First‑year applicants to Cottey College submit an online application. Required materials include an official high school transcript through junior year (plus final transcript after graduation) and a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.6 along with a college‑prep curriculum (four years English, two years history/government, three math, science, and foreign language). Cottey is test‑optional, though submission of SAT/ACT scores may enhance scholarship opportunities. There is no fixed application deadline, but to qualify for merit scholarships and meet priority financial aid review, students should apply by December 31 of their senior year and file the FAFSA by February 1.

Cottey College welcomes transfer students who have completed at least 12 semester hours of college-level coursework from a regionally accredited institution. Applicants with fewer than 12 credit hours must also submit high school transcripts. Transfer credit is reviewed individually; grades below a C are not transferrable. Transfer students are eligible for automatic academic scholarships based on GPA, and priority financial aid consideration is given to those who submit the FAFSA early.