When considering students for transfer admission, Saint Martin's University looks at academic achievement, life experience, professional objectives and community involvement. Please read on or click on any of the links below for more information about admission to Saint Martin's University as a transfer student.

Transfer admission requirements
Direct transfer from Washington community colleges
Schedule of community college visits
Direct transfer degrees from community colleges
Transferable credits
Transfer equivalencies
Academic majors
The percentages are in your favor
We invest in your success
Experience Saint Martin's University
FAQ's about applying to Saint Martin's University
Teacher certification
Application procedure
Important deadlines
Tuition and fees
We make it affordable
How to apply for financial aid
Timeline for fall enrollment
Additional information

Transfer admissions requirements
A transfer student must meet the following criteria to be considered for admission to Saint Martin's University:

• Earned at least 30 semester or 45 quarter credits with a minimum 2.5 grade point average.

-or-

• Earned less than 30 semester or 45 quarter credits with a minimum 2.8 grade point average. (Students in this category also must submit high school transcripts and any test scores (SAT/ACT). Students may also submit GED scores.)

back to top

Direct transfer from Washington community colleges
Saint Martin's University has a direct transfer agreement with the community colleges within the state of Washington. Students who receive their associate of arts or associate of arts and sciences degree from these community colleges will transfer to Saint Martin's with approximately 64 semester credits and all General Education Requirements fulfilled with the exception of a class in philosophy, which can be taken at the community college level, and a class in religious studies, which must be taken at Saint Martin's University.

The following are the University's General Education Requirements. Students transferring without an AA/AAS degree, or with an out-of-state AA degree, may have fulfilled some of these requirements through previous education. Saint Martin's will evaluate your transcript with you to determine which credits are transferable.

Computer science
English 101
English 102
Fine arts
Foreign language**
Literature
Mathematics
Philosophy
Physical education (two credits)
Religious studies*
History, U.S.
History, non-U.S.
Natural sciences/lab
Social sciences (six credits)

* The Religious Studies course must be taken at Saint Martin's University or an accredited private college. Saint Martin's offers a variety of courses from which to choose.

** Two years of a foreign language (with a grade of "B" or better") in high school may fulfill this general education requirement. Your official high school transcripts must be submitted to have this requirement waived.

back to top

Schedule of community college visits

Click here to see the list of Community Colleges we will be visiting in the Spring Quarter.

back to top

Direct transfer degrees from community colleges
SMU participates in transfer agreements with the following community colleges:

back to top

Transferable credits
Saint Martin's University participates in transfer agreements with 27 community colleges in the state of Washington. Graduates of community colleges with a direct transfer associate degree obtained after 1990 will be admitted with junior standing and will have satisfied Saint Martin's general education program requirements with the exception of one course in philosophy and one course in religion. Transfer credits not included in a direct transfer associate degree will be evaluated on a course-by-course basis, and credits will be applied to academic major requirements according to established guidelines and policies.

A maximum of 96 semester hours (144 quarter hours) will be accepted toward fulfillment of requirements for a baccalaureate degree. Transfer credits from a two-year accredited college may not exceed 64 semester hours (96 quarter hours). No more than 30 semester hours (45 quarter hours) earned by extension or correspondence will be accepted. Of these, no more than six semester hours (nine quarter hours) may be taken by correspondence. Credits earned more than nine years ago will be reviewed to determine transferability.

back to top

Transfer equivalencies
The Direct Transfer Associate Degree granted by Washington community colleges meet the general requirements of Saint Martin's University with the exception of two courses. Students who transfer to Saint Martin's with this degree need to take one course each in philosophy and religious studies. Transfer students sometimes complete the philosophy course at their community college and transfer the credits in. The religious studies course generally is taken at Saint Martin's University after enrollment. The links below will display the course equivalencies at a few local community colleges.

back to top

Academic majors
Saint Martin's University offers 21 academic majors, each fully developed and accredited. Click on any major below for more detailed information..

back to top

The percentages are in your favor
Eighty percent of our full-time professors have completed the highest degree in their respective fields. Our faculty also offers extensive "real world" experience. For instance, our engineering faculty members are practicing engineers, education faculty members have actually taught in elementary and secondary classrooms and accounting professors are active Certified Public Accountants. All classes at Saint Martin's University are taught by dedicated, knowledgeable and professional faculty members. We never use teaching assistants.

And when you need extra help or an answer to your question, your professor won't be hard to find or approach. We have an open-door policy and a student-to-faculty ratio of 15:1. With about 1,300 students on campus, you'll be among a tight-knit community of learners.

back to top

We invest in your success
Saint Martin's University offers a number of campus resources to help make your University experience productive and positive.

The O'Grady Library features extensive, cutting-edge computer resources for student use, more than 200 seats equipped with network and power connections, access to more than a million information resources and increasingly sophisticated research help as you progress toward your senior year.

The Learning Center offers learning style inventories, free tutoring, study skills information and individual academic strategy sessions to help you be successful in your academic studies.

The Writing Center is a comfortable place to meet with trained peer readers to discuss your academic, personal and professional writing. In an atmosphere that is relaxed and removed from the classroom setting, student readers ask questions and make suggestions that help you generate topics, develop a thesis, organize material and clarify ideas.

Disability Support Services provides services and accommodations to ensure that students with disabilities have the opportunity to participate fully in academic and student life.

The Career Center assists students with career planning through resume and job search workshops, employer databases, career guidance and graduate school testing, job postings, on-campus recruiting and the annual career fair, an event that attracts more than 100 potential employers each year.

Housing and Residence Life, including room and board, is available on campus. Students younger than 21 and with fewer than 60 semester hours of credit are required to live on campus unless given a special exemption. Space is limited for junior or senior students so early application is necessary.

Counseling Services are available to all students at no charge and are strictly confidential. Professionally trained and skilled counselors provide individual counseling, support groups, community referrals, consultations and workshops.

The Student Health Center assists students with a wide range of health issues including colds, flu and other medical concerns. Students may also visit the center to obtain prescriptions and to receive limited disease management for chronic health problems.

back to top

Experience Saint Martin's University
The best way to experience what Saint Martin's University has to offer is to visit the University and attend one of our Spirit Fridays. At these sessions, you will meet with faculty in your area of interest, learn more about financial aid, get help with the application process, and have an opportunity to talk with students who transferred to Saint Martin's about their experience.

All sessions begin in the Office of Admissions on the Saint Martin's campus.

You also can call to make an appointment to meet with a transfer student counselor to learn more about your options. Call (360) 438-4396 or (800) 368-8803; email admissions@stmartin.edu or fill our our Campus Visit Request Form to arrange a time. More information about visiting the University can be found at our campus visits page.

back to top

FAQ's about applying to Saint Martin's University

Q. What is the difference between semester credits and quarter credits?
A. Saint Martin's University operates on the semester system. Most community colleges and many other colleges and universities are on the quarter system. Saint Martin's fall semester begins in late August, spring semester in January. The University offers two summer sessions. One semester credit equals 1.5 quarter credits.

Q. How many semester credits are required for graduation?
A. Most academic programs at Saint Martin's University require 128 semester credits for graduation.

Q. How many credits can I transfer to Saint Martin's?
A. A maximum of 96 semester hours (144 quarter hours) will be accepted toward the fulfillment of requirements for a baccalaureate degree. Transfer credits from a two-year accredited college may not exceed 64 semester hours (96 quarter hours).

Q. Can I earn credits toward a degree based on in-depth experience?
A. Students with learning gained from job experiences, civic or volunteer work have an opportunity to obtain credit toward a baccalaureate degree through the University's FOCUS Program. Please consult the Saint Martin's University Catalog for details about this program.

back to top

Teacher certification
Transfer students who wish to enter the education program or teacher certification program must complete a separate application for admission to the education division. Acceptance to Saint Martin's University does not guarantee admission to the education or teacher certification programs.

back to top

Application procedure
Here are the steps students must take to transfer to Saint Martin's University:

• Submit a completed Saint Martin's University application for admission in ONE of the following ways:

  • Apply online www.stmartin.edu/apply

  • Download a PDF version of our application

  • Email your request to receive a paper application to admissions@stmartin.edu

  • Call our Admissions Office at (360) 438-4596 to request a paper application 

  • Write to the Admissions Office to request a paper application at 5300 Pacific Ave SE, Lacey, WA 98503

   
• Submit a one-page essay.
• Have copies of official transcripts from all colleges attended sent to the Office of Admissions. Be sure to include the transcript from the college you are currently attending, even if you haven't completed your degree.
• Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) if you need financial aid. Forms are available through the University's Office of Financial Aid or can be completed online at www.fafsa.ed.gov.
• For military personnel, submit military documentation to receive credit (DD214, DD295, AARTES transcripts, CCAF transcripts, DANTES transcripts, DLI transcripts).
• Submit any College Level Examination Program (CLEP) test scores.

back to top

Important deadlines for application

back to top

Tuition and fees

Miscellaneous fees include a $35 application fee; a non-refundable $125 tuition deposit; an $85 student orientation fee for fall ($30 for spring); a $51 Health Center fee and a $200 per-year activity fee. For more detailed information about tuition, please visit our tuition costs page.

back to top

We make it affordable
Other Saint Martin's scholarships and grants for transfer students include:

John D. Ishii Scholarship:
$2,250. A need-based scholarship awarded to students who have demonstrated significant leadership in their ethnic or cultural community. Priority is given to students whose continuing cultural involvement will also increase the diversity of the Saint Martin's community.

Athletic Grant-In-Aid:
Students participating in NCAA Athletics at Saint Martin's could be eligible for an award.  For more information, contact the Saint Martin's Athletics Office at (360) 438-4305.

Legacy Award:  
$2,000 Awarded to children or grandchildren of Saint Martin's graduates to assist them with the cost of tuition.

Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship:
$1,000. Awarded to students with a minimum of 3.5 gpa transferring with an associate's degree, and who are members of Phi Theta Kappa. Proof of Phi Theta Kappa memberships is required.

$2,500.  Awarded to a student who meets the requirements of the Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship (above) and is named to the All-Washington Academic Team

Trustee Scholarship:
A $20,000 scholarship awarded for four semesters of enrollment at the University. Two outstanding transfer students entering the University with Associate of Arts degrees are awarded the scholarship each year. Applicants must be admitted by March 1. Requires a separate application.

In addition to the awards listed above, Saint Martin's has grants, and endowed and donated scholarships. Federal and state grant and loan programs and student employment opportunities also are available. These require demonstrated financial need.

back to top

How to apply for financial aid
To apply for financial aid, complete an Undergraduate Application for Admission to Saint Martin's University and submit it as soon as possible. To receive priority financial aid funding, you must be admitted by March 1.

Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon after January 1 as possible. You can submit your FAFSA online by accessing www.fafsa.ed.gov. The University's priority deadline for financial consideration is March 1, which means you need to submit your FAFSA to the government no later than February 15. Don't wait for an admissions decision to file this form. Be sure to use the Saint Martin's University code, 003794, so that the University will receive your information.

Research other scholarship opportunities from private, civic and philanthropic organizations, state educational agencies, your church and you or your family's employer. Visit online financial aid information websites such as www.finaid.org or www.fastweb.com.

Attend a Spirit Friday, a transfer information day at Saint Martin's University, to learn more about admissions, financial aid and the transfer process, take a tour of campus and sit in on an actual class.

back to top

Timeline for fall enrollment

back to top

Need more information?
For further information, contact the Admissions Office at (360) 438-4596 or admissions@stmartin.edu or fill out an on-line inquiry form. Want to know who is your Admissions Counselor? Click here.

back to top