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Undergraduate Transfer Students

A student who has previously attended a college or university but has not yet earned a Bachelor's degree is considered an undergraduate transfer student and is eligible to apply to one of the following programs:

Associate of Arts
APU offers associate degrees. The General Studies degree is designed to provide a solid foundation for further academic achievement. Degree-specific associate programs provide students an opportunity to focus on courses that develop knowledge, skills, and abilities that are readily applicable to the student’s personal or professional interests. Students must possess a high school diploma or its equivalent to be admitted to these programs. All students who enroll in the associate degree program must enroll in COLL100 – Foundations of Online Learning as their first course.

Note: Students pursuing the Associate of Arts in General Studies may not use Federal Student Aid to finance their program.

Bachelor's Degree
The bachelor’s degree program is open to students who possess a high school diploma or its equivalent. This minimum 120- to 124-credit-hour program is the standard “four-year” undergraduate degree desired by most employers and prepares students for graduate study. All students who enroll in the bachelor's degree program must enroll in COLL100 – Foundations of Online Learning as their first course.

Undergraduate Certificates
APU offers certificate programs at the undergraduate level to applicants who have a high school diploma or its equivalent. Certificate programs allow students to focus on a particular topic of interest through a six- to nine-course program of study. Students choosing certificate programs usually have either an Associate or Bachelor’s degree and seek specific knowledge in one subject area. 

Choosing Your Academic Program
Selecting the right degree plan is a key step in ensuring a smooth admissions process and a successful educational experience. Many students come to us unsure of which program to choose and where to begin. Our Admissions Representatives can help you make this important decision. To speak with an Admissions Representative, call 877-777-9081 or e-mail us at info@apus.edu

Tips for Successful Degree Selection
As you’re browsing the degree program pages, keep these tips in mind:

• Associate and bachelor's level programs are both undergraduate degrees.
• Though it seems logical to earn an associate degree first and then go on to the bachelor's degree, that may not always be the best choice.
• Keep your end goal in mind and choose the degree that best matches your career goals; this may not be the one that nets you the most in transfer credit.
• Once you’ve narrowed your options, talk with an Admissions Representative; he or she can assist you in getting a preliminary evaluation of your previous transcripts so you can make a more informed choice.

Admission Requirements
If you are an undergraduate transfer student who has not yet earned an associate degree, please submit the following documentation as soon as possible:

1. Transfer Credit Evaluation (TCE) Application and $50 fee
2. Official college transcripts or signed Transcript Release Authorization form
3. ACE-approved Military and Civilian transcripts or documentation

APU will request all official U.S. college transcripts for the evaluation with receipt of the Transcript Release Authorization form (TRA). This form is obtained by simply printing the TCE application. Students will be required to complete, sign, and either fax or email the TRA to us to 304-724-3811 or tra@apus.edu. 

For more details on official documentation needed for admission, click here.

Click here to begin an application for Admission.

Additional Transfer Credit
All students with American Council on Education (ACE)-evaluated military or professional experience and education that has to be evaluated for credit also should submit a TCE form and supporting documentation. APU will consider military or civilian training evaluated by ACE as well as approved examinations, such as the College Level Examination Program (CLEP). For full instructions on TCE, please click here.

Coming Soon! Students requesting evaluation of the SMART (Sailor Marine ACE Registry Transcript) document are no longer required to submit this documentation. APUS will request the SMART on behalf of the student once the TCE application has been submitted.

Note: Undergraduate students who apply at the associate level may transfer up to a maximum of 45 credit hours; those applying at the bachelor's level may transfer up to 90 credit hours. Students with no prior college experience may have their ACE-evaluated military or professional experience considered for transfer credit.

Mail or Fax Transfer Credit Documents to the following:
American Public University System
10110 Battleview Parkway, Suite 114
Manassas, VA  20109
Attn: Student Records
Documents Fax: 304-724-3788