General Policies on Transfer Credits
Many students take courses at other colleges or universities, and most credits can be applied toward a degree at Iowa State. Key policies include:
- Up to 65 credits (97 quarter hours) from two-year colleges may be applied.
- There is no limit on transfer credits from four-year institutions.
- Up to 16 credits (24 quarter hours) of career/technical coursework may be accepted, usually as electives.
- Grades do not transfer and do not affect your Iowa State GPA.
- Some degree requirements may have minimum grade thresholds.
- Your final 32 credits must be completed at Iowa State unless you receive a waiver.
Transfer Credit Evaluation
To receive transfer credit, request that your previous institution send an official transcript to the Iowa State Office of Admissions. Once evaluated, your transfer credits will appear in Workday.
If a course transfers as an ISU equivalent, it can be applied directly to your degree program. If it does not, your advisor can help determine how it may be used.
If you want to see how a course is likely to transfer before taking it—such as for study abroad or summer coursework—use:
- Course equivalency guides (for Iowa community colleges and select MN/IL colleges)
- TRANSIT, Iowa State's transfer evaluation system
- A preliminary transfer credit evaluation form if the course is not listed
Always talk with your advisor about how transfer credits apply to your degree plan. In some cases, a course may be re-evaluated to meet a specific requirement.