Is Zaytuna College for Me?

Zaytuna College can only achieve its aspiration of becoming an elite college if it is able to attract excellent students. For us, an excellent student is not necessarily one who is merely among the “best and the brightest,” although an excellent student is certainly one who has been generously blessed intellectually. However, intellect without character, a strong work ethic, an open mind, and a commitment to the betterment of humanity will do little to fulfill the purpose of Zaytuna College.

We wish to attract students who are not only blessed with these characteristics, but who also have a deep and abiding respect for the heritage of prophetic knowledge and wisdom, students who see in the past keys that unlock the door to a brighter future. It is our vision to wed students who meet this description with teachers of a similar character to create a vibrant educational institution where knowledge is placed in the service of tradition, and where learning is an ongoing, dynamic process that works for a healthy future for all who inhabit this planet.

Requirements for Admission back to top

Excellent students are an integral part of the mission of Zaytuna College. Besides the requirement of a high school diploma or equivalent, factors to be considered in evaluating applications for admission include GPA, SAT and/or ACT scores, course work, and extracurricular activities. We will examine their academic records, community service records, recommendations, as well as a personal statement indicating why they want to attend Zaytuna College. Applicants may also be invited for an interview with the Admissions Committee. We will consider each candidate individually and will make decisions based on a thorough evaluation of each application. Zaytuna strives to admit a diverse student body.  

Zaytuna College does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, or national and ethnic origin in the admission of applicants, the administration of its educational or other policies and its scholarship and tuition assistance programs, and any other Zaytuna-administered programs. Zaytuna admits students of any race, color, national, and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the College.

Note on the Arabic language prerequisite:

All students are required to take an Arabic proficiency test after admission. Students admitted to the undergraduate program who do not fulfill the Arabic prerequisite and/or fail the proficiency test must complete the equivalent of one year of college-level Arabic prior to enrolling in the fall. They may fulfill this requirement by attending the Zaytuna College Summer Arabic Intensive or a similar program elsewhere.

If students opt to attend Zaytuna’s Summer Intensive in order to fulfill the Arabic prerequisite, they are required to pay summer tuition and fees as noted on the Arabic Intensive website but need not submit a separate application. Admitted students who have filed an application for financial assistance for the undergraduate program may be asked for further information if financial aid is required for the Summer Intensive. Note that students who have fulfilled the Arabic Langauage prerequisite are not expected to attend the Summer Arabic Intensive (SAI). They may do so if they desire, but they will not receive any special consideration.

Application Procedure back to top

1. Application - Complete the Online Application for Admission.
2. Letters of Recommendation - You are required to submit three letters of recommendation along with the application. At least one of the letters of recommendation must be from a teacher in the school you last attended, and one must be from a religious/community leader. You should choose an individual who knows you well, and who will take the time to write thorough, detailed letters with specific anecdotes and examples, particularly of your personal qualities, leadership, and academic potential. The letters of recommendations should be submitted by the application deadline. You can download the Letter of Recommendation Form by clicking here. Your recommenders must submit their Letters of Recommendations directly to the Zaytuna College Admissions Committee at the address shown on the form. You are responsible for ensuring that all three recommendations are submitted before the application deadline.
3. Transcripts - Send sealed official transcripts from all secondary and post-secondary schools you have attended to the Zaytuna College Admissions Committee.
4. Standardized Test Scores - Take the SAT Reasoning test or the ACT Assessment test, and submit your scores to the Zaytuna College Admissions Committee. Zaytuna's College Board code to receive SAT and AP scores is 6152. (If you graduated from a high school outside the United States, you must also take the TOEFL/IELTS/MELAB test of English language proficiency; college graduates applying to Zaytuna College are not required to submit SAT or AP scores.)
5. Arabic Prerequisite - If official transcripts do not provide evidence of having fulfilled the Arabic language prerequisite, the applicant must provide other evidence that may include a separate statement, letter from instructor, syllabus, books, or material covered. All students must fulfill the Arabic language prerequisite prior to enrollment in the College.
6. Financial Aid - If applying for financial aid, a separate financial assistance form must be filled out online. 
7. Interview - Zaytuna College may schedule an interview with applicant. There may be an additional interview for students applying for financial aid.

Send all materials to: Admissions Committee, Zaytuna College, 2401 Le Conte Ave, Berkeley, CA 94709

Application Dates and Deadlines back to top

Tuition and Fees back to top

Regular tuition for the Zaytuna College academic year is  $11,000 per year for full-time students. Tuition does not include room and board, books, transportation, and other student life costs. This cost applies to all Zaytuna College students because the College cannot currently accommodate part-time students.

Student Expenses back to top

Zaytuna College offers the following figures to help estimate yearly student expenses including tuition.*

• Tuition – Total for Fall and Spring Semester: $11,000.00
• Enrollment / Registration Fee: $250
• Student Tuition Recovery Fund Fee: $28.13
• Books & Supplies: $900.00
• Security Deposit (refundable): $250.00
• Key Deposit (refundable): $70.00
• Holding Fee / First Month’s Rent (non-refundable): $250.00
• Monthly Rent (September 1, 2013 through April 30, 2014) : $4,800.00 ($600.00/month*)
• Last Month’s (May) Pro-Rated Rent : $350.00

* Subject to change prior to September 1, 2013.

Tuition Assistance and Scholarships back to top

We understand the cost of a private college education is beyond the means of many people. We also believe in rewarding students with exceptional academic backgrounds. Our tuition assistance and scholarship programs will take into consideration both of these factors.

Admissions FAQs back to top

If you have a question not related to Admissions, please visit our FAQs page or feel free to contact us using our online contact form.

• Is Zaytuna College for Me?
• Requirements for Admission
• Application Procedure
• Application Dates and Deadlines
• Tuition and Fees
• Student Expenses
• Tuition Assistance and Scholarships
• Admissions FAQs