Transfer FAQs
We’re happy to answer questions anytime during the admissions season. Don’t see the answer here? Contact Sherrie Streng at 540-375-2270 or 800-388-2276.
Q: Who are transfer students?
A: Transfers are students who have attended another college or university. High school students applying to Roanoke College with Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate or other college credits are not transfers, but freshmen with advanced standing.
Q: What do I need to do to be considered for admission?
A: You’ll need a number of documents, including the application and official transcripts reflecting all high school and college work. Transfer students applying to Roanoke with less than sophomore standing (fewer than eight transferable courses or 24 credits) also need to provide SAT or ACT test scores.
Q: Is a General Equivalency Diploma acceptable?
A: Yes, a GED is acceptable in place of a traditional high school diploma/transcript.
Q: What are the deadlines?
A: Transfers are admitted on a rolling admissions basis, but the following dates are recommended: Aug. 1 for fall semester applications; Nov. 30 for spring semester applications.
If you’re interested in need-based financial aid, submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid to the federal government as soon after Jan. 1 as possible for the upcoming fall semester.
Q: Does Roanoke have a minimum GPA for transfers?
A: Yes, you must have at least a 2.2 GPA from acceptable, transferable, academic college credits to be considered for admission.
Q: How do I know which college credits will transfer to Roanoke?
A: Credit for academic work completed elsewhere will be accepted by official transcripts from regionally accredited colleges and universities if the courses are appropriate to the academic curriculum of Roanoke College. At least 17 of the total units required to graduate from Roanoke College (excluding physical education activity courses and co-curricular learning and service) must be earned at Roanoke College. At least one-half of the minimum number of units required for a major must be completed at Roanoke College. After a student has registered with Roanoke College, degree credit will be granted only for elective courses and, in exceptional cases, up to a total of two units in the student's major or minor or concentration taken at another institution. Transfer credit will be granted for work in which a grade of "C-" or higher has been earned.
When you submit all your official college transcripts to the Office of Admissions, you’ll receive a transcript evaluation indicating which courses will be accepted and how they fill requirements at Roanoke.
Although there is no limit on how many courses or credits can transfer, a minimum of 17 units (each unit is considered as a four-hour course) must be earned at Roanoke. This is usually equivalent to two years.
Q: Does Roanoke College participate in any articulation agreements?
A: Roanoke College has long standing guaranteed admissions through articulation agreements with Virginia Western Community College, Dabney S. Lancaster Community College and Richard Bland College. These agreements guarantee admission at the junior level provided the student completes an Associate in Arts or Associate in Science degree program with a GPA of 2.2 or higher. Additional coursework may be needed to complete Roanoke College's General Education requirements.
Q: Do grades transfer to Roanoke?
A: No, only courses transfer to Roanoke. The GPA you earned at any other accredited institution is relevant only for determining eligibility for admission.
Q: Does Roanoke offer night, weekend or distance-learning programs for degree candidates?
A: Roanoke doesn’t offer weekend or distance-learning classes. While Roanoke does offer some night courses, you cannot earn a degree solely by taking night classes.
Q: Is financial aid available for transfers?
A: Yes, financial assistance is available. Once you’re accepted, you’ll be reviewed for merit, state and need-based assistance. No application is needed for merit assistance; the Free Application for Federal Student Aid is required for need-based or federal assistance. The FAFSA should be submitted as soon after Jan. 1 as possible for the upcoming fall semester.
