Transfer Students
Ready to start your story as a Scot?
Continue your journey and move forward with purpose.
At Alma College, we understand the journey of a transfer student — and we’re here to make yours as smooth and rewarding as possible. When you choose to complete your degree at Alma, you’ll get personalized support every step of the way, plus generous scholarship opportunities designed with transfer students in mind.When you choose to complete your degree at Alma, you’ll receive personalized attention and consideration for generous scholarships.
We’re the only college in Michigan with a commitment that guarantees you’ll stay on track to graduate on time. At Alma, you won’t be starting over — you’ll be moving forward.
Alma College offers rolling admission for transfer students — apply any time throughout the year. You can begin in either the Fall (August) or Winter (January) term.
Submit your $300 commitment deposit and make your decision official.
Ready to begin your journey as a Scot?
Applying is easy. Get started now, or scroll down for details on credits, processes and timelines.
Applying to Alma
Applying to Alma
If you’ve earned college credit after receiving your high school diploma, you’re considered a transfer student — and we’re excited to help you take the next step. Students with a 2.5 cumulative GPA or higher are most competitive for transfer admission to Alma.
You can apply using the free Alma College application or apply through the free Common Application.
To be considered for admission, please submit:
- A completed application.
- Official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended.
- If you’ve earned fewer than 25 college credits, an official high school transcript (with graduation date) is also required
Scholarships and Financial Aid
Scholarships and Financial Aid
When you invest in your future at Alma, we invest in you. Our generous scholarships help make transferring both affordable and accessible, so you can focus on finishing strong.
Transfer Housing and Dining
Transfer Housing and Dining
When you transfer to Alma College, you’re joining a close-knit community that’s committed to your success, and you’ll be living near other transfers in our residence halls — making it easy to connect, live, and learn together.
The Transition Assistance Program (TAP)
The Transition Assistance Program (TAP)
TAP is designed to support transfer and non-traditional students as they adjust to college life and stay on track to graduate on time.
As a TAP student, you’ll receive:
- Guidance from a student mentor who’s also a transfer student
- Direct access to financial counseling, academic advising, and career support
- Opportunities to connect with faculty through workshops and social events
- A strong community of peers with shared experiences
- Access to the Transfer Living Learning Community — a residency-based academic support program
- A stronger path to success at Alma and beyond
Want to learn more? Contact your admissions representative about TAP.
Commit To Alma
Commit To Alma
Submit your $300 commitment deposit in order to make your decision official.
How will my credits transfer?
Michigan Transfer Agreement
Michigan Transfer Agreement
Michigan Transfer Agreement
Alma College participates in the Michigan Transfer Agreement (MTA) to facilitate transfer from Michigan community colleges. A minimum of 30 credits, with at least a “C” (2.0) or higher in each course, must be completed at the community college level to satisfy the MTA, including:
- One course in English composition.
- A second course in English composition or a course in Communication. (a second course in English Composition is highly recommended)
- Two courses in social sciences.
- Two courses in humanities and fine arts.
- Two courses in natural sciences, including one with laboratory experience.
- One course in college-level mathematics.
Alma College recognizes students who have satisfied the MTA requirements satisfy the requirements for all four Explore courses, ENG 101 (provided a second English Composition course is completed), and meet math competency. A student’s official transcript from the sending institution must indicate that the MTA has has been satisfied.
Transfer Credit Policy
Transfer Credit Policy
Transfer Credit Policy
Alma College accepts credit earned from regionally accredited colleges or universities in the United States. International credit is evaluated using guidance from AACRAO and World Education Services. An evaluation of credit earned is available upon submission of an application and transcripts to the Admissions Office.
All transfer students with 25+ credits will have the First Year Seminar (FYS) requirement and one Spring Term requirement waived. Students are still required to take one Spring Term course at Alma.
Limitations are as follows:
- Only non-developmental courses that are graded “C” (2.0) or higher are accepted for credit.
- All transfer students must complete the final 52 credits for the degree in residence at Alma or in an Alma-approved program.
- Transferred credit must be documented by receipt of an official transcript from each institution attended.
- Transfer credits from courses below the 100-level do not count toward the 136 credits required for graduation.
Transfer students are encouraged to consult with the Registrar’s Office to review transfer credit equivalencies.
Associate's Degree
Associate's Degree
Associate's Degree
Students entering Alma College with an awarded associate’s degree or comparable work will have the “Explore and Theme” requirements in the Core Curriculum waived. “Comparable work” means the equivalent of four full-time college terms with a minimum of 56 Alma credits accepted for transfer. This must include at least three credits each of courses addressing laboratory science, arts or humanities, and social science, plus at least nine additional credits of work outside of the primary area of emphasis.
A second course in English composition or a course in Communication. (a second course in English Composition is highly recommended)
- Two courses in social sciences.
- Two courses in humanities and fine arts.
- Two courses in natural sciences, including one with laboratory experience.
- One course in college-level mathematics.
Alma College recognizes students who have satisfied the MTA requirements satisfy the requirements for all four Explore courses, ENG 101 (provided a second English Composition course is completed), and meet math competency. A student’s official transcript from the sending institution must indicate that the MTA has been satisfied.
Explore
Student & Alumni Spotlights
No one describes the Alma experience better than those living it. Explore their stories, in their own words, below.
Transferring from my previous institution was a difficult choice, but once I visited Alma’s campus, I knew this was the school for me. The right people guided me on where I needed to be and what I needed to do. I was able to connect with all aspects of campus culture — athletics, academics, and so on. The people here make me feel like I’m not a new student at all.
Alma College made the transfer process really easy. The transfer representative at Alma College spoke with me, 1-on-1, in a way that I’m not sure I would have been able to do at a larger school.
Transferring from my previous institution was a difficult choice, but once I visited Alma’s campus, I knew this was the school for me. The right people guided me on where I needed to be and what I needed to do. I was able to connect with all aspects of campus culture — athletics, academics, and so on. The people here make me feel like I’m not a new student at all.
Alma College made the transfer process really easy. The transfer representative at Alma College spoke with me, 1-on-1, in a way that I’m not sure I would have been able to do at a larger school.
Choosing a college is a big decision.
We’re here to help.
Contact Admissions with any questions you have about transferring to Alma.