Transfer student FAQs.
What do I need to know about transferring from a Washington community college?
Students with an approved transferable associate’s degree at a Washington community college generally transfer to WSU with junior standing and with their basic General Education Requirements fulfilled. If you attend or plan to attend a community college in Washington, contact the WSU Office of Admissions as early as possible. Visit our Transfer Equivalency Menu to see how courses will transfer to WSU from your community college.
What about transferring from an out-of-state community college?
The Associate of Arts Oregon transferable associate’s degree (A.A.O.T.) and certain approved associate's degrees from Arizona, California, Hawaii, and Idaho guarantee completion of the lower-division General Education Requirements, but do not guarantee junior standing or 60 semester credits. For details on specific degrees, consult the Office of Admissions.
If you have a degree from a community college in another state or a degree other than the approved transferable associate’s degree, you are granted credit on a course-by-course basis.
Should I obtain my associate’s degree before transferring to WSU?
There are two factors to consider before you decide to pursue an A.A. or A.S. degree.
First, an associate’s degree is not required for admission to WSU. All you need to do is meet the requirements.
Second, consider your intended major. For most of WSU's programs, earning a transferable associate’s degree is a good strategy, particularly if you incorporate specific lower-division courses into your AA degree that are required in your major. In some cases, such as engineering, it is in your best interest to pursue a course-by-course strategy because of the large number of specific course requirements in the program. For a few programs, such as architecture, lower-division courses are not available at community colleges, and it is best to enter WSU as soon as possible. Consult with an advisor at your community college and your prospective department at WSU before you decide which route to pursue.
I’m transferring from a four-year college or university. What should I know?
Washington State University recognizes academic credits earned at other collegiate institutions that are essentially equivalent in academic level and content to work offered at WSU. The University subscribes to the Policy on Inter-College Transfer and Articulation Among Washington Public Colleges and Universities, endorsed by the public colleges and universities of Washington and the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges, and published by the Washington Higher Education Coordinating Board. The policy deals with the rights and responsibilities of students and the review and appeal process in transfer credit disputes.
We encourage transfer students to contact the Office of Admissions at 888-468-6978 or 509-335-5586 with questions regarding the transfer of credit.
Should I keep papers and assignments from my previous institution?
Yes. You can include your original, graded papers from any colleges or universities you have attended in your Writing Portfolio, which is a graduation requirement.
Are there scholarships available for transfer students?
Definitely. Submit your scholarship and financial aid application before the priority date to ensure that you are considered for the maximum funding available. Be sure to check with your prospective department for additional department or college-based scholarships that may be available in your field of interest.
How can I find housing on or off campus?
Find information about on-campus living on web pages for residence halls and campus apartments. There are many non-University affiliated houses and apartments available for rent throughout Pullman and the surrounding area. You can request Pullman housing information from the Pullman Chamber of Commerce by calling 800-365-6948. While living on campus affords the most convenience, you’ll be able to get to campus easily from locations throughout Pullman and Moscow, Idaho, by using Pullman Transit and Wheatland Express public transportation services—check their schedules when you arrive.
What are some options for child care?
Finding the right place for your child while you are at school is essential. The University offers child care services at the WSU Children's Center, and there are many other options in the Pullman area. Resources include Whitman/Asotin County Child Care and Washington State Child Care Resource. Visit the city of Pullman Web site for information on schools.