Why Transfer to Elmira College?

At Elmira College we celebrate who you are while preparing you for success. Our small class sizes give you one-on-one interactions with faculty, ensuring that you'll receive instruction and guidance from faculty who are personally invested in your success. You will complete a career-related internship prior to graduation, signaling to employers and graduate schools that you've test driven your chosen career and are ready for new challenges. We've prepared for your future with graduate and medical school affiliations that create clear pathways beyond graduation. Our graduates enjoy an exceptional success rate. And it all comes with one of the lowest undergraduate tuition prices of any four-year private college or university in the region, including affordable financial aid options available for transfer students.

Elmira College Application

 
"I really appreciate how smooth and workable the whole transition was."
-Emma Malnoske '25
 
Three female students laugh while hanging out at the entrance of Tompkins Hall

Credit Transfer Evaluation

Before you apply for admission, you’ll want to know if your college credits and courses will transfer. A Transfer Admissions Counselor will help you arrange a credit evaluation so you’ll know exactly what can be used toward your requirements for graduation.

To obtain a degree from Elmira College, you must complete at least 30 credit hours at Elmira including at least 15 credit hours in the desired major and 9 credits in the desired minor. A maximum number of 68 credit hours from two-year colleges or 90 credit hours from four-year institutions will be allowed to transfer. Some students entering at the junior level may require more than 60 additional credits to complete all requirements, depending on the program selected.

The Registrar evaluates transfer credits according to the following guidelines:
  • Undergraduate credit for which the student received a grade of C- or above will be considered for transfer to Elmira College only from accredited institutions or organizations accredited by an agency that is a member of the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
  • Courses of a generally similar nature, content, and level to Elmira courses will be accepted. Narrowly vocational or remedial courses will not be accepted.
  • Courses taken at another college in which the student received a grade of D-, D, or D+ may be accepted to waive a prerequisite or a degree requirement but will not be transferred for credit toward the Elmira College degree. Elmira College, however, does accept “D” grades on courses which comprise part of certain associate degrees from community and junior colleges with which Elmira College has articulation agreements, in accordance with the specific terms and conditions set forth in each agreement.
  • If another college permitted the student to repeat a course to raise a grade, Elmira College will accept the higher grade.
  • Students who transfer to Elmira College, regardless of class rank at the time of transfer, must complete all requirements for the degree in effect at that time, for his or her entering class.
  • Elmira College accepts credit recommendations as given by the commission on the Accreditation of Service Experience, the Educational Testing Service, New York State Department of Education, and the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers.
  • All other credit determinations will be made by the Registrar in consultation with the Provost and faculty in the field from which a course is taught on the basis of guidelines recommended by the Educational Standards Committee and approved by the faculty.
  • Elmira College transfer credit policy does not distinguish courses taught in different modes of delivery.
 
A Financial Aid counselor works with a student in an office

Scholarships & Aid

There are many financial aid and scholarship options, including special transfer scholarships, available.

Affordability

A male student smiles as he opens the mini refrigerator

Guaranteed On-Campus Housing

Almost all Elmira College students live on campus so they can be part of our vibrant community. As a transfer student, you will be guaranteed housing in one of our residence halls so that you can meet classmates and find support.

Housing

A male student leads a tour of campus

Orientation & Course Selection

We want you to succeed as a transfer to Elmira. Every transfer student is invited to attend the Summer Orientation Program to get to know classmates and our community. You’ll also be able to register for all of your classes online.

 
 

If you're a College of Saint Rose student or Wells College student looking to transfer due to these schools announcing their closures, we're here to help. See how Elmira College can become YOUR place.

Saint Rose Students    

Wells College Students

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What information do transfer students need to provide?

In addition to your completed Elmira College application, you will need to include the official transcript from each college or university you have attended. You will also need to complete a personal essay and have a letter of recommendation. See the checklist below for details.

  • Completed Application for Admission
  • Official college transcript(s) from each college or university previously attended
  • One letter of recommendation from a faculty member or teacher
  • Personal essay
  • Dean of Students Recommendation form from all colleges attended
  • If less than 12 college credits have been completed, we will need your official secondary school transcript

Who can I contact if I have questions about transferring?

Our Office of Admissions counselors can help transfer students find all the answers they need about coming to Elmira College.

Can I transfer from a community college?

Yes! Students who attend a two-year college and then want to move to Elmira to complete their last years of study toward a bachelor’s degree are a perfect fit.

Will I be part of Elmira traditions as a transfer student?

Of course. All students who are part of our community can take part in our traditions. These include Mountain Day, the Holiday Banquet and Ball, Octagon Fair and many more.

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