Transfer to Denison
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Simple, hassle-free transfer application
There’s no fee to apply, and submitting test scores is completely optional. Plus, once admitted, we work closely with every student to take away the guesswork. You’ll get a clear picture of your credit transfer options and financial aid.
No fee or additional essay required: Nothing to stand in your way
“Since transferring, Denison has exceeded my expectations. I’ve met some of my closest friends, joined a band, and received constant academic and career support that feels unmatched to anywhere else.”
Andrew McCutchan '26
Transferred from Oberlin College
“I chose Denison because of its thriving, safe, and close-knit community of students and faculty, as well as its student-athlete experience. My coaches and teammates were super welcoming. Denison stands apart from other institutions because of the level of individualized support you get, from countless areas of tutoring to career help at the Knowlton Center, which make these years both exceedingly enjoyable and a true foundation for success.”
Adelyn Moore ’27
Transferred from the University of Chicago
Ready to submit your transfer application? Here’s how.
Check out our Transfer FAQs below for detailed info, or contact Mark Moller, our Dean of Transfer Students. Mark can help guide you through the application process and give you an idea of what your Denison experience could be like.
1. Complete a transfer application
Submit the Common App for Transfer. After submitting, you’ll receive access to your applicant portal to track materials.
2. Schedule an interview
It’s not required, but an interview helps us get to know you and provides more context for your application.
3. Submit application documents
- Official college transcripts
- Official high school transcripts
- Student conduct report
- Optional arts supplement
- Common App for Transfer (required): Once you submit your application, you will be emailed a confirmation that includes login information for your online portal. This portal is where you can keep track of your other application materials.
- Interview (recommended): An interview is not required for admission consideration, but we do encourage applicants to complete one as an interview can provide a more personal element to your application. Interviews happen in a number of ways. Please contact Chris Taylor to schedule an informal transfer interview or learn more.
- Arts Supplement (optional): Students who have an interest in cinema, creative writing, dance, music, studio art, or theatre may submit supplementary arts materials for faculty evaluation. If submitted, students will be eligible to receive a departmental scholarship. This is done through the Denison Applicant Portal, which is available once the Common or Coalition Application has been submitted.
- Student Conduct Report (required): A completed student conduct report must come from all colleges or universities attended. Your Student Conduct Report will appear in your applicant portal once your Common Application for Transfer has been submitted.
- Official College Transcripts (required): We will use this to recalculate your GPA and evaluate your academic performance and course selection. An official transcript from all colleges or universities attended is required.
- Official High School Transcripts (required): We will use this to contextualize your most recent academic performance in college.
We are able to receive transcripts directly from high schools and colleges at admission@denison.edu as well as through the Common Application, SCOIR or Parchment.
After you apply, here’s what happens next.
After being admitted, you’ll receive a transfer credit evaluation that shows which credits transfer and how they count toward graduation. Most transfer students also complete a transfer-specific onboarding process, including advising and orientation, so you know what to expect before classes begin.
Launch with confidence
After four years, you’ll graduate with a résumé full of real experience, global connections, and the confidence, adaptability, and problem-solving skills employers and graduate schools demand.
Transfers 101 (FAQ)
Transfer admission and process FAQs
Deadline |
Spring (January start) |
Fall (August start) |
|---|---|---|
Application Deadline |
November 15 |
May 15 |
Notification |
Rolling basis in Nov/Dec |
Rolling basis starting in April |
Reply Date |
Two weeks after receiving admission decision |
Two weeks after receiving admission decision |
If a deadline has already passed (Nov. 15 for spring, May 15 for fall), email Chris Taylor to ask whether your intended transfer round is still open.
Denison does not publish a single minimum GPA for all transfer applicants. Applications are reviewed holistically, including college coursework, academic trends, and course rigor. Many successful applicants are earning As and Bs in current courses.
Yes. Domestic and international transfer students are eligible for financial aid.
How do I apply for aid as a transfer student?
- Merit aid: no additional application beyond the transfer application
- Need-based aid (domestic): submit FAFSA and CSS Profile by the application deadline
- International applicants: submit a Denison Certificate of Finances
- Students are typically notified of aid at the time of admission.
Transferring colleges isn’t usually “hard,” but many students wonder how to transfer colleges successfully. The process is easiest when you (1) confirm deadlines, (2) submit required documents like transcripts and conduct forms, and (3) understand how your credits will transfer and apply to your new degree. The biggest challenges are timing, gathering records from prior schools, and making sure courses count the way you expect.
Apply through the Common App for Transfer. If Denison already has parts of your earlier application (like a final high school transcript or test scores), those may be added to your transfer record.
If you are a former Denison student seeking to re-enroll, complete the re-enrollment form.
Yes. Many students transfer after one year (and some transfer after one semester).
You’ll typically apply as a transfer student once you’ve earned college credits after high school, and you’ll submit your college transcript along with any other required materials. Your new school will evaluate your coursework to determine what transfers and how it counts toward graduation.
Yes. About 15 students join Denison each spring semester (January start). Spring transfer students participate in orientation and onboarding programs similar to students who begin in the fall.
Decisions are released on a rolling basis after your application file is complete. Spring applicants are typically notified in Nov/Dec; fall applicants are typically notified starting in April.
- You’ll receive onboarding information and next steps for joining the Denison community.
- You’ll work with the Dean of Transfer Students on course registration and planning.
Transfer credits FAQs
Denison accepts up to 62 hours of transfer credit (this total includes prior institutions and study abroad credits applied toward graduation).
To earn a Denison degree, you must complete 64 credit hours at Denison (often about four semesters of full-time coursework).
Wondering how transfer credits work or whether your previous coursework will count? Every admitted student receives a clear evaluation showing exactly how credits transfer and apply to your degree.
Transfer credits may apply to:
- General education requirements
- Elective credit
- Major/minor requirements (when approved by the academic department)
Important: Academic departments make the final determination about whether a transfer course counts toward a specific major or minor.
Yes. Prospective students can request a conversation with the Dean of Transfer Students about transfer credits.
Admitted transfer students receive a Transfer Credit Evaluation. International students often have credits transferred depending on course content and equivalency.
Transfer student experience FAQs
Yes! New transfer students have regular opportunities to connect with other transfers and student leaders during the semester and during transfer orientation.
Transfer students live where every other student lives: on campus!
Denison views the residential experience, including living with others, as integral to the University’s educational mission. As a transfer, you will live in any of the buildings designated for returning students. When possible, we try to assign transfer students together and with their entering class year. Once you make your deposit and enroll for courses, more information will be provided on room and potential roommate selection preferences.
Transfer students can graduate on time, especially when transfer credits apply efficiently. It depends on how many credits transfer and how those credits apply (major requirements vs. electives). Graduating on schedule is most likely when your transferred courses meet general education and major prerequisites, you enter with enough credits, and you map a semester-by-semester plan early with an advisor. If more credits come in as electives, you may need additional semesters to complete major or residency requirements.
At the start of each semester, there is an involvement fair where students can sign up for our 160+ student orgs. Spring transfer students can expect to attend the winter involvement fair in January, and Fall transfer students will check out the Fall activities fair on A-Quad during the first week of classes. Students can also join and engage with campus organizations at any time after that.
Transfer students coming in with twelve or more credit hours are welcome to join organizations in Fraternity and Sorority life, too. In general, Denison students are really engaged in co-curricular involvement, and transfer students can expect an equal opportunity to jump into campus organizations.
Yes. Transfer students can study abroad, though it may be more challenging if transferring after the start of junior year.
Keep in mind the 62-credit transfer cap includes study abroad credits applied toward graduation.
Contacts
For questions related to transfer admission:
Chris Taylor
All offers of admission are conditional based on Denison’s Conditions of Admission policy. Denison University is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination in matters of admission, employment, and housing, and in access to and participation in its education programs, services, and activities. No person shall be discriminated against on the basis of race, national or ethnic origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, marital status, religion, creed, or disability.