Transfer applicants

Choosing to go to college was a major decision. Now you have to decide where to complete your degree. Seattle University offers distinct strengths, including small classes, personal attention, the Jesuit focus on learning through service, and a centralized location in the incomparable city of Seattle.

For transfer students, we offer streamlined credit transfer, academic and career advising, and a unique Collegia program that provides space on campus designed to meet the needs of commuters. With the largest transfer student population of any private university in Washington state,  Seattle University is an excellent option for completing your degree and preparing for postgraduate success.


Transfer applicants should submit the following:

• Completed application.
• Completed Undergraduate Supplemental application.
• A non-refundable application fee of $50.  Undergraduate applicants are only required to pay the application fee one time.  The fee is considered already paid for those updating applications for subsequent quarters, or who have taken an academic hiatus and are applying for readmission. 
• Official high school/college transcripts, as applicable.
• List of coursework in progress.
• Essay or personal statement (part of your application).
 

Transfer applicants with fewer than 45 credits completed at another college or university following high school graduation are required to also submit copies of their high school transcripts with their applications for admission. While teacher recommendations and/or ACT or SAT scores are not normally required, the Dean of Admissions may decide to delay an admissions decision to request these items following an initial application review.

Those with gaps or interruptions in their academic record are required to provide a statement explaining their activities since last attending school.

Bilingual students should note that the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is required of applicants for whom English is a second language. This can only be waived for freshman applicants who will have spent all four years in non-ESL coursework at an American high school or have SAT critical reading scores of >450, or an ACT English subscore of >21. It is the prerogative of the Dean of Admissions to require TOEFL scores of bilingual applicants after an initial review of your application, regardless of having indicated that English is your first language.

Course requirements

Ordinarily a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.50 (on a scale where an A is 4.00) is required for transfer admission. Some programs, such as business and nursing*, require at least a 2.75. Applications are reviewed carefully; primary consideration given to course selection and individual course performance. The average GPA of admitted transfer students (based on transferable credits alone) is 3.34.

* Additional requirements may apply for The College of Nursing. Please visit their website for a listing of prerequisites.

Diagnostic Ultrasound applicants must submit supplementary forms (sent upon receipt of the initial application) for their files to be complete.

Transfer credits

Seattle University grants the maximum credit possible to meet degree requirements for courses taken at other accredited institutions. Credit evaluations are completed by the Office of the Registrar.

Acceptable transfer credits are applied to degree requirements consistent with university policies.

The remaining courses required are those students must complete to earn a degree. In some cases, students may have extra elective credits applicable to the particular degree program but which affect class standing. Professional degree programs have more requirements and fewer electives than other programs. The number of transfer credits depends upon whether courses fit specific major and general graduation requirements.

Most transfers from two-year colleges who, during their first two years, follow a parallel program of study to their intended Seattle University major, enter as juniors and can complete degrees with two additional years of coursework. Exceptions occur when students have taken courses not applicable to their majors, since some majors entail more specific requirements than others. Should a student's major change, the number of applicable transfer credits may also change.

For more information on transfer policies, contact:

Undergraduate Admissions
admissions@seattleu.edu
(206) 296-2000

Washington State Direct Transfer Guarantee

If you are earning a direct transfer associates degree or an associate of science degree at a Washington State community college, you may satisfy most Seattle University core requirements and some major requirements. You may be eligible to transfer to Seattle University with 90 (quarter) credits and junior standing, complete upper-division courses and receive a bachelors' degree. Successful completion of prerequisite course work may be required for admission consideration into specific programs.

A final official transcript with the degree posted must be submitted.

For a list of available transfer guides, please visit the Office of the Registrar .

For more information on this program and Seattle University's transfer policies, contact:

Admissions Office
admissions@seattleu.edu
(206) 296-2000

Admissions notification

Seattle University is committed to a thorough and holistic review of applicants for admission. Due to the need for advanced standing, college transcripts must first be evaluated by the Registrar's office, after which they are reviewed by an appropriate academic dean and members of the admissions staff.

Most transfers will receive an admissions decision 6 weeks following acknowledgement that their applications are complete. Heavily impacted programs, such as Diagnostic Ultrasound or Nursing, may review applicants as a cohort. Therefore, they will operate with different notification dates. Students should consult with the Admissions Office and the department in question directly.

Transfers may be asked to submit additional information, such as most recent college grades, or an explanation of activities since taking a hiatus from college coursework. These requests are opportunities for continued admissions consideration.

Fall quarter transfer applicants are required to hold their acceptance with a deposit by May 1; those admitted after April 1 are required to submit confirmation deposits within 30 days of date of their letter of acceptance.

Merit scholarship offers will be mailed in mid-April to transfers for the fall quarter who have submitted their completed applications by March 1. Transfers for any quarter who are graduates of Washington State community colleges will be considered for merit scholarships on a rolling basis as they are admitted.