Admissions | Transfer at MSU | Michigan State University

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How to apply

Ready to make it official? Explore the steps.

Start your application at the Office of Admissions: Access the MSU transfer application information via the Office of Admissions webpage.
Mark important dates and deadlines: View upcoming deadlines for spring, summer, and fall semesters on the transfer dates and deadlines webpage.
Prepare what you need: Explore the transfer application checklist to ensure you have all your materials ready to go.

Learn how to apply

Who should apply as a transfer student?

Apply as a transfer student if:

You’ve taken any college or university classes after finishing high school.
You already have a bachelor’s degree and want to earn another one, or get a teaching certificate.

Exception

If you only took college classes while still in high school or during the summer right after high school graduation, you’re still considered a first-year applicant, but you’ll still need to think about how those credits, and any exam credits you have, will transfer.

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Cost and aid

A world-class education should be accessible. Between transfer-specific scholarships, federal aid, and MSU’s commitment to affordability, we work to ensure that the cost of attendance is transparent from day one.

Tuition & fees: View the current tuition rates and estimated cost of attendance at the Controller’s Office tuition calculator or learn more about cost and aid.
Scholarships and financing for transfers: Learn about Office of Admissions-based awards and Office of Financial aid federal and institutional awards available for transfer students.

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Will my credits transfer?

Most transfer students bring credits with them to MSU, but how those credits apply can vary. Transfer credit decisions depend on the course, your grade, and how the course and course content aligns with MSU degree requirements. Some courses may transfer as direct equivalents, while others may come in as elective credit. Learn more about credit transferring and access the Transfer Equivalency Tool to explore your unique situation.

How to transfer credit

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Admissions criteria

MSU considers more than just a GPA. We consider the rigor of your previous coursework, your academic trends, and your readiness to jump into your chosen major. We recommend having at least 24 transferable credits completed before you apply to be most competitive.

See the detailed breakdown of what our admissions team looks for in a transfer applicant on the transfer admission requirements webpage.

Admissions criteria

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Restricted majors

While most of MSU's 200+ majors are open to qualified transfer students, some high-demand programs, like business, engineering, and nursing, have "limited enrollment" or additional "restricted" criteria. These may require specific prerequisite courses or a higher GPA for entry.

View the list of restricted majors and their specific supplemental requirements at the restricted majors webpage.

Restricted majors