There are plenty of reasons students decide to transfer — maybe it’s about location, finances, or finding a school that’s a better fit. Some are looking for more internship opportunities, while others are ready to finish a degree at a four-year university. Seattle Pacific welcomes transfer students every quarter.
At SPU, earning a degree goes beyond just attending classes. The experience includes a supportive community, career-building opportunities, and courses taught from a Christian perspective — all designed to empower students to make a meaningful impact in the world.
For students starting the transfer process, here are the top ten most frequently asked questions.
1. How will my previous college credits transfer to SPU?
Transfer admissions counselors will help students identify how their credits will transfer to SPU, and students get an official transcript evaluation from the Office of the Registrar once they are admitted to SPU. To see how some credits will transfer before admission, refer to the Transfer Equivalency Guide. Please note that this guide is not all inclusive. If students don’t see a specific school or class, it doesn’t mean SPU won’t accept the credit. Contact transfer@spu.edu to start the review of credits.
2. After I’m admitted, when will my transcripts be formally evaluated?
As an admitted transfer student, credits are automatically evaluated by the Office of the Registrar. Students can access this information through SPU’s online student information system, Banner. For more information on this process, how to access and review this information, as well as next steps and options for questions, please review this helpful guide (PDF).
3. I’ve participated in Running Start. Should I apply as a transfer or a first-year?
Running Start students (a Washington dual-credit program for high school students) are considered freshmen, or first-year students. Any college credits earned AFTER graduating from high school means a student is a transfer student.
4. What is the minimum GPA needed in order to transfer?
SPU understands that although GPA is important, it does not tell the whole story. Admission is based on a comprehensive review of each application, the quality of application essays, recommendations, and sometimes standardized test scores. If a student believes that their GPA is not an accurate representation of ability and performance, explain why in the application essay. The University wants to get to know each applicant personally, not just academically.
5. What is the minimum number of credits needed to transfer?
There is no minimum number of credits needed to transfer. Once students have completed at least one college course after graduating from high school, they are considered a transfer student.
6. Do transfer students need to submit a high school transcript?
A high school transcript is required only for students who have completed fewer than 45 quarter credits (30 semester credits) at the time of application. However, if students have taken three years or more of a foreign language in high school with a “C” grade or better in the final course, this will fulfill SPU’s foreign language proficiency requirement. In this case, students should submit their official high school transcript to prove proficiency.
7. Do transfer students need to submit SAT or ACT scores?
Official SAT or ACT scores are optional. A score of 580 or higher on the math section of the SAT, or 25 or higher on the math section of the ACT, will exempt a student from the math proficiency requirement. In this case, students should submit their official test score.
8. When do I apply for my major?
For most majors, students must complete their first quarter at SPU and fulfill all other application criteria before applying to an intended major. SPU offers transfer students direct admission to a select group of majors.
Students who intend to transfer directly into SPU’s nursing program for the autumn or winter cohort must submit a nursing application with all transcripts by January 15. Late applications will not be considered. Applications open Nov. 15. For more information about the nursing program, visit the nursing website.
For students who wish to apply for the visual communication major, submit a portfolio no later than the second Tuesday of Autumn Quarter. Students must have been accepted into the University and completed the pre-requisites before they can apply. Contact Professor of Visual Communication Karen Gutowsky-Zimmerman at kgz@spu.edu.
9. Do transfer students live on campus?
Students who are within two years of their high school graduation date will be assigned housing. There is a two-year housing requirement unless students live within ten miles of campus. On-campus housing may be available to transfer students up to age 24. For more information about campus housing, visit the Housing and Residence Life website.
10. Do you have to be a Christian to attend SPU?
No, students do not need to be a Christian to attend SPU. Many students are eager to grow deeper in their Christian faith and others practice a different religion. Students will grow in faith and purpose in a supportive campus community, small groups, worship services, and service opportunities in Seattle.
For any questions, please contact transfer@spu.edu.
