Transfer Credit

Students matriculating as first-time first-year students must complete at least six semesters in residence and are limited to a maximum of 24 pre- and post-matriculation transfer credits (AP, IB, college credit). For students with an approved program to study off campus for one semester, the program credits are excluded from the 24-credit limit of transfer credits, and the semester off campus is counted toward the residency requirement. For students approved for yearlong off campus programs, only one semester of off-campus study will count toward the residency requirement, although the credits from both semesters will be accepted.

Transfer students are required to complete the following minimum number of credits at Grinnell College:

A transfer student will be allowed to apply toward a degree at Grinnell a maximum of 62 semester credits of transferable work. If a transfer student has more than 62 credits of transferable work, the registrar will work with the student to determine which credits, not exceeding 62, will be accepted.

At the time of admission, transfer students are classified (as second-semester first-year, first-semester second-year, etc.) on the basis of the transfer credits, if any, that are accepted by the College. Subsequent class status is determined by the number of semesters in residence at Grinnell plus semesters of off-campus study. AP credits and college work taken while in high school do not count toward classification.

An evaluation of credits earned at properly accredited institutions is done by the registrar. Transfer credit evaluations are done prior to enrollment for all new students who have been approved for admission and for all matriculated students who pursue coursework while on leave or during the summer. Only official transcripts sent directly to Grinnell will be evaluated. Currently enrolled students who attend another properly accredited institution have the responsibility of submitting the Transfer Approval Form to the Office of the Registrar in a timely fashion. In addition it is their responsibility to consult the Student Handbook on the limitations on transfer work after matriculation to Grinnell. The evaluation of transfer credit by the registrar involves at least two considerations:

1. The comparability of the nature, content, and level of credit earned to what Grinnell currently offers; and
2. The appropriateness and applicability of the credits earned to the programs offered by Grinnell, in light of the student's educational goals.

Courses in which a grade of C or above (C- is not acceptable) is earned at other institutions are transferable or applicable toward major or degree requirements at Grinnell. In addition, courses that are graded on a pass/fail basis must be accompanied by written documentation from the school issuing the credit that the passing grade reflects work at C or above (C- is not acceptable).

When transfer credits or Grinnell College credits overlap or duplicate Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) credits, the highest credit value will be accepted. For courses that may apply to either a major or a concentration, the department chair of the major or concentration, at the request of the student, will make a determination and notify the Office of the Registrar in writing as to what credits can be applied toward the major or concentration. AP/IB credits will be canceled upon the successful completion of any equivalent Grinnell course. Students should contact the Office of the Registrar for more details.

Courses considered vocational or remedial, College Level Examination Program (CLEP) credits, or other such placement credits are not transferable. Grinnell usually does not award course credit for work done through distance learning, correspondence, extension, or continuing education programs. Only distance learning, extension, or continuing education courses that are (1) in traditional liberal arts subject areas and (2) accepted for credit by the sponsoring accredited institution for its own bachelor's degree may be granted credit subject to all other transfer of credit regulations.

Credit for summer study will not be accepted for transfer unless an official transcript is received by December 1 of the year in which the coursework is taken. Credits for winter interim study will not be accepted after the Office of the Registrar has verified completion of all requirements for graduation.

A transfer student is allowed to apply a maximum of 62 semester credits of transferable work toward a degree at Grinnell. If a transfer student has more than 62 credits of transferable work, the registrar will work with the student to determine which credits, not to exceed 62, will be accepted.