Transfer Credits | St. Ambrose University
Source: http://www.sau.edu/admissions/transfer-credits
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:29
Transfer Credits | St. Ambrose University
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Transfer credits
Transfer your college credits to SAU
Transferring previous course credits helps you finish your degree faster, improve your learning, and make the most of your prior education.
Request information
Why transfer your credits?
Transferring credits to St. Ambrose University provides the following benefits:
Expedite graduation – Achieve your educational goals faster
Save time and money – Maximize your past coursework
Explore other programs – Broaden your horizons by exploring different programs and courses
Tailor your education – Customize your path to match your passions
How do I transfer credits to St. Ambrose?
Transferring your credits to SAU can be a seamless process. Begin by applying to the university and submitting official transcripts from your previous institution(s). Our registrar’s office evaluates your credits and determines their transferability.
Apply to SAU
Meet with a transfer counselor
Gather your transcripts
We accept official hard copies and electronic copies of transcripts from the other institutions not from the student.
See what transfers
Visit TES® to see how your courses will transfer, and contact us with any questions.
Explore course equivalencies
Submit your application
Apply to St. Ambrose and indicate your intent to transfer credits. For an easier application process, you can use our online portal.
Apply to SAU
Transcript evaluation process
Our team will evaluate your transcripts to determine which credits are eligible for transfer. This can take 1-3 weeks. You'll receive a detailed report of accepted transfer credits.
Meet with an advisor
Once admitted to the university, schedule a meeting with an academic advisor to map out your academic plan.
Start at St. Ambrose
With your credits transferred, you’re ready to embark on your academic journey at St. Ambrose University!
$20K scholarship for transfer students
Every transfer student at St. Ambrose is eligible for a $20,000 Transfer Student Scholarship, making it affordable for students to complete their degree at SAU. Explore eligibility to ease your financial concerns as you transfer to St. Ambrose University.
Explore our Transfer Student Scholarship
SAU’s transfer credit policies
We honor credits from regionally accredited institutions. Generally, a grade of C or higher is accepted if the course content aligns with our curriculum. Final decisions, however, are made by the Registrar’s Office after evaluating each course. Note that certain programs might have specific limitations on credit transfer.
Contact the Registrar
Connect with a transfer counselor
Connect with a transfer admissions counselor to ask questions about transferring to St. Ambrose University. Click a link below to sign up for a date and time that works best for you:
Students ages 23 or younger transferring from a school in Illinois:
Schedule with Becky Stremlow
Students age 23 or younger and transferring from a school in Iowa, or all states other than Illinois:
Schedule with Brandi Ahlers
Students age 24+ or online students:
Schedule with Tony Ketelaar
International transfer students should contact
Emily Hannon
and students who attended SAU in the past and wish to return should contact
Clare Holladay
directly.
What transfer students say about SAU
"The faculty and staff have always been by my side. They wanted to see me succeed at times that I didn’t feel like I could.”
Calvin Hertel ‘25
Request information
“I came in with this idea that I probably won’t connect with anyone. But nobody, not one person on that campus, has made me feel like I didn’t belong. I was able to have this really great college experience that I’ve always wanted to have and didn’t get 20 years ago.”
Kathy Franco ’25
Request information
"My admissions counselor was so helpful and willing to get me where I needed to be, even if it took a little bit of extra work.”
Lauren Posten ’24, ’26 MSLP
Request information
Answers to your transfer credit questions
How many credits can I transfer?
The number of transferable credits varies based on the institution’s accreditation and the relevance of course to your selected program. Generally, up to 90 credits from a four-year institution or up to 64 from a two-year college can be transferred toward your degree. The average number of credits accepted per transfer student is 56.
We recommend checking to see how many credits can be transferred into your program. If you have additional questions about transfer equivalencies, contact the registrar’s office.
Find my program
Contact us
How are course equivalencies determined?
Course equivalencies are assessed by comparing the content, rigor, and learning outcomes of your previous courses with our curriculum. This evaluation considers accreditation, syllabi, and course descriptions. Our department faculty meticulously review each course to determine its equivalency to those offered at SAU.
Depending on the number of credits you previously earned, the following table tells you what your incoming rank would be at SAU:
Freshman: 0-29 credits
Sophomore: 30-59 credits
Junior: 60-89 credits
Senior: 90 or more credits
Apply now
Does SAU accept credits from any institution?
St. Ambrose University typically accepts credits from regionally accredited institutions. Each course is evaluated individually, however, to ensure it aligns with SAU’s curriculum standards and meets the necessary criteria for transferability. Discover more about the other potential transfer credits from prior learning experiences.
We also have agreements to accept Associate of Arts and Associate of Science degrees from all Illinois and Iowa community colleges to satisfy most of your general education requirements.
Read more about our transfer agreements.
What credits are eligible for transfer?
A wide range of credits from regionally accredited institutions may be eligible for transfer. This includes general education courses, major-specific subjects, and sometimes elective credits. The eligibility of each credit, however, depends on its relevance to the SAU curriculum and completion with satisfactory grades. Students are encouraged to login to Transferology or TES® to see how courses will transfer, and contact us with any questions.
See what transfers in TES®
When do I send SAU my transcripts?
Transcripts should typically be sent as part of your application process. Once you’ve initiated your application to St. Ambrose University, promptly request official transcripts from all previously attended institutions to be sent directly to the Admissions Office. This ensures your application and transcript evaluation happen seamlessly and in a timely manner.
Apply now
Will my transferred credits affect my GPA at SAU?
Transferred credits generally don’t affect your GPA at St. Ambrose University. This allows you to make a fresh start academically while benefiting from the earned credits.
Does SAU have a policy for re-evaluating previously denied transfer credits?
SAU offers an opportunity to appeal denied transfer credits. If you have previously denied credits, you can request a re-evaluation. Submit additional information or relevant course syllabi to support your appeal. The registrar’s office reviews these requests thoroughly to ensure a fair assessment of your prior coursework.
How do I get my SAU transcripts from you?
Transcripts can be requested through the
National Student Clearinghouse
or stopping into the Registrar's office.
Email the registrar
Discover the SAU student experience
Strategies to reduce tuition
Explore a variety of financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, and payment plans, designed to help you reach your educational goals.
Discover an affordable approach
Find your fit at SAU
Discover why St. Ambrose is more than just a college and why our student experience is the perfect fit for your future. Our campus and community are welcoming and a place where you can thrive.
Uncover the SAU difference
We’re here to help you succeed
Get the support you need for success at St. Ambrose University. Explore our wide range of resources for academics, careers, and personal well-being.
Explore support resources
Join the Fighting Bees at SAU
Applying to SAU is your first step toward joining the SAU beehive, a place you can become who you were meant to be and be the good you want to see.
Call: 563-333-6000
Request information
Apply now
Skip to main content
Apply Now
Transfer credits
Transfer your college credits to SAU
Transferring previous course credits helps you finish your degree faster, improve your learning, and make the most of your prior education.
Request information
Why transfer your credits?
Transferring credits to St. Ambrose University provides the following benefits:
Expedite graduation – Achieve your educational goals faster
Save time and money – Maximize your past coursework
Explore other programs – Broaden your horizons by exploring different programs and courses
Tailor your education – Customize your path to match your passions
How do I transfer credits to St. Ambrose?
Transferring your credits to SAU can be a seamless process. Begin by applying to the university and submitting official transcripts from your previous institution(s). Our registrar’s office evaluates your credits and determines their transferability.
Apply to SAU
Meet with a transfer counselor
Gather your transcripts
We accept official hard copies and electronic copies of transcripts from the other institutions not from the student.
See what transfers
Visit TES® to see how your courses will transfer, and contact us with any questions.
Explore course equivalencies
Submit your application
Apply to St. Ambrose and indicate your intent to transfer credits. For an easier application process, you can use our online portal.
Apply to SAU
Transcript evaluation process
Our team will evaluate your transcripts to determine which credits are eligible for transfer. This can take 1-3 weeks. You'll receive a detailed report of accepted transfer credits.
Meet with an advisor
Once admitted to the university, schedule a meeting with an academic advisor to map out your academic plan.
Start at St. Ambrose
With your credits transferred, you’re ready to embark on your academic journey at St. Ambrose University!
$20K scholarship for transfer students
Every transfer student at St. Ambrose is eligible for a $20,000 Transfer Student Scholarship, making it affordable for students to complete their degree at SAU. Explore eligibility to ease your financial concerns as you transfer to St. Ambrose University.
Explore our Transfer Student Scholarship
SAU’s transfer credit policies
We honor credits from regionally accredited institutions. Generally, a grade of C or higher is accepted if the course content aligns with our curriculum. Final decisions, however, are made by the Registrar’s Office after evaluating each course. Note that certain programs might have specific limitations on credit transfer.
Contact the Registrar
Connect with a transfer counselor
Connect with a transfer admissions counselor to ask questions about transferring to St. Ambrose University. Click a link below to sign up for a date and time that works best for you:
Students ages 23 or younger transferring from a school in Illinois:
Schedule with Becky Stremlow
Students age 23 or younger and transferring from a school in Iowa, or all states other than Illinois:
Schedule with Brandi Ahlers
Students age 24+ or online students:
Schedule with Tony Ketelaar
International transfer students should contact
Emily Hannon
and students who attended SAU in the past and wish to return should contact
Clare Holladay
directly.
What transfer students say about SAU
"The faculty and staff have always been by my side. They wanted to see me succeed at times that I didn’t feel like I could.”
Calvin Hertel ‘25
Request information
“I came in with this idea that I probably won’t connect with anyone. But nobody, not one person on that campus, has made me feel like I didn’t belong. I was able to have this really great college experience that I’ve always wanted to have and didn’t get 20 years ago.”
Kathy Franco ’25
Request information
"My admissions counselor was so helpful and willing to get me where I needed to be, even if it took a little bit of extra work.”
Lauren Posten ’24, ’26 MSLP
Request information
Answers to your transfer credit questions
How many credits can I transfer?
The number of transferable credits varies based on the institution’s accreditation and the relevance of course to your selected program. Generally, up to 90 credits from a four-year institution or up to 64 from a two-year college can be transferred toward your degree. The average number of credits accepted per transfer student is 56.
We recommend checking to see how many credits can be transferred into your program. If you have additional questions about transfer equivalencies, contact the registrar’s office.
Find my program
Contact us
How are course equivalencies determined?
Course equivalencies are assessed by comparing the content, rigor, and learning outcomes of your previous courses with our curriculum. This evaluation considers accreditation, syllabi, and course descriptions. Our department faculty meticulously review each course to determine its equivalency to those offered at SAU.
Depending on the number of credits you previously earned, the following table tells you what your incoming rank would be at SAU:
Freshman: 0-29 credits
Sophomore: 30-59 credits
Junior: 60-89 credits
Senior: 90 or more credits
Apply now
Does SAU accept credits from any institution?
St. Ambrose University typically accepts credits from regionally accredited institutions. Each course is evaluated individually, however, to ensure it aligns with SAU’s curriculum standards and meets the necessary criteria for transferability. Discover more about the other potential transfer credits from prior learning experiences.
We also have agreements to accept Associate of Arts and Associate of Science degrees from all Illinois and Iowa community colleges to satisfy most of your general education requirements.
Read more about our transfer agreements.
What credits are eligible for transfer?
A wide range of credits from regionally accredited institutions may be eligible for transfer. This includes general education courses, major-specific subjects, and sometimes elective credits. The eligibility of each credit, however, depends on its relevance to the SAU curriculum and completion with satisfactory grades. Students are encouraged to login to Transferology or TES® to see how courses will transfer, and contact us with any questions.
See what transfers in TES®
When do I send SAU my transcripts?
Transcripts should typically be sent as part of your application process. Once you’ve initiated your application to St. Ambrose University, promptly request official transcripts from all previously attended institutions to be sent directly to the Admissions Office. This ensures your application and transcript evaluation happen seamlessly and in a timely manner.
Apply now
Will my transferred credits affect my GPA at SAU?
Transferred credits generally don’t affect your GPA at St. Ambrose University. This allows you to make a fresh start academically while benefiting from the earned credits.
Does SAU have a policy for re-evaluating previously denied transfer credits?
SAU offers an opportunity to appeal denied transfer credits. If you have previously denied credits, you can request a re-evaluation. Submit additional information or relevant course syllabi to support your appeal. The registrar’s office reviews these requests thoroughly to ensure a fair assessment of your prior coursework.
How do I get my SAU transcripts from you?
Transcripts can be requested through the
National Student Clearinghouse
or stopping into the Registrar's office.
Email the registrar
Discover the SAU student experience
Strategies to reduce tuition
Explore a variety of financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, and payment plans, designed to help you reach your educational goals.
Discover an affordable approach
Find your fit at SAU
Discover why St. Ambrose is more than just a college and why our student experience is the perfect fit for your future. Our campus and community are welcoming and a place where you can thrive.
Uncover the SAU difference
We’re here to help you succeed
Get the support you need for success at St. Ambrose University. Explore our wide range of resources for academics, careers, and personal well-being.
Explore support resources
Join the Fighting Bees at SAU
Applying to SAU is your first step toward joining the SAU beehive, a place you can become who you were meant to be and be the good you want to see.
Call: 563-333-6000
Request information
Apply now