To meet legal, licensing and accreditation requirements.

Who we share it with

We never sell your personal information. We share it only with licensing, accreditation and legal authorities where required; with trusted service providers such as hosting, IT and payment providers, who may use it only on our behalf; or where the law requires it or to protect eLadder's rights.

Cookies

We use cookies to make the site work and to understand how it is used. You can turn cookies off in your browser settings.

Security and international students

We use industry-standard measures to protect your information, though no system can be completely secure. If you study with us from outside the United States, your information is processed in the United States; we respect the rights you have under your own country's data protection law.

Your choices

• Ask to see the personal information we hold about you.
• Ask for it to be corrected or deleted, where we are not required to keep it.
• Unsubscribe from marketing messages at any time.

Contact

Write to info@eladderuniversity.com or eLadder University, 7901 4th St N #27908, St. Petersburg, FL 33702, United States. Education records are also covered by the Student Records policy.

Using the site

By using this website you agree to these terms. Use it lawfully, and do not attempt to disrupt it, gain unauthorised access, or collect other users' information.

Information on the site

We keep information accurate and up to date, but programmes, fees and policies can change. The Academic Catalog and your Enrollment Agreement are the authoritative statement of the terms that apply to you.

Your account

If you have a student account, keep your login details private. You are responsible for activity under your account; tell us at once if you believe it has been used by someone else.

Intellectual property

Content on this site and in our courses belongs to eLadder or its licensors. You may use course materials for your own study, but not copy, share or publish them without permission.

Links and liability

Links to other websites are provided for convenience; eLadder is not responsible for their content. The site is provided as is, and eLadder is not liable for loss arising from its use, to the extent the law allows.

Law and changes

These terms are governed by the laws of the State of Florida. We may update them, and the current version is always published here.

Equipment

• A laptop or desktop computer from the last five years, running a current version of Windows or macOS.
• A current web browser such as Chrome, Edge, Safari or Firefox.
• A webcam, microphone and speakers or headset for live sessions.
• Software for documents, spreadsheets and presentations, and a PDF reader.

Connection

A reliable broadband connection of at least 10 Mbps is recommended for video. A phone or tablet is useful for reading and watching, but not sufficient for completing assessments.

Skills

You should be comfortable using email, browsing the web, managing files, and typing and formatting documents. Orientation to the learning platform is provided before your first course.

If you need help

Technical support is available through info@eladderuniversity.com. If a technical problem affects a deadline, tell us straight away. For accessible formats or assistive technology, see the Accessibility policy.