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Transfer FAQs

Below you will find the most frequently asked questions about transferring to EWU.

Can I still apply for the fall quarter after the Feb. 15 priority deadline?

Yes! You can apply for admission until Eastern closes the application window in the summer. In fact, you can start your application right now.

Is transferring a complicated process?

If you start preparing early and work to make regular progress, then you should not be caught by any surprises. On the other hand, if you put off preparing for transfer until near the end, you might find yourself in an overwhelming situation.

A successful transfer will require some regular effort on your part. Start planning for transfer as early as possible. Begin by working with advisors at both your current school and any schools that you are considering transferring to. Working with them, you should be able to break the transfer process into easily manageable parts. In order to experience a successful transfer, work with your advisors regularly to make sure that you are staying on target. Colleges are here to help make this transition as smooth as possible for you.

Do students who go directly from high school to a four-year college do better academically than transfer students from community colleges?

This can vary greatly by individual students, however a recent study showed that high school students who are academically ready for college level mathematics and English courses and first attend a two-year college may be half as likely to complete a four-year degree than students who initially attend a four-year college. However, if a high school student will need remedial classes in mathematics or English it may be more efficient for them to attend a two-year school where more remedial classes are offered.

Are there advantages to earning an associate's degree and then transferring?

Eastern currently participates in transfer agreements with all community colleges in Washington and Oregon, and specific community colleges in Idaho and Montana. Graduates of these colleges who complete the approved Direct Transfer Agreement (DTA or AAOT) degree satisfy the general education requirements and are admitted to Eastern with junior standing.

What do I need to know if I plan to transfer without earning an associate’s degree?

Your college transcripts will be evaluated on a course by course basis to see if an equivalent Eastern course exists. This evaluation will determine which General Education Core Requirements have been fulfilled along with which classes will count towards a specific major or as electives.

The evaluation of your credits will be mailed to you when you are accepted to the university.
NOTE: A maximum of 90 quarter hours of credit earned at a two-year college may be applied toward the bachelor's degree at Eastern; consult the transfer guide for information on specific course equivalencies.

Will my technical college credits transfer?

Credits from a technical college do not transfer to Eastern Washington University unless they meet an equivalent course at EWU. Information related to equivalent course can be found in the transfer guide. If you have specific questions regarding transferability of courses, contact the Office of Admissions at (509) 359-2397.

What can I do if a course doesn't transfer?

Contact the Admissions Office (509) 359-2397, to speak with the credential evaluator who performed your transfer evaluation. There's always the possibility that there is a simple misunderstanding or misinterpretation of the information and can be corrected easily. For classes outside of Eastern's GECRs you would contact the specific department for clarification. Remember, developmental or remedial courses typically will not transfer.

How will credits transfer from a semester credit system to Eastern’s quarter credit system?

To convert semester credits to quarter credits, multiply semester credits by 1.5.

Examples:

2 semester credits x 1.5 = 3 quarter credits
3 semester credits x 1.5 = 4.5 quarter credits

Do courses with grades of 'D' transfer?

Yes.

When should I apply to transfer?

Begin checking at least one year before you plan to transfer; this will allow sufficient time to determine the appropriate application forms and timing to have official college transcripts sent to the university for review. Priority application deadlines are:

  • Fall Quarter: Feb. 15
  • Winter Quarter: Dec. 1
  • Spring Quarter: March 1

Remember, you must have an official college transcript sent directly from the institution where you completed your courses. If you transferred multiple times, then you will need to contact each prior institution. Since it may take at least six to eight weeks for delivery, make sure you apply early and are aware of pending application deadlines.

Do I need to talk to an academic advisor before transferring?

While credits for a course may transfer and information is available on college websites for developing your own plan, an advisor/counselor can help you make sure the course also counts toward your degree and graduation requirements. If you have a major already picked out you can contact that academic department to make an appointment with their advisor.

Do I need to declare a major at the time of making application to the university? Does admission to Eastern guarantee admission to a destination program?

Applying to a specific academic major is a separate process than applying to Eastern. You can contact the major you are interested in and find out how the process works for applying to that major. A list of all academic departments can be found here.

Is there a minimum GPA required for my major?

Some majors require prerequisite courses or a minimum GPA for declaration and admission to the program. You can check Eastern's online Catalog for specific major information. If you have unanswered questions you should contact the specific department.

Which is more important for transfer, my GPA or my course completion pattern?

Both are important when transferring. However, admissions requirements for a transfer student depend on the number of transferable credits upon submission of the application.

If you have 40 or more quarter hours of transferable credit at the time of application you are admissible IF your cumulative GPA is a minimum 2.5. If your cumulative GPA is between 2.0 to 2.49 you must show completion of English Composition and Intermediate Algebra with a 2.0 or better in order to be admitted.

If you have fewer than 40 quarter hours of transferable credits at the time of application, you must satisfy the high school core course requirements and have a 2.0 cumulative GPA in all transferable college-level courses.

Is there a place where I can find what classes transfer between Eastern and other colleges?

Our transfer guide provides information regarding what classes have known transfer equivalents at Eastern from other colleges. If a course is not listed, it still may be possible that it transfers but a review of the course would need to be done by an Eastern Washington University evaluator.

After enrolling at Eastern, may I still make up necessary courses at a community college

Yes. If a student chose to do this they would need to submit a transcript from the community college after completion of additional classes.

Can transfer students participate in athletics?

Typically yes, provided the student athlete meets NCAA eligibility requirements. Check with the athletic department at your current college and receiving institution as early as possible in your academic career. If you are still in high school, check with your coach. Athletic eligibility requirements can be very complicated!
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