Transfer Student Admission

Transfer students wishing to be considered for admission to Southwest Minnesota State University must present the following information:

• Completed Application for Admission and non-refundable application fee of $20.
• Transcripts from each post-secondary institution attended. Transcripts must be sent directly from each institution to the Southwest Minnesota State University Office of Admission.

*Note - An official transcript is required from all previously attended institutions prior to starting classes in the first term of enrollment

Transfer admission may be granted to students who meet the following criteria:

• Have attained a minimum grade point average of 2.00 (on a 4.00 scale) in previous college coursework from a college, university, or technical college.
• Students wishing to transfer with fewer than 24 semester hours from an accredited two or four year institution must also submit an official high school transcript.

Information regarding preparation for transfer or evaluation of transfer credits can be obtained by contacting the Transfer Specialist in the Registration & Records Office. Students may review how courses will transfer at: www.smsu.edu/admission.

Students who do not meet the above stated admission requirements may be considered for Admission if judged to have potential to be successful in the academic program at Southwest Minnesota State University.

The University will evaluate each applicant’s credentials individually and note any deficiencies. Students who are denied admission and wish to appeal their admission decision may provide additional materials to support their application for reconsideration.

Evaluation of Previous Coursework

1. Transfer Credit will only be evaluated for currently active degree-seeking students.
2. Transfer Credit will only be evaluated when an official transcript from the sending institution has been provided.
3. College Credit courses taken from nationally accredited post-secondary institutions will be transferred subject to the following considerations:
   1. The mission of the institution from which credits would be transferred.
   2. The comparability of the course with university-level course work. Course outcomes must meet 75% of the receiving course outcomes to be considered equivalent.
   3. The appropriateness of the course work in meeting SMSU baccalaureate degree requirements.
4. All credits from documented Bachelor’s Degrees or Associate of Arts Degrees will be accepted for transfer and will waive SMSU MnTC/LEP requirements.
5. Transfer of completed MnTC areas from a partnering Minnesota State School will be considered complete at SMSU.
6. Credits from all other Associate degrees are evaluated on a course-by-course basis.
7. There is no minimum or maximum amount of transfer credit that can or will applied when transferring.  
8. Transfer credits do not expire.
9. If application status becomes inactive, transfer credit will need to be reapplied upon readmission.

Other SMSU Transfer Requirements can be found in SMSU Policy A-052; Transfer Credits and Transfer Credit Appeal Policy.