You must have at least a 2.25 transferrable GPA and 24 transferrable credits. If you don't have at least 24 credits, we will also review your high school transcript to determine if our first-year entry requirements have been met.
Frequently Asked Questions
In most cases, students who graduate from high school and then enroll in college or university coursework, or join the military, are considered transfer students at Iowa State.
Taking college classes during high school or the summer immediately following graduation does not classify you as a transfer student, regardless of how many credits you have completed. Student status (first-year or transfer) is determined primarily by your high school graduation date and what you do after graduating.
Our application is online and includes a $55 application fee. For undergraduate international applicants, the fee is $65.
In order for your application to be evaluated, you will need to provide transcripts from your previously attended institutions. You can upload them in your Admissions MyAccount or send them via email to etranscript@iastate.edu.
Transcripts can be unofficial for admission purposes, but official transcripts are required prior to attending orientation and registering for classes at Iowa State. For the school you’re currently attending, you will likely send two transcripts: one when you apply and a final transcript after you have completed all your courses.
If you have fewer than 24 college credits, you will also need to submit a high school transcript.
Iowa State has a rolling admissions policy, meaning we accept applications year-round. Applications typically open about one year prior to the intended entry term, and applying early is highly encouraged. We recommend applying 7–9 months before a fall term and up to one year in advance for a spring term.
Applying early gives you quicker access to next steps. After you are offered admission, you can apply for scholarships (many have early spring deadlines). Once you accept your offer of admission, you can register for orientation (required before class registration), and complete your housing contract. Submitting your housing contract early improves your chances of securing your preferred option.
Use TRANSIT to get an early idea
TRANSIT will generate an unofficial Transfer Credit Evaluation (TCE) for you. Simply enter the courses you’ve completed, are currently taking, or plan to take, and select your intended Iowa State major. The results will show how your credits may transfer and apply to that specific major.
After you apply and send transcripts
Once we receive your official transcripts, our admissions team will complete a preliminary Transfer Credit Evaluation (TCE) for you. This official evaluation shows how your credits transfer to Iowa State.
Your academic advisor will review your official TCE with you during orientation and explain how your transfer credits apply toward your degree and graduation requirements.
Credit transfer limits
Iowa State accepts up to 65 credits from two-year institutions toward degree requirements. There is no limit on credits transferred from four-year institutions.
You can view four-year plans for our majors in the course catalog to see what courses are needed for each degree. You can also compare your TRANSIT results to the four-year plan for your major.
You will work with your Iowa State academic advisor, whom you will meet during orientation. Your academic advisor is your point person for graduation requirements and how your transfer credits apply toward your degree.
You can explore transfer-specific scholarships on our website and apply for additional opportunities through OneApp.
Explore the OneApp scholarship portal to find scholarship opportunities available to you. You can apply for OneApp scholarships after you have been offered admission. You do not need to accept your offer before applying.
Deadlines vary by scholarship, so we encourage you to log in to OneApp early and check back often to stay on track. After submitting your application, you can continue to access and update it until each scholarship’s deadline.
Additional financial aid may be available by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Based on your FAFSA results, you may qualify for grants, which are funds you do not have to repay (such as the Federal Pell Grant or Iowa State University Grant). Iowa State sets a priority FAFSA deadline each year, so it’s best to submit your application as soon as it opens and include Iowa State as a recipient.
Completing the FAFSA may also make you eligible for federal student loan options.
Visit our financial aid website to explore the cost of attendance and plan your expenses.
Explore on-campus apartments and residence halls with virtual tours, details, and pricing available for each option.
Living on campus is optional for Iowa State students.
Come visit us! We offer campus visits most weekdays, and transfer students are always welcome. You can also join a transfer-specific visit day designed just for you.
Before admission
- View and register for events
- Schedule campus visits
- Apply for admission
- Determine what else is needed to complete your admissions application (under “View My Application”)
- Upload documents and check if we have received/processed transcripts (under “View My Application”)
- Manage subscription preferences
- Update contact information
After being offered admission
- Accept your offer of admission
- View Transfer Credit Evaluation (TCE)
- Access OneApp scholarship portal
- Register for orientation
- View financial aid eligibility (when available)
- View and register for events
- Schedule campus visits
- Manage subscription preferences
- Update contact information