Marywood University Admissions

Will My Credits Transfer?

Academic Credits, graduate or undergraduate, may be accepted in direct transfer from colleges and universities depending upon their quality, comparability, and applicability to the student's program of study. 

Marywood builds strong partnerships with community colleges and four-year institutions to provide a simple and smooth transfer process for students. These include local colleges such as Lackawanna College and Luzerne County Community College, as well as community colleges in New York and New Jersey.

Transfer guides and transfer agreements are available to assist students in determining how courses they have taken at local and community colleges will transfer to Marywood's undergraduate degree programs. 

Transfer Guides

Transfer Agreements

Undergraduate

Applying for Admission: Transfer Students

Complete the Application
If using Marywood's online application for admission, please create an account before beginning the process. Once you have created an account, sign in and complete the Undergraduate online application. The $35 application fee is waived when you submit the online application. If you wish to complete a paper version, please download and print.

Transcripts
Request official copies of your high school and college transcripts (from all previous colleges attended) be sent to University Admissions. If applicable, please forward an official score report from the General Education Development (GED) test.

Writing Sample/Essay
Submit an essay of at least 250 words.

Essay topics may include:

• Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.  
• The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?
• Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?
• Describe a problem you've solved or a problem you'd like to solve. It can be an intellectual challenge, a research query, an ethical dilemma - anything that is of personal importance, no matter the scale. Explain its significance to you and what steps you took or could be taken to identify a solution.
• Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.
• Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?
• Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you've already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design.

Recommendation Letter
You may use our recommendation form.  Please complete and print.  Or you can provide one letter of recommendation from a school-based counselor or academic teacher. We also welcome additional letters from teachers, friends, or family members who are familiar with your academic achievements and interests. 

Department Requirements
You also may need to meet additional department-specific requirements. Contact the academic department or University Admissions for details.

All documents submitted in connection with the application become the property of the University.

When to Apply

Marywood University admits students on a rolling admissions basis, but it is highly encouraged that transfer students apply no later than three weeks before classes begin in order to have access to the classes that best fit their schedule and academic track.

It may take 2-3 weeks to render an admissions decision after all required documentation is received, so don’t delay — apply today.

View Marywood's Academic Schedule

Transfer Scholarships & Financial Aid

For more information, please visit the Financial Aid Transfer page

Trustees’ Scholarships | $17,000

This scholarship is awarded to students with exceptional academic achievements. Both freshmen and transfer students are eligible for consideration for this award.

Marywood University Trustees' Scholarships are awarded to students with exceptional academic achievements. Marywood University utilizes a number of factors when evaluating admissions applications, including SAT or ACT scores, high school performance, and types of courses completed.

Students receiving this level of scholarship typically have an average SAT of 1208 (Critical Reading and Math) or ACT of 26 and an average high school GPA of 3.89. Both freshmen and transfer students are eligible for consideration for these awards. For transfer students, performance on the postsecondary level is taken into consideration. Typically transfer students must have a minimum postsecondary QPA of 3.50.

Recipients of this scholarship must be full-time and maintain an average QPA of 3.00.  The scholarship is intended to support undergraduate studies up to a maximum of eight (8) semesters.

Centennial Scholarships | $12,000

This scholarship recognizes both freshmen and transfer students.

Marywood University Centennial Scholarships recognize students who typically have an average SAT of 1106 (Critical Reading and Math) or ACT of 24 and an average high school GPA of 3.69. Both freshmen and transfer students are eligible for consideration for these awards; for transfer students, performance on the postsecondary level is taken into consideration.

Recipients of this scholarship must be full-time and maintain an average QPA of 2.75.  The scholarship is intended to support undergraduate studies up to a maximum of eight (8) semesters.

Deans’ Scholarships | $10,000

This scholarship is awarded to both freshmen and transfer students.

Deans' Scholarships are awarded to students with an average SAT of 1029 (Critical Reading and Math) or ACT of 22 and an average high school GPA of 3.41. Both freshmen and transfer students are eligible for consideration for these awards. For transfer students,  performance on the postsecondary level is taken into consideration.

Recipients of this scholarship must be full-time and maintain an average QPA of 2.50.  The scholarship is intended to support undergraduate studies up to a maximum of eight (8) semesters.

Success Awards | $8,000

This grant assists students who have demonstrated academic ability.

Marywood University Success Awards assist students who have demonstrated academic ability, with an average SAT of 955 (Critical Reading and Math) or ACT of 20 and an average high school GPA of 3.10. Both freshmen and transfer students are eligible for consideration for these awards; for transfer students, performance on the postsecondary level is taken into consideration.

Recipients of this scholarship must be full-time and maintain an average QPA of 2.50.  The scholarship is intended to support undergraduate studies up to a maximum of eight (8) semesters.

Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship | $1,500 per year

Transfer students who are members of Phi Theta Kappa may be eligible for a special scholarship for members of this honor society.

The Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship is awarded to transfer students who are members of this International Scholastic Order of two-year colleges. A minimum transfer QPA of 3.50 is required for consideration for this scholarship as well as an earned associate degree. The student must enroll at Marywood immediately upon graduation from the two-year college.

Proof of PTK membership is required. This scholarship is renewed if the recipient maintains a minimum of a 3.00 cumulative QPA at Marywood University. Part-time students are not eligible for this award.

Transfer FAQ

Credits

Does Marywood accept credit for CLEP exams or life experience?

Yes, Marywood awards credit for CLEP exams. Marywood follows the American Council on Education's (ACE) recommendations for awarding credit. Students who have completed CLEP exams should have their official scores sent to Marywood.

Marywood University offers a portfolio process for students who have significant life experience that could potentially take the place of one of Marywood's courses. A portfolio workshop for all students is held twice a year: once in the fall semester and once in the spring semester. Interested students should contact the Coordinator of Prior Learning Assessment for additional information.

Does Marywood accept AP credits

Yes, Marywood accepts AP credits provided the student has earned a grade of '3' or higher. Students should contact the College Board and have their AP scores sent directly to Marywood. Marywood does not accept AP scores from high school transcripts.

How do I schedule my courses?

For a student's first semester at Marywood, the student will meet with the Coordinator of Prior Learning Assessment (CPLA) to schedule classes. The CPLA will put together a schedule for the student based on the transfer credits and Marywood's core curriculum and program requirements. At the meeting, the CPLA and the student will discuss the schedule, make any changes, and register for classes. In future terms, students will meet with an academic advisor in the academic department to discuss course choices and the student may register online.

What credits will Marywood not consider in transfer?

While recognizing the value of all learning, Marywood is unable to award credit for the following courses:

• Developmental courses
• ESL courses
• Technical courses (such as Automotive or Circuit courses)

Credits from institutions that are not regionally accredited will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

How many credits will Marywood accept in transfer?

A course-by-course evaluation will be conducted by the Coordinator of Prior Learning Assessment to determine the number of credits a student will receive in transfer. Typically, no more than 60 credits are accepted in transfer; however, there are exceptions.  

At least 42 credits must be taken in order to receive a Marywood degree (minimum of 30 credits for a student transferring into a program as part of a pre-approved articulation agreement with another school).  Ordinarily at least one-half of the credits required for a major must also be earned at Marywood.

General

How will I know what credits transfer?

The Coordinator of Prior Learning Assessment will conduct a credit evaluation once all transcripts have been received. The evaluation will be e-mailed to the student at the address provided on the student's application.

Does Marywood offer evening and/or online courses?

Marywood offers evening courses and some online courses. Some undergraduate courses are 'hybrid' courses with portions of the class being held online. See course descriptions for additional information.

What do I do if I do not know which major I want to pursue?

Marywood accepts students as 'Undeclared/Undecided'. Students who come in under this designation must declare a major by the end of their second semester. Students who do not meet the QPA requirements for a specific program may be accepted as 'Undeclared/With Interest In'. These students' academic success will be evaluated at the end of their first semester by the individual academic department.

Are there specific scholarships available for transfer students?

Marywood awards merit-based scholarships to transfer students.

Additionally, transfer students that are members of Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) are eligible for a $1500 scholarship per year. Students must have proof of membership, a 3.5 QPA, and an earned Associate's degree.

How long will it take me to graduate?

Most transfer students can expect to spend a minimum of 2.5 years at Marywood to earn their degree. In some instances, this could be shorter or longer depending on the student's degree program, number of transfer credits, and number of credits taken per semester at Marywood. 

At least 42 credits must be taken in order to receive a Marywood degree (minimum of 30 credits for a student transferring into a program as part of a pre-approved articulation agreement with another school). Ordinarily at least one-half of the credits required for a major must also be earned at Marywood.

Grades

What is the minimum grade required for transfer?

Marywood requires a grade of 'C' or better for transfer. Grades of 'C-' are not transferable. Courses that are graded Pass/No Pass or Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory will be considered if the 'P' or 'S' grade is equivalent to a 'C'.

What is the minimum GPA requirement for transfer students?

Marywood requires a GPA of 2.25 on a minimum of 12 transfer credits. Different programs at Marywood (for example Architecture and Education) may require a higher GPA for transfer students.

How is my GPA calculated?

Grades do not transfer to Marywood, only credits. A student's QPA (quality point average) at Marywood is calculated based on courses completed only at Marywood or through the University of Scranton consortium agreement.