Admissions and Applications | Washington Public Universities

In Washington State, many students begin at a community or technical college and then transfer to a four-year public university. In fact, Washington ranks 2nd in the nation for students who take this path and successfully earn a bachelor’s degree.

Starting at a community or technical college doesn’t have to slow you down. Transfer students usually finish their degrees in about the same amount of time as students who start at a four-year university right after high school.

Tips for a Smooth Transfer

Planning ahead can make your transfer easier. Here are a few helpful tips:

Talk with advisors early and often. Ask questions and make sure you understand your options.
Apply early. This gives advisors time to help you plan your next steps.
Ask about transfer programs and support services at the university you want to attend.
Finish your degree before transferring whenever possible. This can make the process smoother.

Transfer Student Admission Dates

Transfer Degrees Accepted
at Washington Public Universities

Statewide agreements between Washington’s public universities and community and technical colleges.

	Direct Transfer Agreement (DTA)	AS-T Track 1	AS-T Track 2	Biology	Business	Computer Science	Construction Management	Engineering	Math Education	Music	Nursing RN/BSN	Pre-Nursing	Reverse Transfer
Central Washington University	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y		Y	Y			Y
Eastern Washington University	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y		Y	Y
The Evergreen State College	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y				Y			Y
University of Washington	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y		Y	Y	Y	Y
Washington State University – all campuses	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y		Y	Y	Y	Y	Y
Western Washington University	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y		Y	Y	Y	Y		Y

Washington Community and Technical College Transfer Degree Inventory

Admission Requirements

For a more in-depth overview of admissions coursework requirements, view the following documents.

Transfer Student Minimum Admission Standards”

Other Pathways for Transfer Credit

Earning a traditional transfer degree is not the only path to a Washington public university. If you have completed professional technical coursework or a technical associate degree, your credits may have more value than you think.

Here are several ways professional technical credits can transfer:

Students who earn a Direct Transfer Agreement (DTA) may transfer up to 15 professional technical credits toward a BS or BA.
Students who earn a technical associate degree (AAS, ATA, AAT, or AAS-T) can transfer to earn a bachelor’s degree, also known as an Upside Down Degree.
Students with a technical associate degree may also transfer to earn a Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) degree.
Pathways exist from the skilled trades to bachelor’s degrees.
Credits may also be earned through Academic Credit for Prior Learning.

Support for Transfer Students

Washington’s public universities work hard to make transfer students feel welcome and supported. Many campuses offer:

Transfer advising to help plan your classes and next steps
Transfer centers with staff who specialize in helping transfer students
Programs and services designed to help transfer students feel connected and succeed

Find transfer information on your preferred university’s transfer student webpage.