Transfer Admission Requirements

Each application is reviewed individually, carefully and thoroughly. Our goal is to identify students who will be successful at Colorado State University, and a number of factors are considered in the decision, including:

Overall Academic Performance

Completed Credits and Grade Point Average

Strong candidates for transfer admission have earned a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA in 30 or more college-level academic semester credits. Applicants with a cumulative GPA below 2.5 and/or fewer than 30 completed credits are encouraged to apply since many factors are considered in the admission decision.

• A cumulative GPA of 2.5 or better (on a 4.0 scale) is preferred; applicants must have a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA in order to be considered for admission. The cumulative GPA includes all institutions attended.

• The admission decision for transfer students who have completed fewer than 30 credits at the point of application will include assessment of the high school transcript (Refer to our Freshman Admission Standards for information about the review of high school transcripts. ACT or SAT results are not required for transfer applicants.).
• Trends in grades are important. Grades of D and F do not constitute successful completion and courses will not transfer. Students with grades of D or F are encouraged to retake the course(s).
• Rigorous college-level academic courses are favored. While remedial and/or vocational courses may strengthen foundation skills and provide solid technical training, college-level academic work is the best indication of potential for academic success at Colorado State University.
• Admission is subject to satisfactory completion of current courses and submission of a final, complete, official transcript.

Prerequisite Transfer Course Work

• Transfer applicants MUST satisfy the admission requirement in mathematics.
• Transfer applicants are strongly encouraged (but not required) to have successfully completed college composition before entering Colorado State University. If a transferable college-level composition course has not been completed, ACT or SAT results may be used to determine placement into college composition at Colorado State University.

Preparation for Preferred Major

• Admission to some competitive majors may require additional course work and/or a higher grade point average.

High School Graduation (or Equivalent)

• Admission as a transfer applicant requires high school graduation OR completion of a GED OR an affidavit that the applicant was homeschooled until at least age 17.
• If the only college-level courses you took were before you earned your high school diploma or GED, you are considered a freshman. Whether you are classified as a freshman or transfer applicant, all college-level courses are evaluated for transfer credit, regardless of when they were completed.
• Transfers with an Associate of Arts or Associate of Science degree from a regionally-accredited community or junior college OR a Bachelor's degree from a regionally-accredited four-year institution (for Second Bachelor's/Postgraduate applicants) are exempt.

Additional Factors

Although admission is selective and academic performance is emphasized in the admission decision, we also value personal qualities and experiences that can enrich our campus community. Use your personal statement and recommendation(s) to help us get a full picture of you.

Community Service and Leadership

• Highlight the school, family and community activities that best illustrate your skills, commitment, and achievements. Help us see what has been meaningful to you and how Colorado State can help you reach that next step.

Ability to Contribute to a Diverse Campus Community

• The University has a compelling interest in promoting a diverse student body because of the educational benefits that flow from such diversity. Diversity can include but is not limited to age, gender, race/ethnicity, first generation status, disability (physical or learning), sexual orientation, geographic origin (e.g. nonresident, rural, international background), personal background (e.g. homeschooled, recognition of special talent), or pursuit of a unique or underrepresented major.

Unique and/or Compelling Circumstances

• Tell us about experiences you have had that have set you apart from your peers, that have impacted you, that have helped you set personal goals -- and how that experience has prepared you for success at Colorado State University.