As a transfer student at Southwestern, you’ll have the unique opportunity to join our ranks and further your education in an environment that places a high value on exploration, innovation, and experiences. Your unique perspective and ideas will be valued during class discussions, collaborative research, and other projects.
Within these transfer pages you will find a wealth of information to help you make that determination. Transferring to Southwestern is as easy as 1, 2, 3!
1. Start With a Conversation
At Southwestern, it’s all about personal attention. So, before you get too far down the road, you are encouraged to set up a quick Q&A with a transfer recruiter. You can talk about where you’re coming from, your intended major, any extenuating circumstances, what you’re looking for in a new school, and the steps involved in the admission process.
Contact transfer@southwestern.edu or 512.863.1200 with any of your questions or to set up an appointment. We look forward to hearing from you!
2. Requirements & Information
Requirements
Students submitting a transfer application must complete a minimum of 12 credits prior to semester of entry (this excludes dual credit, concurrent enrollment, AP or IB exam credit, early college, and courses taken the summer immediately after high school graduation). Southwestern evaluates all candidates using multiple factors to help reach admission decisions. Beyond the admission application, Southwestern requires a written essay, official high school and college transcripts, and a College Conduct Report. International students have additional requirements which can be found here. Instructor evaluations, a personal statement, copies of SAT or ACT score results, and a personal interview are optional.
Please note, Southwestern requires full-time enrollment and offers a traditional learning environment; evening, weekend, or online courses are not offered.
Recommended GPA
While we have no GPA minimums, successful candidates generally earn a 2.5 GPA or better in full-time, college-level work. Developmental courses will not be considered when calculating a GPA.
Credit Evaluation
Once admitted, the Office of the Registrar will complete an official external transfer credit evaluation. Students will receive this information before they are required to submit an enrollment deposit. A minimum of 64 total credits (two years) and 60% of your major must be completed at Southwestern in order to earn a degree. Southwestern accepts a grade of C- or better on all transferable, non-developmental coursework. Online coursework is generally reviewed on a course-by-course basis for transferability. Students needing assistance with coursework selection prior to transferring should contact the Admission Office for guidance.
Housing Policy
Southwestern University is a residential learning community, and on-campus living is an integral part of the student experience. To support student success, engagement, and connection to campus life, Southwestern requires students to live in university housing for their first three years (six semesters) of enrollment.
Certain students, including military veterans and those who are 22 years of age or older, married, or have children, are automatically exempt from this requirement. Because living on campus is such an important part of the Southwestern experience, students may apply for Residency Requirement Exemption only in extraordinary circumstances. Exemption requests are not guaranteed.
* This excludes dual credit, concurrent enrollment, AP or IB exam credit, early college, and courses taken the summer immediately after high school graduation.
Articulation Agreements
Southwestern has articulation agreements with the following community colleges: Austin Community College District, Collin County Community College District, Tarrant County College, and Temple College.
3. Next Steps After Your Offer of Admission
You’re In! And now that you’ve been admitted, there are a few things you should consider prior to enrolling. If you need help navigating this next step, we encourage you to reach out to transfer@southwestern.edu or 512.863.1200.