Transfer Admissions

Getting Started

While transferring, by its very nature, can be a complicated process, you can make the process smooth for yourself by being your own best advocate. Start the process before you think you need to do so. Reach out to your SVSU pre-transfer representatives in the Office of Admissions.

To create your most optimal results, be mindful that transferring involves arranging a customized evaluation of existing credits and strategic planning of remaining credits, whether those remaining credits are to be completed at the transfer-from institution or eventually at SVSU. If you would like to arrange a personalized transfer student visit for this purpose, call the Office of Admissions at (989) 964-4200 or (800) 968-9500. 

For a more in-depth view of SVSU, visit SVSU GO or explore our virtual tour. 

Transfer Student Brochure (918KB)

When to Apply

You can apply to Saginaw Valley State University at any point in the year. However, you may apply up to one year before your intended start term and we strongly recommend that you apply at least by the time you begin your last semester/quarter at your present college or university. Do not wait until you have completed your last class. The chart below can be used as a guide for when to submit your application.

 *Critical Note: Earlier University applications may be necessary for students also applying to professional programs. 

Application Submission Instructions

1. Complete the application for admission.
2. Applying with SVSU is free of cost!
3. Have your official transcripts from all colleges and universities previously attended sent to SVSU. If fewer than 24 academic credit hours have been completed, send a copy of high school transcripts with posted graduation date and ACT/SAT scores to the Office of Admissions.
4. If more than 24 academic credit hours have been completed, send a copy of your high school diploma to the Office of Admissions via email: admissions@svsu.edu. If you have already earned an associate's degree, and that credential has been posted to an official transcript, then there is no need from an admissions standpoint to provide proof of high school graduation credentials to the Office of Admissions. 

To be considered for Transfer admission:

Transfer applicants with 24-or-more COMPLETED college credits:

• A transfer applicant must demonstrate at least a 2.00 cumulative collegiate GPA or higher with a minimum total of 24 academic credit hours completed from their prior/current institution(s).
• Transcripts from ALL institutions of higher education attended must be provided for review.
• Courses completed as well as the trend of the most recent grades will be taken into account. 
  
  

Transfer applicants with fewer than 24 COMPLETED college credits:

• If at the time of application to SVSU a transfer applicant has at least a 2.00 cumulative collegiate GPA or higher but has fewer than 24 academic credit hours completed, then their cumulative high school GPA and ACT/SAT scores must also be provided for review in tandem with their collegiate GPA performance.
• Transcripts from ALL institutions of higher education attended must be provided for review.
• Courses completed as well as the trend of the most recent grades will be taken into account.

Transfer Checklist

1. Apply for Admission
2. Already Admitted?
3. Make First Tuition Payment
   
   Payment for each semester is typically due at least three weeks before classes begin.View Important Dates.
   
   
   • Log into my.svsu.edu, SVSU's web-based student access system. Visit the Transfer Next Steps page for instructions.
   • Payment can be made via cash, check, money order, or credit card. For information about the Cardinal Payment Plan and other payment options, visit the Campus Financial Services Center page on payment methods.

SVSU offers two ways to connect with our Admissions team in regards to transferring:

You can schedule an individual appointment with an Admissions Representative.

As soon as you know you have an interest. We can help you choose the optimal courses at your current institution for eventual and applicable transfer. 

Yes, we encourage you to visit with us. Much of the university choice is about finding the right fit, so we want you to know that we are your best choice.  There is also a virtual tour available for students. Or, come to campus to see things firsthand! 

Step 1: Go to: transfer.svsu.edu

Step 2: Click one of the two search options to see how your college credits transfer.

Step 3: If your college or specific courses are not listed, please contact the Office of Admissions: (989) 964-4200.

• A maximum of 93 credits may transfer, and a maximum of 62 of these 93 credits may be from community colleges.
• Note: Some special agreements with community colleges may allow for additional credits to transfer. Please check with the Office of Admissions for details. 
• For the comprehensive transfer credit policy, visit the catalog and follow the "Transfer Credit" link under the "Registration" header. 

No, it's a matter of individual choice. Students transfer to SVSU from both community colleges and other four-year universities. 

Visit transfer.svsu.edu to view all of our course equivalencies. You can also visit the Michigan Transfer Network for full information on transfer equivalencies throughout the state of Michigan.

Yes, quite possibly. Have your official dual enrollment college transcript and official AP score report sent when applying to SVSU. See transfer.svsu.edu for additional details about AP score requirements.

SVSU honors both MACRAO and MTA. The benefits of MACRAO or MTA can depend largely upon your SVSU major and your individual academic background. Schedule a personal, pre-transfer appointment with SVSU at the earliest possible juncture to see what will work best for your individual situation. 

Tuition & Fees

When selecting credits to take at one institution (the sending institution) for use at a subsequent institution (the receiving institution), you will serve yourself best by selecting courses that not only transfer but also count toward a specific program/degree requirement at the receiving institution. Credits that count toward a specific program/degree requirement are considered to be not only transferable but also--and most importantly--applicable. If you want help selecting applicable credits at your current institution for eventual use toward your SVSU program/degree requirements, simply schedule an appointment with SVSU at svsu.edu/visit.

Yes: If you provide your unofficial transcripts from ALL COLLEGES/UNIVERSITIES ATTENDED and a corresponding request for review, then SVSU will provide a free, unofficial transfer credit evaluation and will outline for you if/how your existing credits are expected to count toward an SVSU degree. The resulting information supports your being able to make informed transfer credit decisions moving forward.