When you transfer to St. Ambrose University, you benefit from a streamlined credit transfer process, a dedicated admissions team, and a bright and passionate community; all working together to help you finish your degree with hands-on experiences and an esteemed education.
College transfer process
Easy and affordable pathways for transfer students
Finish your degree with the support of an inspired community of instructors and students. St. Ambrose University makes it easy to transfer course credits, improve your learning, and make the most out of your prior education.
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1. Connect with a counselor
Fill out our inquiry form to learn more about St. Ambrose. Or, schedule a meeting with a transfer counselor who will guide you step-by-step through the process.
Express interest
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2. See what transfers
Transfer up to 90 credits from a four-year institution, or 64 credits from a two-year college. Check TES® to see how your courses will transfer.
Explore course equivalencies
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3. Secure transfer discounts
Every transfer student receives a $20,000 scholarship to attend SAU. You may also qualify for need-based aid and scholarships for athletics, fine arts, and more.
Calculate your savings
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4. Apply to SAU
Apply to St. Ambrose and indicate your intent to transfer credits. Our application is free and easy to complete.
Apply today
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5. Visit campus
Explore campus on a personalized tour. Meet faculty and other students as you find your fit at St. Ambrose.
Schedule your visit
Explore transfer majors
St. Ambrose guarantees admission for students who earn an AA or AS from any Iowa Community College. Plan your transfer with the Iowa Private Transfer Guarantee.
$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.
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 RegistrarConnect 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:
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Students ages 23 or younger transferring from a school in Illinois: Schedule with Becky Stremlow
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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
“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
"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
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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.
