Transfer FAQ
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We know transferring schools is a big transition! Our advising team is here to help you make sense of your credits and build a path forward. Please reach out to advising@northwestu.edu if you have additional questions.
Will all of my credits transfer? Not necessarily. Courses may not transfer if they are not from a regionally accredited university or don’t apply towards your degree. Some courses will only count as elective credits, and you will only receive the number of elective credits needed for your degree.
Do transfer credits impact my GPA? No, transfer credits are GPA-neutral. They count towards your credit total, but not your GPA.
Is there a limit to how many credits I can transfer? The maximum number of transfer credits students can be awarded is 90 credits.
How do I transfer my credits? Request your official transcripts from your previous institutions and have them sent to Northwest University. Once we receive your transcripts, your credits will be evaluated by the Registrar’s Office.
How long does it take to evaluate my transcript? This can vary depending on the season, but typically, it takes 2-4 weeks after official transcripts are received to receive your transfer report.
How will I know what credits transferred? Once your evaluation is complete, you will receive an email from NU’s Transcript Analyst that includes a PDF copy of your transfer report showing how your credits transferred. Additionally, you can view both your Unofficial Transcript and What-If Plan in Self-Service and see how they transferred there.
Do you accept AP, IB, or CLEP credits? Yes, we accept those credits with qualifying scores. AP Exams must have a minimum score of 3, IB Higher Level (HL) must have a minimum score of 4, and IB Standard Level (SL) must have a minimum score of 5.
Can I receive credit for SAT or ACT scores? Yes, you can receive 3 credits for ENGL 1013 Composition I on your NU transcript for an SAT Evidence-Based Reading Writing score of 700 or an ACT English score of 28.
Can I receive credit for military training? Yes, please consult your Admissions Counselor and/or the Registrar’s Office for more information.
Can I transfer credits after I’ve already enrolled? Yes, you can submit official transcripts for transfer credits at any point after enrollment until your final semester at NU. However, you cannot submit transfer coursework to complete your degree; your final course(s) before graduation must be taken at NU to be considered for graduation. Additionally, your transfer tier is determined by your transfer credits at the end of your first semester. Even if you transfer in more credits later, you cannot get additional classes waived by moving to a higher tier.
Who should I talk to about questions about my transfer credits? Your academic advisor is your best resource for understanding how your credits apply.