Transferring previous course credits helps you finish your degree faster, improve your learning, and make the most of your prior education.
Transferring credits to St. Ambrose University provides the following benefits:
Transferring your credits to SAU can be a seamless process. Begin by applying to the university and submitting official transcripts from your previous institution(s). Our registrar’s office evaluates your credits and determines their transferability.
We accept official hard copies and electronic copies of transcripts from the other institutions not from the student.
Visit TES® to see how your courses will transfer, and contact us with any questions.
Explore course equivalencies
Apply to St. Ambrose and indicate your intent to transfer credits. For an easier application process, you can use our online portal.
Apply to SAU
Our team will evaluate your transcripts to determine which credits are eligible for transfer. This can take 1-3 weeks. You'll receive a detailed report of accepted transfer credits.
Once admitted to the university, schedule a meeting with an academic advisor to map out your academic plan.
With your credits transferred, you’re ready to embark on your academic journey at St. Ambrose University!
"I transferred from a large university and quickly realized SAU is different: the professors are not in it for accolades or to work on research; they genuinely care about educating others, and they care about my success as a student."
Madeline Prestegaard '22, BS in Chemistry
We honor credits from regionally accredited institutions. Generally, a grade of C or higher is accepted if the course content aligns with our curriculum. Final decisions, however, are made by the Registrar’s Office after evaluating each course. Note that certain programs might have specific limitations on credit transfer.
Contact the RegistrarConnect with a transfer admissions counselor to ask questions about transferring to St. Ambrose University. Click a link below to sign up for a date and time that works best for you:
International transfer students should contact Emily Hannon (hannonemily@sau.edu) and students who attended SAU in the past and wish to return should contact Clare Holladay (HolladayMClare@sau.edu) directly.
From AP and IB credits to work expertise, military service and industry certifications, your knowledge and skills could translate to college credits, helping to accelerate your degree. Learn more about our Credit for Prior Learning program to fast-track your educational journey and make the most of what you already know.
The number of transferable credits varies based on the institution’s accreditation and the relevance of course to your selected program. Generally, up to 90 credits from a four-year institution or up to 64 from a two-year college can be transferred toward your degree.
We recommend checking to see how many credits can be transferred into your program. If you have additional questions about transfer equivalencies, contact the registrar’s office.
Course equivalencies are assessed by comparing the content, rigor, and learning outcomes of your previous courses with our curriculum. This evaluation considers accreditation, syllabi, and course descriptions. Our department faculty meticulously review each course to determine its equivalency to those offered at SAU.
Depending on the number of credits you previously earned, the following table tells you what your incoming rank would be at SAU:
St. Ambrose University typically accepts credits from regionally accredited institutions. Each course is evaluated individually, however, to ensure it aligns with SAU’s curriculum standards and meets the necessary criteria for transferability. Discover more about the other potential transfer credits from prior learning experiences.
We also have agreements to accept Associate of Arts and Associate of Science degrees from all Illinois and Iowa community colleges to satisfy most of your general education requirements. Read more about our transfer agreements.
A wide range of credits from regionally accredited institutions may be eligible for transfer. This includes general education courses, major-specific subjects, and sometimes elective credits. The eligibility of each credit, however, depends on its relevance to the SAU curriculum and completion with satisfactory grades. Students are encouraged to login to Transferology or TES® to see how courses will transfer, and contact us with any questions.
Transcripts should typically be sent as part of your application process. Once you’ve initiated your application to St. Ambrose University, promptly request official transcripts from all previously attended institutions to be sent directly to the Admissions Office. This ensures your application and transcript evaluation happen seamlessly and in a timely manner.
Transferred credits generally don’t affect your GPA at St. Ambrose University. This allows you to make a fresh start academically while benefiting from the earned credits.
SAU offers an opportunity to appeal denied transfer credits. If you have previously denied credits, you can request a re-evaluation. Submit additional information or relevant course syllabi to support your appeal. The registrar’s office reviews these requests thoroughly to ensure a fair assessment of your prior coursework.
Transcripts can be requested through the National Student Clearinghouse or stopping into the Registrar's office.
Explore a variety of financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, and payment plans, designed to help you reach your educational goals.
Discover why St. Ambrose is more than just a college and why our student experience is the perfect fit for your future. Our campus and community are welcoming and a place where you can thrive.
Get the support you need for success at St. Ambrose University. Explore our wide range of resources for academics, careers, and personal well-being.
Applying to SAU is your first step toward joining the SAU beehive, a place you can become who you were meant to be and be the good you want to see.
