Transfer Students

Associate degrees are typically two-year programs focused on general studies, requiring 60-90 quarter credits. While you don't need an associate's degree to pursue a bachelor's degree, the credits and degree you earn can be applied toward a bachelor's program.

A bachelor’s degree is usually a four-year program that provides an in-depth exploration of specialized subjects, requiring about 180 quarter credits. This degree often meets various job requirements and prerequisites, opening opportunities that may not be accessible with an associate's degree.

On average, individuals with a bachelor’s degree earn over $22,000 more per year than those with an associate's degree, significantly enhancing their long-term financial well-being.

If you have earned or will earn college-level credits from a regionally-accredited institution after completing high school or obtaining a GED, you qualify as a transfer student.

If you are currently enrolled in a high school and a partnering college's early start program and will graduate from high school this year, you should apply as a first-year student, not as a transfer student.

Once we receive your application, we may reclassify you as a first-year student based on the number of transferable college credits.

Willamette uses a semester hour system. Six quarter hours equal four semester hours. Credits are typically transferred fully if they match our courses or fit within our academic framework. Note that grades below a C-minus do not transfer, and transfer courses do not affect your Willamette GPA.

Transferability of credits is bound by our undergraduate departments of academic study (list of majors and minors). Courses taken in a department that Willamette does not offer as an undergraduate major or minor will not transfer.

Students may transfer a maximum of 64 semester hours, or 96 quarter hours, toward a Willamette degree. In most cases, courses taken at regionally accredited colleges or universities will receive full credit if they are comparable to courses offered at Willamette, or otherwise consistent with the goals and standards of Willamette's undergraduate degree programs.

Students admitted with an Associates of Arts or Science degree from a regionally-accredited community college will be automatically granted 60 credits (junior standing) upon entrance. Students transferring from Tokyo International University (TIU) in the Scholarship Exchange Program will be automatically granted 64 Credits (junior standing) upon entrance. Satisfaction of specific general education requirements will be determined on the basis of a course-by-course evaluation of the transcript(s).

At least 60 degree credits must be earned in residence at Willamette University, and at least 32 of the final 40 degree credits must be earned in residence or in Willamette-sponsored off-campus study programs.

To learn more about our transfer credit policies, visit the Registrar's page.

To graduate, you must complete the General Education Program and specific degree and major requirements. Transfer credits can satisfy distribution requirements and specific course requirements. You may fulfill the entire World Engagement and math requirements with relevant transfer credits, and a proficiency exam.

Yes, transfer students are eligible for merit awards and need-based financial aid. Add Willamette University to your FAFSA to be considered for additional grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study opportunities. 

Transfer students can apply for Competitive Scholarships in areas such as Music, Theatre, Debate, Art, Public Health, and Environmental Science. These scholarships require separate applications and/or auditions. Transfer students are also encouraged to apply for scholarships through Phi Theta Kappa. 

Transfer students entering Willamette through one of our Pathway Programs are also eligible for an additional partnership grant. 

We seek students who are bright, curious, and well-prepared for academic challenges. We value diverse experiences in academics, athletics, arts, and leadership roles.

• A rigorous academic history is key. We recommend maintaining a GPA of at least 3.0.
• Letters of recommendation should reflect your readiness for a challenging academic environment.
• Your involvement in co-curricular school and community activities is an important aspect of your application.
• An admissions interview helps us get to know you better and provides you with a firsthand Willamette experience.