Transfer FAQ

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How many credits do I need to transfer to ESU?

Transfer applicants with 24 or more college-level credits (excluding remedial/developmental coursework) must have a minimum cumulative 2.00 Grade Point Average (GPA) on a 4.00 scale for admission consideration. College-level coursework in-progress at the time of application will count towards the 24 college-level credits.

Applicants with fewer than 24 college-level credits (excluding remedial/developmental coursework) earned at the time of application will be evaluated using a combination of official college-level GPA/credits; high school records; and SAT/ACT scores for admission consideration.

PASSHE Applicants: Applicants transferring from a Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) institution requires 12 college-level credits with a minimum 2.00 QPA for admission consideration. Applicants will transfer under the guidelines of Academic Passport.

Certain degree programs have higher admission criteria, as outlined in the ‘Admission to Special Programs’ section.

Is there a maximum number of credits you'll accept?

There is no university-wide maximum. ESU will transfer in as many credits as possible to comparable courses at the university. However, this does guarantee that the coursework will satisfy your graduation requirements. The academic departments determine how transfer credits are applied to your degree program. To earn an ESU degree, you must complete at least 30 out of the final 45 credits at ESU and 50% of the major coursework must be taken at ESU. Please note, several academic departments have limits on the number of credits that can be transferred and applied towards the degree. These include:
  • Computer Science/Security: maximum of 15 semester credits and no more than 3 semester credits in upper division coursework
  • Media Communication and Technology: 9 semester credits maximum
  • Philosophy: 12 semester credits maximum
  • Psychology: 15 semester credits maximum


Check with the academic department of your intended degree program for the most up-to-date information.

If you intend to graduate from ESU, you must also satisfy the requirements as stated in the ‘University Requirements’ section of the most recent Undergraduate Catalog.

When will I know how my credits transferred?

With your offer of admission, you will receive an Initial Transfer Credit Evaluation (TCE). The Initial 'TCE' will indicate all coursework with final grades that is transferrable to ESU at the time of application review. Coursework in-progress cannot be evaluated until an official transcript with final grades is received and reviewed. Coursework ‘Pending Review’ that requires additional evaluation will be reviewed by the Center for Enrollment Services. When the evaluation of the pending credits is complete, an updated 'TCE’ will be delivered to the applicant. After you submit the Advanced Registration Deposit ‘ARD’ indicating your intention to enroll, the ‘TCE’ is made available to your academic advisor. Your academic advisor will use the ‘TCE’ information during the advising and course registration process.

What is Academic Passport?

If you are a student at a PA Community College, Lackawanna College or one of the State System Universities (PASSHE) and are ready to transfer, Academic Passport is your guaranteed admission to East Stroudsburg University. To qualify you must have a conferred Associate of Arts (A.A.) or the Associate of Science (A.S.) degree from a PA community college, Lackawanna College or at least 12 credits from a Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) University. All students must have a minimum 2.00 grade point average. Students holding the Academic Passport from Pennsylvania community colleges, Lackawanna College or other State System universities (PASSHE) will transfer credit according to the Board of Governors Policy titled The Academic Passport and Student Transfer Policy.

For more information visit the Academic Passport page.

How are credits evaluated for Transfer

Nearly all courses taken at a regionally accredited institution are transferrable with the exception of coursework that is developmental, remedial, technical or religious in nature. The academic department advisor of your intended degree program will determine how your credit(s) apply towards a degree program at ESU. At the time of application review, the Office of Admission will review transcripts of all completed coursework with final grades for possible transfer credit. Credit previously evaluated and deemed transferrable is applied to the Initial Transfer Credit Evaluation "TCE". The Initial ‘TCE’ is mailed to the applicant with the Offer of Admission or shortly thereafter (prior to Registration). Credit that has not been previously evaluated will be reviewed by Center for Enrollment Services ‘CES’ who will determine the transferability of those credits, update the student record and send an Updated/Final "TCE" to the applicant. The Updated/Final "TCE" will indicate any additional transfer credit awarded to the applicant.

For questions regarding the transferability of courses contact the sgula@esu.edu 570-422-2808, or Geryl Kinsel, Associate Director/Registrar Office 570-422-2811 or gkinsel@esu.edu.

Will I be able to get on-campus housing?

On-campus housing is available for transfer students on a first-come, first-serve basis until spaces are filled. Once spaces are filled, students requesting on-campus housing are placed on a waitlist. Transfer students interested in on-campus housing must first pay the Advanced Registration Deposit ‘ARD’ prior to receiving an on-campus housing request form. The Residence Life and Housing Office will 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, David Campbell at (570) 422-3460 or www.esu.edu/reslife.

What other housing options are there at ESU for Transfer Students?

University Ridge Apartments located just north east of the campus, is student housing community built anddesigned with the convenience andcomfort of the ESUstudent in mind. Complex offering apartment style off-campus housing. Our 541 ESU students enjoy scenic views in our picturesque complex looking over the Pocono Mountains. For more information call (570) 422-2400 or visit www.esuridge.com.

If you desire to live off-campus, the Office of Residence Life will assist you by providing a list of available rental units in the area. When local landlords advertise to us that they have apartments/homes/rooms to rent, we compile the list and make it available for interested students. For more info, contact the Office of Residence Life and Housing at (570) 422-3138.

I know you need my college transcripts. What about high school?

If transferring without a conferred Associate or Bachelor degree, an official high school transcript with graduation date or GED score report from the state of issue is required as proof of graduation or the equivalent. Applicants with fewer than 24 college-level credits completed at the time of application will be evaluated using a combination of official college-level GPA/credits; high school record; and SAT/ACT scores for admission consideration. Please note: Your high school transcript is required for admission review.

Can I apply on-line?

Definitely! Access our on-line application here.

I attended multiple institutions, do you need all of my transcripts?

Yes. An official transcript is required from all college/university or post-secondary institutions attended even if you do not wish to have the credit considered for transfer. If you are currently enrolled elsewhere, please request the institution send an official transcript listing the in-progress coursework. Official transcripts must be sent directly from the sending institution (your prior institutions) to: Office of Admission, East Stroudsburg University, 200 Prospect Street, East Stroudsburg, PA 18301

Can I speak with an ESU transfer counselor?

Absolutely! The ESU transfer staff is here to help you.

Walt Lukow, Associate Director of Admisison/Coordinator of Transfer Recruitment, 570-422-3110 or wlukow@esu.edu
Nina Atanesian, Assistant Director of Admission, Transfer Counselor, 570-422-3149 or natanesian@esu.edu