College Transfer FAQs

Do you have questions about the transfer process at Roanoke College? Find answers below and if you can't find the answer here, contact us at 540-375-2270.

What qualifies a student to be a transfer student?

We consider a transfer student to be anyone who has enrolled in a college/university after their high school graduation date.  Students taking college-level classes or receiving an Associate's Degree after their high school graduation date should apply as a transfer student. Transcripts from all colleges attended (while in high school and after) should be sent to the Admissions Office. A transfer GPA of a 2.0 or above is required.

Students who take college-level classes while enrolled in high school (dual-enrollment) or who receive an associate's degree while also enrolled in high school should apply using the first-year freshman application.

What do I need to do to be considered for admission?

Submit the online or paper application and have all college transcripts and high school transcript sent directly to us.

Is a General Equivalency Diploma acceptable?

Yes, a GED is acceptable in place of a traditional high school diploma/transcript.

What are the deadlines?

Transfers are admitted on a rolling admissions basis, but the following dates are recommended: June 15 for fall semester applications; November 15 for spring semester applications. Extensions are granted if necessary.

If you're interested in need-based financial aid, submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid to the federal government as soon after October 1 as possible for the upcoming fall semester.

Does Roanoke have a minimum GPA for transfers?

Yes, you must have at least a 2.0 GPA from acceptable, transferable, academic college credits to be considered for admission.  A 2.0 does not guarantee admission.

How do I know which college credits will transfer to Roanoke?

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 one-half of the total units/credits required to graduate from Roanoke College (excluding physical education activity courses) must be earned at Roanoke College, and at least one-half of the minimum number of units/credits required for a major must be completed at Roanoke.  After a student has registered with Roanoke, degree credit will be granted only for elective courses and, in exceptional cases, up to a total of two courses in the student's major, 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 the Admissions Office receives all of your official college transcripts and you have deposited, a transcript evaluation indicating which courses will be accepted and how they fill requirements at Roanoke will be posted to your applicant portal. 

Although there is no limit on how many courses or credits can transfer, a minimum of 17 units (each unit is equal to four credits) must be earned at Roanoke.  

For Virginia students, view this course transfer table to find out how the courses you’re taking at Virginia community colleges will transfer to Roanoke College. Roanoke College is also a partner in Transfer Virginia, an initiative that establishes a transfer gateway between two-year colleges and four-year colleges in Virginia. Visit the Transfer Virginia website to learn more about how to remove gateway barriers and improve credit efficiency, time to transfer, and degree attainment rates. 

Request a free transfer credit evaluation

Does Roanoke College participate in any articulation agreements?

Roanoke College has longstanding guaranteed admissions through articulation agreements with many institutions.  These agreements guarantee admission provided the student completes an Associate in Arts or Associate in Science degree program with a GPA of 2.0 or higher. Additional coursework will be needed to complete Roanoke College's General Education requirements. 

Do grades transfer to Roanoke?

No, only courses transfer to Roanoke. The GPA you earned at any other accredited institution is relevant only for determining eligibility for admission.

Is financial aid available for degree-seeking students?

Yes. Academic scholarships, in-state/out-of-state grants, several selective grants, and need-based financial assistance are available. Once you are accepted, you will be reviewed for merit scholarships; no application is needed.  The Free Application for Federal Student Aid is required for federal, state and need-based assistance. The FAFSA should be submitted as soon after October 1 as possible for the upcoming fall semester.

What does participation in the Rapid Maroons Program mean?

The Rapid Maroons Program provides a seamless pathway for students attending Virginia Western Community College (VWCC), New River Community College (NRCC), or Mountain Gateway Community College who plan to transfer to Roanoke College. While completing your associate degree, you will receive dual advising from both your community college and Roanoke College to help ensure you stay on track for a successful transfer. As a Rapid Maroons student, you will also have opportunities to engage with the Roanoke College community by participating in campus events, student activities, and programs (excluding NCAA athletic competition), allowing you to begin building connections before officially transferring.

What documents are required in addition to my college transcripts?

In addition to submitting official transcripts from every college or university you have attended, transfer applicants must have the most recent institution they attended complete an Admission with Advanced Standing Form. This form verifies that you are in good academic and disciplinary standing at your current or most recent institution. Because Roanoke College honors academic and disciplinary suspensions issued by other colleges and universities, this information must be accurately reflected on the form.

Do I need to submit official transcripts to be admitted?

No. Copies of your transcripts are sufficient for an initial admissions review and admissions decision. However, before you can enroll at Roanoke College and register for classes, you must submit official transcripts from all previously attended institutions. Official transcripts must be sent directly from the issuing institution or through an approved electronic transcript service such as Parchment, the National Student Clearinghouse, Scribbles, or a similar provider.

Do I need to officially withdraw from my current institution before applying?

No. You may apply to and even be admitted to Roanoke College before officially withdrawing from your current institution. However, before you enroll at Roanoke College, you must withdraw from your current institution and provide a final official transcript showing that you are no longer enrolled in future coursework elsewhere.

Are there special NCAA rules for transfer student-athletes?

Yes. NCAA transfer eligibility requirements are complex and vary depending on your individual circumstances. If you plan to compete in NCAA athletics after transferring to Roanoke College, you should consult with our Senior Associate Athletic Director early in the transfer process. They can explain the applicable NCAA regulations and help ensure you remain eligible for competition.

Will my high school academic record be considered?

Possibly. If you have completed fewer than eight transferable college courses, your high school academic record will be reviewed as part of the admissions process. Once you have established a substantial college academic record, admissions decisions are based primarily on your college performance.

Are standardized test scores required?

No. Roanoke College has a test-optional admissions policy for transfer students. Submission of SAT or ACT scores is entirely optional and is not required for admission.

If I did not perform well at a previous college, do I still have to submit that transcript?

Yes. You are required to disclose and provide transcripts from every college or university you have attended, regardless of your academic performance or whether you earned credit. Failure to disclose prior college attendance may result in the rescission of an offer of admission or other administrative action.

If I am not interested in transferring credit, do I still need to submit my transcript?

Yes. All previous colleges and universities you have attended must be disclosed and official transcripts must be submitted, regardless of whether you expect your credits to transfer or intend to use them toward your degree. Failure to disclose prior enrollment at another institution is grounds for rescinding an offer of admission.

I am a military veteran. What documentation is required?

Military veterans should submit a Joint Services Transcript (JST) as part of the application process. The JST allows Roanoke College to evaluate military education and training for possible transfer credit. Additional documentation may be requested depending on your individual circumstances.

Can I register for classes before submitting official transcripts?

No. Roanoke College must receive official transcripts from every college or university you have attended before you can be pre-registered for classes. While those transcripts do not have to be final for initial registration, any coursework with pending grades cannot be evaluated for transfer credit until a final official transcript is received. Submitting final transcripts promptly helps ensure you receive the maximum transfer credit for completed coursework.

What does Roanoke College do to help transfer students feel welcome?

Roanoke College is committed to helping transfer students transition successfully into campus life. Transfer students receive personalized advising, orientation programming, academic support, and opportunities to become involved in student organizations, leadership programs, and campus activities. Our goal is to help transfer students quickly build meaningful connections with faculty, staff, and fellow students while feeling like a valued part of the Maroon community from day one.

If I previously applied to Roanoke College as a first-year student, do I need to submit a new application?

Yes. If you have attended another college since your original application, you must submit a new application as a transfer student. Simply select the Transfer Application when applying.

I previously applied as a transfer student. How do I reactivate my application?

If you previously applied as a transfer student and would like to be reconsidered, you do not need to complete a brand-new application. Instead, you should submit an application addendum. The addendum allows you to update Roanoke College on any changes to your academic record, educational history, or other relevant information since your previous application.

Does Roanoke College offer visit programs specifically for transfer students?

Yes. Roanoke College hosts several admissions events and visit opportunities designed specifically for prospective transfer students. These programs provide an opportunity to tour campus, meet admissions counselors, connect with faculty and current students, and learn more about transferring to Roanoke College.

How can I contact someone for help with the transfer process?

Our Transfer Admissions team is happy to assist you throughout the transfer process. If you have questions about applying, transferring credits, deadlines, or next steps, please contact us at transfer@roanoke.edu. We look forward to helping you make a successful transition to Roanoke College.