Incoming Transfer Students
At Ridgewater, we understand it can feel daunting to transfer colleges. We’re committed to helping you through the transfer process. Use the information on this page to get started with admissions.
How Do You Have Your Transcripts Evaluated?
When transferring to Ridgewater, it’s important to have transcripts from all prior institutions at which you have taken courses evaluated to see if/which credits will transfer to Ridgewater.
If you attended a Minnesota State college or university, we will be able to access and evaluate the transcripts for you. You do not need to request official transcripts be sent to us at the time of admission. However, note that if you have changes to your Minnesota State transcripts after the initial evaluation, you will need to notify the registrar’s office.
If you attended the University of Minnesota, a private college, or an out-of-state college, you must have an official transcript sent directly to the admissions office of the campus you plan to attend. If you are requesting an electronic transcript, please have it sent directly from the institution to student.services@ridgewater.edu via secure web.
You can receive a tentative evaluation using Transferology. Transferology is a multi-state online tool for students and advisors to determine course equivalencies, program requirements, and applicability of coursework when transferring between schools. Step-by-step documentation to help guide students through steps for Finding Transfer Matches and how courses apply to a program in Transferology can be found at Transferology[PDF]
Which Credits Does Ridgewater Accept?
Ridgewater considers for transfer lower-division college-level credits earned at a degree-granting college accredited by one of the six regional associations of colleges and schools in the U.S., or from a comparable international college or university. Students must have earned a grade of C- or better for the credits to transfer.
Minnesota State policy requires that we accept passing grades for Minnesota Transfer Curriculum (MnTC) courses from other Minnesota State institutions. This policy also requires, however, that students must have a cumulative MnTC GPA of 2.0 or higher for completion of the entire 40-credit package of the MnTC.
How Do Transferred Credits Apply Toward Your Degree?
To receive a degree, diploma, or certificate, you must earn a minimum of one-third of the required semester credits at Ridgewater. A maximum of 16 credits from technical programs or departments may be used as electives toward an AA and most AS degrees. Review Ridgewater’s Minnesota Transfer Curriculum (MnTC) policy.
Transfer credits will compute into your “total credits earned,” but do not calculate into GPA. Details of courses accepted in transfer will not appear on the Ridgewater student transcript; the transcript will only indicate the transferring institution and the number of credits accepted.
MnTC courses completed at other Minnesota State institutions transfer in the goal area(s) designated by that institution. You can find equivalency tables for how courses and exams (such as CLEP, AP, DSST, and IB) transfer from selected Minnesota colleges and universities to Ridgewater through Transferology. For equivalency information on other institutions, please contact the transcript evaluator at 1-800-722-1151.
Is There an Expiration Date on Transfer Credits?
General education and elective credits have no time limit for transfer to Ridgewater. (Please note: If you intend to transfer for further education after Ridgewater, you may be asked to repeat older courses in highly technical or scientific areas at the next institution.) General studies and technical coursework up to five years old is considered for equivalent credit for technical program requirements. General studies courses more than five years old may be considered for equivalent credit if they are not technical in nature.
How Do You View and/or Appeal Your Transcript Evaluation?
You will receive notification when your transcript evaluation has been completed. Information will be provided on the number of credits transferred, the equivalency status of each course, and the applicability of transfer work to your program of study. This information is available through eServices. Please contact the registrar if you have questions about your evaluation and/or wish to understand the rationale for evaluation decisions.
If you disagree with the outcome of your transcript evaluation, you may appeal by submitting a student academic petition form [PDF], along with supporting documentation (such as a course syllabus), to the registrar. The vice president of academic affairs along with student services will review the petition and notify you of the appeal decision in writing. If the appeal is denied, you may submit an appeal at the Minnesota State system level.
