Transfer Students

Continue your journey at the center of it all.

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 ensures you’ll graduate on time. Here, transfer students don’t start over, they get started.

#8

Regional Colleges Midwest (U.S. News & World Report)

#4

Best Undergraduate Teaching (U.S. News & World Report)

1 of 70

Schools in Michigan to participate in the Michigan Transfer Agreement

#1

Best Colleges for Veterans (U.S. News & World Report)

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

Students who have earned college credit(s) after receiving their high school diploma are considered transfer students and should apply as such. Those who have earned a 2.5 cumulative GPA or higher are most competitive to receive an offer of transfer admission to Alma College.

As a transfer student, you can complete the free Alma College application or apply through the Common Application.

Please submit the following materials to be considered for admission:

  • A completed application for admission.
  • Transcripts from all colleges/universities attended are required. Applicants with less than 25 college credits must also submit an official high school transcript with the graduation date.

Apply Now

Key Dates and Deadlines

Alma College offers rolling admissions to transfer students. That means that you can apply at any point throughout the year. Students can apply to begin in the Fall (August) or Winter (January) term.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

When you invest in your future at Alma, we’re with you every step of the way. Our generous scholarships are designed to make the next steps of your college journey as smooth and accessible as possible.

Transfer Student Scholarships

Transfer Housing and Dining

When you transfer to Alma College, you choose a close-knit community committed to your success. You’ll experience personalized mentorship from faculty and staff. You’ll find your people with 80+ student clubs and organizations. As a first year student at Alma, you will be placed near other transfer students in our residence halls to help make lifelong friends as you live and learn alongside your transfer peers.

The Transition Assistance Program (TAP)

The Transition Assistance Program (TAP) provides transfer and non-traditional students with extra support to navigate the college experience and graduate on time.

  • A student mentor, who was also a transfer student, to help guide you.
  • Direct access to financial counseling, academic advising and career development.
  • Access to faculty mentors through workshops and social events.
  • A close-knit community of students with similar experience.
  • Access to the Transfer Living Learning Community, a residency-based academic support program for all incoming transfer and non-traditional students.
  • An increased potential for success at Alma College and beyond.

Contact your admissions representative to learn more about TAP.

Commit To Alma

Submit your $300 commitment deposit in order to make your decision official. 

Commit to Alma

How will my credits transfer?

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.
  • 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 Michigan Transfer Agreement (MTA) requirements satisfy the requirements for all four Explore courses, ENG 101, and meet mathematics competency. A student’s official transcript from the sending institution must indicate that the MTA has been satisfied. Learn More

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 the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (AACRAO) and World Education Services. An evaluation of credit earned is available upon submission of an application and transcripts to the Admissions Office. Transfer 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.

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.

Transfer Credit Evaluation Tool

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.

Izzy Alston, `25

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.

Izzy Alston, `25

Questions?

Get in Touch

Contact the Admissions Office

admissions@alma.edu

(800) 321-ALMA