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Transferring Colleges & College Credits

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Transfer to SBU

Looking to transfer colleges for a better college experience? Wondering how to transfer colleges? Wondering if your college credits/scholarships/loans will transfer?

Transferring colleges can be overwhelming, so we make the process as easy and stress-free as possible. 

The checklist below will help you navigate the transfer admission process. If you need any help along the way, don’t hesitate to contact the admissions counselor for transfer recruitment, at (417) 328-1816 or toll-free at (800) 526-5859.

Transfer Student Resources

Transfer Student Admissions Process

Frequently Asked Questions

Stephanie Jolly
"The process of transferring to SBU was surprisingly simple. The staff was helpful and made the transition really easy!"
Stephanie Jolly
Organizational and strategic communication student from Aldrich, Mo.

Resources

Find Your Program

Find Your Program

With more than 100 areas of academic study, SBU can help you pursue your personal and academic goals to set you up for a lifetime of success. Explore our programs and find the one that's best for you. You can search our academic programs list based on your interests or career goals.

Transfer Courses

SBU accepts college credits from community colleges and regionally accredited universities, and evaluates credit on a course-by-course basis. Your credits are then evaluated to cover Core, Major, or Elective credits, depending on your desired major at SBU.

Use our Course Transfer Equivalency Guide to get an idea of how your previous coursework may transfer into SBU.

Course Transfer Equivalency Guide

Transfer Process

It's easy to apply to SBU! As an incoming transfer student, use the checklist below to learn what steps you need to take for admission and enrollment at SBU. And remember — your admissions counselor is here to help you through the whole journey!

1) Apply online

Get the ball rolling by filling out our online application for undergraduate admission.

 Apply Now

2) Send official transcripts

Official transcripts must be received from each institution from which you have earned college credit.

Admission Requirements for College Transfer Students:

  • Transfer GPA of 2.00 or higher
  • Minimum of 12 college credits completed after high school graduation

3) Visit campus

If you haven't already, make sure you schedule a visit to SBU! Visiting campus is the best way to discover how SBU can help you reach your goals and to see how you will find your place in our community.

During a campus visit at SBU, you can:

  • Meet with a faculty member in your subject area
  • Interact with current SBU students
  • Discuss your financial aid opportunities
  • And so much more!

Schedule Your Campus Visit

4) File your FAFSA

Submit the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) to qualify for state and federal grants, student loans and work study financial aid opportunities. SBU will use your FAFSA results to put together your own personalized financial aid package and your admissions counselor will work with you through each step of this process.

The recommended deadline for submitting the FAFSA is February 1.

Financial Aid Information

5) Submit enrollment deposit

Ready to officially join the SBU family? Send in your enrollment deposit by logging into your application to secure your spot in classes and housing!

Pay Deposit Online

6) Register for Welcome Week

Welcome Week is SBU's official New Student Orientation program, which takes place the week before classes begin each semester. Transfer students are encouraged to attend Welcome Week to help get acclimated to life at SBU prior to the start of classes.

Learn More About Welcome Week

Frequently Asked Questions

Am I a college transfer student?

A transfer student is anyone who has attended a college/university and completed 12 or more credit hours after completing high school.

How will my credits transfer?

SBU accepts credits from community colleges and regionally accredited universities. SBU evaluates credit on a course-by-course basis. Students may transfer up to six hours of "D" grades. All other grades must be "C" or above. Those credits are then evaluated based on general education requirements and the desired major at SBU. Use our Course Transfer Equivalency Guide to learn more.

What are admissions requirements for transfer students?

You must have completed 12 or more credit hours after high school graduation and have a college transfer GPA of 2.00 or higher.

Is there an application deadline?

There is no application deadline; however, students interested in applying for a fall term are highly encouraged to apply before Christmas of the previous year. Students interested in applying for a spring term are highly encouraged to apply in the summer prior to the desired spring term.

How can I send my transcript to SBU?

You should request your official transcripts be mailed to:

Southwest Baptist University
1600 University Avenue
Bolivar MO 65613

SBU also can receive official electronic transcripts.

What financial aid is available for transfer students?

Transfer students are able to receive merit-based scholarships, performance scholarships, and need-based aid. SBU requires official copies of your college transcripts in order to award any merit-based aid for which you may qualify. To apply for need-based aid, you must submit the FAFSA and send the results to SBU (school code: 002502).

SBU also offers a scholarship to students who are active members of Phi Theta Kappa (PTK).

Is Chapel attendance mandatory?

All full-time SBU students must attend 75% of the Chapel services held each semester in which they are enrolled.

Chapel information

How many credits may I transfer in to SBU?

You may transfer up to 75 hours of credit from two-year colleges and up to 94 hours from other accredited institutions toward a degree. Transfer applicants who have completed an A.A. degree from a regionally accredited college will be permitted to transfer to SBU with all general education requirements met for the B.A., B.S., B.S.N., and B.A.S. degrees. Transfer students with an A.S. degree will have their degrees evaluated to see if all general education requirements are met.

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