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Transfer Admissions

Am I a Transfer Student?

You are classified as a transfer student if you have previously registered at any other college or university as a matriculated student, and completed 19 or more credit hours. If you have earned college credits prior to receiving your high school diploma or equivalent, you are not considered a transfer student.

Students are classified according to the number of credits earned. Listed below are the requirements for the respective classifications:

  • Freshman: Fewer than 30 earned credits
  • Sophomore: At least 30 and fewer than 60 earned credits
  • Junior: At least 60 and fewer than 90 earned credits
  • Senior: At least 90 earned credits
  • Special: Non-degree-seeking

Transfer Scholarships (up to $16,000)*

*Must Attend the University Campus

Please note that the below scholarships reflect award amounts for students transferring in the Fall 2024 Semester.

Presidential Transfer Award ($13,000)
Dean's Transfer Award ($12,000)
Excellence Transfer Award ($11,000)
University Transfer Award ($10,000)
Campus Transfer Award ($7,500)

  • Students must attend the University Campus
  • Students must have a minimum 2.0 GPA to qualify
  • Sponsored students will not qualify.

Transfer Admissions Process

We've made the transfer process as easy as possible for you. Applications are evaluated on a rolling basis.

Transfer applicants should submit the following materials to the Office of Admissions:

  1. Application

    Apply online, or download, complete and return the Application Form. The Common Application is also accepted and may be completed online after August 1.
  2. Official College Transcript

    Submit an official transcript from each institution attended, covering all collegiate-level work completed. Good standing at each institution is required. Official transcripts must be sent directly from the school to Saint Leo University in a sealed envelope. Download Transfer Student Transcript Release Form. If you have less than 24 college credits, we will also need your official high school transcripts. Download a High School Transcript Release Authorization Form.
  3. Recommendation

    The recommendation must be sent to the Office of Admissions directly from the Dean of Students or equivalent at your current institution. Download Transfer Student Recommendation Form.
  4. Financial Aid & Payment Options

    Determine how you plan to pay for your Saint Leo experience. If using Financial Aid, complete the FAFSA online. It is in your best interest to complete the financial aid process as early as possible after October 1.

Application, recommendation and transcripts can be sent to:

Office of Admissions, MC2008

PO Box 6665

Saint Leo, FL 33574

Fax: (352) 588-8257

admissions@saintleo.edu

Transferring Credits?

To receive individualized information regarding the evaluation of transfer credits, students must first apply for admission and submit the application fee. The University does not provide an official transcript of transfer credit until successful completion of at least one course at Saint Leo. A student must be currently enrolled or have completed 30 credit hours at Saint Leo in order to continue to have transfer credit from other regionally accredited institutions added to his or her Saint Leo transcript. No quality points are awarded for transfer credit.

Transfer Credit Policy

Regional Accreditation

Saint Leo University recognizes transfer credit from regionally accredited institutions. Non-regionally accredited coursework may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Transfer credit is assessed on:

  • the educational quality of the learning experience
  • the comparability of the nature, content and level of the learning experience
  • the applicability of the learning experience in light of the student’s educational goals

Maximum Number of Transfer Credits

The maximum number of credits that can be transferred and accepted from community or junior colleges by Saint Leo University is 64 hours.

Entering Saint Leo with an Associate Degree

The associate of arts degree holder may earn a bachelor's degree by electing one of Saint Leo University's majors, satisfying all degree requirements, and completing a minimum of 25% of the total credit hours at Saint Leo University, half of which must be in the major. Students who transfer to the University are not expected to complete the entire University Exploration (general education) courses for we recognize that other colleges and universities have legitimate alternative means of providing students with a basis in the liberal arts. Students transferring to Saint Leo University with an associate of arts degree in liberal arts will have University Explorations requirements met with the exception of  the University Exploration Foundation courses and a religion course.

Entering Saint Leo with a Bachelor's Degree

Students who hold a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university will be considered to have satisfied all general education requirements, except for a religious studies course at the 300 or 400 level. Such students may earn a bachelor's degree by electing one of Saint Leo University's majors, satisfying all degree requirements, and completing a minimum of 25% of the total credit hours at Saint Leo University, half of which must be in the major.

Earning Transfer Credit by Examination

Undergraduate students may receive credit for a Saint Leo University course by taking an examination in place of the actual course.

Up to 30 credits can be earned through each individual type of examination. The maximum limit on standardized examination transfer credits is 40.

Before taking these exams, we recommend you speak with your Saint Leo University academic advisor and fully research these tests and their equivalencies.

Learn About Earning Credit by Exam and Prior Learning Experience

Next Steps

Once your application forms and other required records are complete and in proper order, your application will be submitted to the Admissions Committee for evaluation.

Students are strongly encouraged to visit the campus. Interviews are not required, but a visit enables you to talk with an admission counselor, tour the campus, visit classes, and meet faculty and students. Schedule your campus visit today. You may also want to attend one of our Upcoming Events.