Transfer Planning

Use the following list of colleges and universities to start your research. This list is sorted by proximity to Olympia, as well as online schools. To find even more colleges and universities in Washington, go to the Washington Student Achievement Council website.

When transferring out of state, consider starting with Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) schools. Participating schools in western states offer reduced tuition to students from within western states. Learn more about how you can benefit from WUE.

Remember to look for specific transfer admissions requirements – for the university and for your specific major. Research transfer GPAs, foreign language, and general education requirements. Look at specific department requirements, admissions, and financial aid deadlines. Make informed choices and start early!

SPSCC has teamed up with the following universities and colleges to make your transfer journey seamless. Save time and money by taking advantage of these partnerships.

SPSCC Transfer Partners

• The Evergreen State College
• Saint Martin's University
• University of Washington - Tacoma
• Washington State University - Vancouver
• Western Washington University

Local: 0–30 miles

Schools within a short drive of Olympia

• The Evergreen State College
• Pacific Lutheran University
• Saint Martin's University
• University of Washington - Tacoma

Nearby: 31–60 miles

A little farther from Olympia, but still within driving distance

• University of Puget Sound

Regional: 61–100 miles

Universities throughout the greater Puget Sound region

• Antioch University Seattle
• Bastyr University
• City University of Seattle
• Northwest University
• Seattle Pacific University
• Seattle University
• University of Washington - Bothell
• University of Washington - Seattle

Longer Distance: 101+ miles

Explore transfer opportunities across Washington

• Central Washington University
• Eastern Washington University
• Gonzaga University
• Heritage University
• Washington State University - Pullman
• Washington State University - Spokane
• Washington State University - Tri-Cities
• Whitman College
• Whitworth University

Online & Flexible Options

Flexible options that fit around work, family, or other commitments

• Central Washington University – Online Learning
• City University of Seattle – Online Programs
• Eastern Washington University – Eastern Online 
• Washington State University – Global Campus
• Western Governors University
• Western Washington University - Online

Tribal Options

Northwest Indian College (NWIC) is the only accredited Tribal College serving the states of Washington, Oregon, and Idaho. Its main campus is on the Lummi Indian Reservation near Bellingham. NWIC also offers programs and services through extended campus locations throughout the Pacific Northwest.

Main Campus

• Lummi Main Campus: Bellingham, WA

Extended Campuses

• Muckleshoot Campus: Auburn, WA
• Nez Perce Campus: Lapwai, ID
• Nisqually Campus: Olympia, WA
• Port Gamble S'Klallam Campus: Kingston, WA
• Swinomish Campus: La Conner, WA
• Tulalip Campus: Tulalip, WA

Transfer Credits

Transfer credits are earned from college-level (100+) courses successfully completed with a “C” (2.0+) at one institution and sent to another. Transfer credits can be brought from one accredited school to another, allowing students to switch schools and complete their degrees without redoing previous courses. 

Finding Out How Your Classes Will Transfer

Students can get an idea of which SPSCC courses may transfer by looking at transfer of credit & equivalency guides. Each university has its own unique courses. They will complete an official review once you submit your final official transcript to them. Because these transfer guides do not include every course, and may be otherwise out of date, it is advisable to work closely with an admissions representative from your selected universities, as well as your SPSCC Academic Advisor.

Transfer degrees do not expire.

Your Associate of Arts – Direct Transfer Agreement (AA-DTA), an Associate of Science-Transfer (AS-T), or Major Related Program (MRP) degrees do not expire. Earning one of these degrees continues to ensure that you are eligible to transfer to a university with junior standing and completion of lower-division education requirements (90 quarter-hour credits).  

If You Don’t Complete Your Associate's Degree

You can still apply to universities, but your courses will be evaluated on a course-by-course basis to transfer in only the courses that match their university courses. 

How to Transfer Credits from SPSCC to Universities

Universities require applicants to submit an official transcript with their application. Once a student has been accepted to a school and confirmed their attendance, they must submit a final copy of their official transcript that shows their completed transfer degree.

Official transcripts are sent directly from one school to another. This ensures that the transcript cannot be altered before it is submitted to the receiving school.  Each university will have its own procedure for transferring credits; check their Admissions pages for more information. Order your official SPSCC transcripts here.

Avoiding Problems with Transfer Credits

While completing an AA-DTA, AS-T, or MRP/DTA generally completes lower-division general education requirements, there are some common areas where students can ensure that they will not have to take additional credits once they reach the university.

1. Earning a “C” (2.0) or higher in each course is typically required
2. Schools typically accept a maximum of 90 credits. Some majors will accept additional courses.
3. When taking a series (e.g., BIOL& 211, 212, 213), it is important to complete the entire course at SPSCC so that you do not need to retake an entire series
4. Ensure that you will meet any additional lower-division requirements (e.g., make sure the Diversity course you take at SPSCC will meet any Diversity requirement at another school)

SPSCC Transfer Program Partners 

Get tailored support to ensure you are getting maximum transferability with your credits

• The Evergreen State College
• Saint Martin's University
• University of Washington - Tacoma
• Washington State University - Vancouver
• Western Washington University

Transfer Credit & Course Equivalency Guides

Use the links below to see how courses from SPSCC may transfer to each university. Course equivalencies are subject to change, so students should confirm final transferability with university Admissions representatives.

• Antioch University Seattle: Transfer Credit Information
• Bastyr University: Transfer of Credit
• Central Washington University: Transfer Course Equivalencies
• City University of Seattle: Transfer Credit Policies
• Eastern Washington University: Course Equivalencies / Transfer Guide
• The Evergreen State College: Transfer Course Equivalency Guide
• Gonzaga University: Transfer Credit & Course Equivalencies
• Heritage University: Transfer Students & Transfer Credit
• Northwest University: Transfer Equivalency System
• Pacific Lutheran University: Interactive Equivalency Guide
• Saint Martin's University: Transfer Credit & Course Equivalencies
• Seattle Pacific University: Transfer Course Equivalency Guide
• Seattle University: Transfer Equivalency Guide
• University of Puget Sound: Transferology / Transfer Credit Information
• University of Washington - Bothell: Course Equivalency Guide
• University of Washington - Seattle: UW Equivalency Guide
• University of Washington - Tacoma: Course Equivalency Guide
• Washington State University - Global Campus: Transfer Course Search Tool
• Washington State University - Pullman: Transfer Course Search Tool
• Washington State University - Spokane: Transfer Course Search Tool
• Washington State University - Tri-Cities: Transfer Course Search Tool
• Whitman College: Transferology / Electronic Transfer Guide
• Whitworth University: Transfer Equivalency Information
• Western Governors University: Transfer to WGU

This guide is a general timeline for planning purposes and does not include specific dates for specific schools which must be obtained from your prospective colleges and universities.

During your first 45 credits

1. Explore Majors and Careers

• Four-year colleges and universities expect transfer students to arrive at their schools prepared to begin courses in their major.
• Explore careers and majors by visiting the Advising, Career & Transfer Center.
• Know the requirements of the various transfer degrees at South Puget Sound Community College and decide early which degree you want to pursue.

2. Begin your search for colleges and universities that would be a good fit for you.

• Conduct a search for schools that offer your major of study. Visit some four-year colleges and universities. Many of them have “Transfer Days” specially organized for transfer students.
• Talk with college representatives that visit South Puget Sound Community College.
• Decide on a “short list” of colleges or universities you’d like to attend.

3. Create a long-term plan for your degree completion and transfer.

• Meet with an Educational & Career Planner at the four-year institution you are interested in to make sure you are taking courses that transfer and meet lower-division program requirements.
• Meet with your SPSCC Educational & Career Planner to develop an Educational Plan of which courses you will take until graduation.

During your last 45 credits

4. Start searching for scholarships and gathering admissions application materials.

• Attend a transfer workshop and/or make a transfer planning appointment with an SPSCC Educational & Career Planner.
• Start preparing scholarship applications and continue narrowing your college search.
• Apply for scholarships.
• Make contact with an admissions representative and scholarship representative at prospective four-year institutions.

5. Get your applications ready and turned in.

• Apply for admissions. Fall admission deadlines are usually between January and April.
• Request an official copy of your transcript from all schools attended.
• Write a strong personal statement/essay. See your Educational & Career Planner and work with the Writing Center if you need help.
• Prepare to fill out your FAFSA and any other financial aid paperwork early!

6. Decide on your four-year school and finish up at SPSCC!

• Complete graduation requirements.
• Visit your prospective four-year schools if you have not already. Accept/reject university offers.
• Apply for housing if needed.
• Request your final transcript from SPSCC after graduation.

Degree Types

• Only certain types of degrees transfer. The Associate of Arts (AA), Associate of Business, Associate in Pre-Nursing, and Associate of Science (AS) degrees (Option 1 & 2) are intended to transfer to four-year universities in Washington. Some of these degrees are referred to as Direct Transfer Agreement Degrees (DTAs).
• Out-of-State colleges and universities may or may not accept courses and degrees the same way Washington state schools do. Make sure to contact prospective schools early to find out how they accept SPSCC credit.
• The Associate in Applied Science-T (AAS-T) is a professional-technical degree. In general, professional-technical degrees are not designed for transfer to other colleges or universities, but several two-year and some four-year colleges and universities have specific bachelor’s degree programs that accept the AAS-T degree. See your assigned Education & Career Planner for details.
• The Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degrees are generally designed to provide direct workforce skills and are not considered transferable. The Evergreen State College will accept AAS degrees with their Upside Down Transfer Option. 

Look Out for Pitfalls

• It is very helpful to decide on your four-year major early on. Four-year universities will want you to be prepared to enter a major once you transfer.  Once you decide on your major, research universities that you may be interested in to determine what general education courses they recommend you take during your first two years to prepare.
• If at all possible, finish your full transfer degree. If you complete your degree and receive a DTA, colleges will generally accept your credits as a “package.” If you do not complete a transfer degree, the receiving college can pick and choose classes they want to accept.
• Be cautious of elective credits. When choosing electives to satisfy your degree, it is always best to pick additional courses from the General Education List (GEL). Colleges have certain requirements when it comes to accepting  “gray-area” credits (courses that are not on the GEL).

Do Your Research

• Explore Washington universities online. Many colleges allow you to request information on their websites. If you have a particular interest, printed materials can be found in Building 22.
• It is very important to check specific admission requirements. Look for minimum transfer GPAs, foreign language, and general education requirements. Also, look for the specific course requirements for your bachelor’s degree.
• If possible, visit the college. Check out the campus, residence halls, and community. 

Get Ready, Apply

• Look for deadlines. You often have to apply to the university as well as the department in which you plan to major.
• Order official transcripts from each college you have attended. It is always a good idea to order a copy for your records as well. Remember, universities will only accept official transcripts. The transcript must remain sealed in the original envelope. A copy of your high school transcript may also be required.
• Remember to write the admissions essay or “personal statement.” This is your opportunity to introduce yourself, share why you want to attend the university you are applying for, and explain any circumstances or events that have influenced your educational experiences. This is like an interview on paper.
• Choose one or more colleges and apply for admission. Application fees vary.

Find Financial Resources

• Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form after October 1 of the year you plan to attend.
• Each university sets its own priority deadlines. Most financial aid deadlines occur before March 1. If you apply after that time, you may still be eligible to receive aid, but the amount you receive could be considerably less.
• Research scholarships. Check with the institution you plan to attend, your high school, your local library, local community organizations, and the Internet.

To find out when you should apply, take look at our list of priority application deadlines for Washington state universities below. The dates listed are the last possible day to turn in your application, so you should plan to have your application submitted well before these dates.

The following transfer application deadlines may be different from freshman application deadlines. If you plan on applying with fewer than 40 credits or are in the Running Start program, please research the admissions criteria and application deadlines for the colleges you are interested in.

Central Washington University

• Fall: March 1
• Winter: November 1
• Spring: March 1
• Summer: June 1

Eastern Washington University

• Fall: February 15
• Winter: October 15
• Spring: February 15
• Summer: February 15

The Evergreen State College

Rolling Admissions

Evergreen offers rolling admissions, giving you the flexibility to apply when the time is right for you.

With new students admitted for fall, winter, and spring quarters, you don't have to wait for a single deadline to start your journey. Whether you're ready to dive in now or planning ahead, Evergreen's year-round application options make it easy to find the right time to begin your education.

Note: Students entering one of the Priority Pathways must start in fall.

Fall Quarter

• Application Deadline: September 1
• Credentials Deadline: September 15
• Priority Pathway Deadline: May 1

Winter Quarter

• Application Deadline: December 1
• Credentials Deadline: December 15

Spring Quarter

• Application Deadline: March 1
• Credentials Deadline: March 15

Pacific Lutheran University

There is no specific application deadline; however, financial aid priority is given to Fall Semester applications received by February 1. Students who apply after will still be eligible for aid, but some sources of funding may have limited amounts to offer. Scholarship priority is given to Spring Semester applications received by November 15. The largest transfer scholarship has a cut-off of November 15. Other scholarships will still be available.

Saint Martin’s University

The application deadline for Spring Semester is January 1. Applications for Summer and Fall Semesters are accepted on a rolling basis.

University of Washington - Seattle

• Fall: February 15
• Winter: September 1
• Spring: December 15, not open for general admission
• Summer: February 15, degree-seeking status

University of Washington - Bothell

General Admission

• Fall: April 1
• Winter: November 1
• Spring: February 1
• Summer: May 1

Program application deadlines may differ. Check UW Bothell's website to view your specific program.

University of Washington - Tacoma

General Admission

• Fall: March 15
• Winter: October 15
• Spring: February 15

Program application deadlines may differ. Check UW Tacoma's website to view your specific program.

Washington State University - Pullman

• Fall Semester: January 31
• Spring Semester: November 15

Washington State University - Tri-Cities

• Fall Semester: January 31
• Spring Semester: November 15

Washington State University - Spokane

• Fall Semester: January 31
• Spring Semester: November 15

Washington State University - Vancouver

• Fall Semester: January 31
• Spring Semester: November 15
• Summer Semester: January 31

These undergraduate programs have additional applications required to certify into the major:

• Education: January 15 (Summer start only)
• Nursing: January 15 (Fall) or August 5 (Spring)

Western Washington University

• Fall: March 1
• Winter: October 1
• Spring: January 15
• Summer: March 1

The following information serves as a guide. Always check with your chosen university to ensure accurate information and requirements.

Public Universities

Central Washington University

• Admission requirement for students with fewer than 45 transferable college credits: 2 years of one high school foreign language or 3 college quarters (through &123) of one language
• Admission requirement for students with a DTA: Not required
• Graduation requirement:
  • 2 years of one high school foreign language or 3 college quarters of one foreign language (through &123) for all students seeking a Bachelor of Arts degree
  • Not required for students who transfer to CWU with a Direct Transfer Agreement (DTA) and pursue a Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Music, Bachelor of Fine Arts, or Bachelor of Arts in Education degrees
• American Sign Language accepted: Yes

Eastern Washington University

• Admission requirement for students with fewer than 45 transferable college credits: 2 years of one high school foreign language or 3 college quarters (through &123) of one language
• Admission requirement for students with a DTA: Not required
• Graduation requirement:
  • 2 years of one high school foreign language or 3 college quarters of one foreign language (through &123) for students graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree
  • Not required for students seeking a Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration, Bachelor of Arts in Education, Bachelor of Fine Arts, or Bachelor of Music degrees
• American Sign Language accepted: Yes

The Evergreen State College

• Admission requirement for students with fewer than 45 transferable college credits: 2 years of one high school foreign language or 2 college quarters (through &122) of one language with at least a 2.0
• Admission requirement for students with a DTA: Not required
• Graduation requirement: Not required
• American Sign Language accepted: Yes

University of Washington - Seattle

• Admission requirement for students with fewer than 45 transferable college credits: 2 years of one high school foreign language or 2 college quarters (through &122) of one language
• Admission requirement for students with a DTA: At least 2 college quarters (through &122) of one language. Some majors may require more.
• Graduation requirement:
  • Three college quarters of one foreign language through &123 level with at least a 2.0 or higher; or complete the third year high school level of a foreign language for majors within the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Education (Early Childhood and Family Studies), or the School of Social Work
  • Students pursuing degrees in the Colleges of Architecture, Business Administration, Engineering, Forest Resources, Nursing, Fisheries, Sciences, Pharmacy, and Public Health do not require a third year
• American Sign Language accepted: Yes

University of Washington - Bothell

• Admission requirement for students with fewer than 45 transferable college credits: 2 years of one high school foreign language or 2 college quarters (through &122) of one language
• Admission requirement for students with a DTA: 2 years of one high school foreign language or 2 college quarters (through &122) of one language
• Graduation requirement: 2 years of one high school foreign language or 2 college quarters (through &122) of one language
• American Sign Language accepted: Yes

University of Washington - Tacoma

• Admission requirement for students with fewer than 45 transferable college credits: 2 years of one high school foreign language or 2 college quarters (through &122) of one language is encouraged, but may be completed prior to graduating
• Admission requirement for students with a DTA: 2 years of one high school foreign language or 2 college quarters (through &122) of one language is encouraged, but may be completed prior to graduating
• Graduation requirement: 2 years of one high school foreign language or 2 college quarters (through &122) of one language
• American Sign Language accepted: Yes

Washington State University

• Admission requirement for students with fewer than 45 transferable college credits: 2 years of one high school foreign language or 2 college quarters (through &122) of one language
• Admission requirement for students with a DTA: Not required
• Graduation requirement: 2 years of high school or one college year (through &123) of one language for the College of Liberal Arts, College of Communication, College of Science, and International Business. For International Business, foreign language must be met through college-level classes.
• American Sign Language accepted: Yes

Western Washington University

• Admission requirement for students with fewer than 45 transferable college credits: 2 years of one high school foreign language or 2 college quarters (through &122) of one language
• Admission requirement for students with a DTA: Not required
• Graduation requirement: Not required
• American Sign Language accepted: Yes, but will not count toward General University Requirements (GURs)

Private Universities

Bastyr University

• Admission requirement for students with fewer than 45 transferable college credits: Not required
• Admission requirement for students with a DTA: N/A
• Graduation requirement: Not required
• American Sign Language accepted: N/A

City University

• Admission requirement for students with fewer than 45 transferable college credits: Not required
• Admission requirement for students with a DTA: N/A
• Graduation requirement: Not required
• American Sign Language accepted: N/A

Cornish College of the Arts

• Admission requirement for students with fewer than 45 transferable college credits: Not required
• Admission requirement for students with a DTA: N/A
• Graduation requirement: Not required
• American Sign Language accepted: N/A

Gonzaga University

• Admission requirement for students with fewer than 45 transferable college credits: Not required
• Admission requirement for students with a DTA: N/A
• Graduation requirement:
  • One 3-semester credit course in foreign language/ foreign culture
  • Not required for Business, Education, Engineering, or Nursing majors
• American Sign Language accepted: No

Heritage University

• Admission requirement for students with fewer than 45 transferable college credits: Not required
• Admission requirement for students with a DTA: N/A
• Graduation requirement: One college level (&121) foreign language class. Additional classes may be required for certain majors.
• American Sign Language accepted: Yes

Northwest University

• Admission requirement for students with fewer than 45 transferable college credits: Not required
• Admission requirement for students with a DTA: N/A
• Graduation requirement: Some majors have specific requirements. Check with the university.
• American Sign Language accepted: Yes

Pacific Lutheran University

• Admission requirement for students with fewer than 45 transferable college credits: 2 years of one high school foreign language or 3 college quarters (through &123) of one language. May be satisfied upon entry.
• Admission requirement for students with a DTA: 2 years of one language at the high school, or 3 college quarters (through &123) of one language. May be satisfied upon entry.
• Graduation requirement: Required for Arts and Sciences
• American Sign Language accepted: Yes for the admissions requirement, but not for the graduation requirement

St. Martin’s University

• Admission requirement for students with fewer than 45 transferable college credits: Not required, but 2 years of high school foreign language with “B” or better recommended
• Admission requirement for students with a DTA: N/A
• Graduation requirement:
  • 3 college quarters (through &123) of the same foreign language or 3 years of one high school foreign language
  • Not required for students who transfer with a Direct Transfer Agreement
• American Sign Language accepted: Yes

Seattle Pacific University

• Admission requirement for students with fewer than 45 transferable college credits: Not required
• Admission requirement for students with a DTA: N/A
• Graduation requirement:
  • 3 college quarters (through &123) of the same foreign language or 3 years of one high school foreign language
  • Not required for students who transfer with a Direct Transfer Agreement
• American Sign Language accepted: Yes

Seattle University

• Admission requirement for students with fewer than 45 transferable college credits: 2 years of one high school foreign language or 2 college quarters (through &122) of one language
• Admission requirement for students with a DTA: Not required
• Graduation requirement:
  • 3 college quarters (through &123) of the same foreign language for Arts & Sciences majors
  • Not required for Business, Nursing, or Science and Engineering majors
• American Sign Language accepted: Yes

University of Puget Sound

• Admission requirement for students with fewer than 45 transferable college credits: Not required
• Admission requirement for students with a DTA: N/A
• Graduation requirement: One year of college-level foreign language, proficiency exam, or AP scores
• American Sign Language accepted: Yes

Whitman College

• Admission requirement for students with fewer than 45 transferable college credits: Not required
• Admission requirement for students with a DTA: N/A
• Graduation requirement: Not required
• American Sign Language accepted: Yes

Whitworth University

• Admission requirement for students with fewer than 45 transferable college credits: Not required, but 2 years of high school foreign language recommend
• Admission requirement for students with a DTA: N/A
• Graduation requirement:
  • 3 college quarters (through &123) of the same foreign language
  • Not required for Nursing majors
• American Sign Language accepted: Yes

Students

1. Students have the right to clear, accurate, and current information about their transfer admission requirements, transfer admission deadlines, degree requirements, and transfer policies that include course equivalencies.
2. Transfer and freshman-entry students have the right to expect comparable standards for regular admission to programs and comparable program requirements.
3. Students have the right to seek clarification regarding their transfer evaluation and may request the reconsideration of any aspect of that evaluation. In response, the college will follow established practices and processes for reviewing its transfer credit decisions.
4. Students who encounter other transfer difficulties have the right to seek resolution. Each institution will have a defined process for resolution that is published and readily available to students.
5. Students have the responsibility to complete all materials required for admission and to submit the application on or before the published deadlines.
6. Students have the responsibility to plan their courses of study by referring to the specific published degree requirements of the college or academic program in which they intend to earn a bachelor’s degree.
7. When a student changes their major or degree program, the student assumes full responsibility for meeting the new requirements.
8. Students who complete the general education requirements at any public four-year institution of higher education in Washington, when admitted to another public four-year institution, will have met the lower division general education requirements of the institution to which they transfer.

Colleges and Universities

1. Colleges and universities have the right and authority to determine program requirements and course offerings in accordance with their institutional missions.
2. Colleges and universities have the responsibility to communicate and publish their requirements and course offerings to students and the public, including information about student transfer rights and responsibilities.
3. Colleges and universities have the responsibility to communicate their admission and transfer-related decisions to students in writing (electronic or paper).

Transferring to a university outside of the U.S. can save you money on a bachelor’s degree or beyond, and give you a life-changing experience! Explore our 29 international transfer options by visiting our International Transfer page.