How many credits do I need to transfer to ESU?
You should have 24 or more transferable credits completed prior to enrollment at ESU. If you are currently enrolled in your first semester of college during the fall 2008 semester, you will be considered for spring 2009 admission based on your high school record, SAT scores, and your fall mid-term grades. We discourage "first semester transfers." Only a limited number of such applicants can be considered, so you might want to consider applying for the fall 2009 semester, instead. Applicants with fewer than 24 transferable credits will only be considered on a space-available basis; the high school record and SAT scores will be reviewed in those cases.

Is there a maximum number of credits you'll accept?
There is no university-wide maximum for the number of credits that may transfer. However, several academic departments have limits on the number of credits which can be transfered and applied towards the major. Currently, these include: Computer Science, maximum transfer of 15 semester hours and no more than 3 semester hours in upper division coursework; Media Communications and Technology, which allows a maximum transfer of 9 semester hours; Philosophy, 12 credits maximum; and Psychology, 15 credits maximum. Check with your academic department for the most up-to-date information. Also, if you intend to graduate from ESU with a baccalaureate degree, the last 32 credits must be taken here, regardless of the major or the number of credits accepted in transfer. See the University Academic Requirements for policy details.

When will I know how my credits transferred?
An initial Transfer Credit Evaluation will be completed once your admission file is complete. Usually, this evaluation will be included with your offer of ESU admission, or within 10 days of receiving the offer. Only credits for courses in which you earned a "C-" or better will be transferable, unless you have entered the university under Academic Passport. Developmental (remedial) courses and those of a specific vocational, technical, occupational, office administration, or theological nature are not considered transferable. However, most liberal arts courses can be used to satisfy areas of ESU General Education requirements.

What is Academic Passport?
Pennsylvania community college students, and Lackawanna College students who earned the Associate of Arts (A.A.) or the Associate of Science (A.S.) degree in a transfer program containing a minimum of 30 credits of liberal arts have an Academic Passport which guarantees them admission to any Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education university. These students will receive credit toward graduation for all coursework successfully completed for credit for the associate degree. In addition, State System university students with at least 12 credits and a QPA of 2.0 or higher will have an Academic Passport to transfer credit to or among State System universities. Academic Passport does not guarantee admission to particular majors, which may have additional requirements.

I'll have earned my associate's degree from a community college outside of Pennsylvania. Can I benefit form this Academic Passport?
No, Academic Passport benefits only apply to students who have earned their A.A. or A.S. at a Pennsylvania community college, or Lackawanna College. However, most courses earned at a regionally accredited community college in any state are transferable, as long as they weren't considered remedial or developmental.

Will my transfering courses be treated the same even if I don't have an Associates Degree?
Yes, course equivalencies will be the same.

How are credits evaluated for Transfer?
An official Transfer Credit Evaluation is established through the Office of Admission. Applicants who are offered admission will receive a Transfer Credit Evaluation 'TCE' with their offer of admission or within 10 days of the offer letter. The 'TCE' will indicate what course(s) the University will accept in transfer and the course(s) equivalent at ESU. The Office of Admission will first determine if the course warrents transfer credit. If the course in question requires a more in-depth review, the respective academic department will be asked to provide a transfer course equivalency decision.

How does a transfered course apply towards my degree at ESU?
The academic department advisor of your intended major will determine how credit(s) apply towards a degree program at ESU. Upon acceptance to the University, you will receive a Transfer Credit Evaluation 'TCE'. The 'TCE' will indicate all coursework that is transferable to ESU and will also indicate the transfer equivalent at ESU. After you submit your registration deposit indicating your intention to enroll at ESU for the semster in question, the 'TCE' is made available to your academic advisor. Your academic advisor will use the 'TCE' information during academic advising and registration.

Will I be able to get on-campus housing?
On-campus housing is limited and not guaranteed for transfer students. Therefore all transfer students are admitted as commuter students. Students interested in securing on-campus housing will be placed on a wait list provided the student completes and returns the 'Housing Request' form enclosed with the offer of admission. The Office of Residence Life and Housing will review the wait list and contact students as openings occur. For questions pertaining to on-campus housing and the on-campus University Apartments, contact the Office of Residence Life and Housing at (570) 422-3460. The University Ridge Apartments located on the campus perimeter, is a new apartment complex offering apartment style off-campus housing. For more information call (570) 422-2400. For more off-campus housing options, contact the Office of Commuter Services at (570) 422-3461.

I know you need my college transcripts. What about high school?
Yes, we still need an official copy of your final high school transcript indicating graduation or an official GED test results for our records, regardless of whether you're a freshman or transfer student.

Can I apply on-line?
Definitely! You can access our on-line application. If you would like to have a traditional paper application, download it here. For campus tour and Open House information click here.

I still have some questions about other ESU stuff. Where can I find answers?
Glad you asked! This website is a good place to start. Academic departments, enrollment services, student services, athletics, and other departments have their own web pages linked from there. Or call the Office of Admission toll-free: (877) 230-5547. Our staff will be happy to help.