We’ll help you finish what you started.
You’re ready. You’ve spent time completing general education requirements or have already started into your major core requirements, perhaps at several colleges. You’ve explored a few avenues and know what you want from your future. Now is the time to transfer to a 4-year university to complete your bachelor’s degree – as quickly as possible – so that you can jump start your career. We understand, and we’re here to help!
Free Transcript Evaluation
Take advantage of our free transcript evaluation to see how many of your credits will transfer. The more credits that transfer, the faster you’ll graduate. And the faster you graduate, the more you’ll save on tuition. Did we mention it’s free?
Note: Attach all unofficial transcripts to complete the free transcript evaluation. This is not an official evaluation, or the guarantee of transfer credits awarded. Please speak to your admissions counselor for steps in receiving an official transcript evaluation.
Why choose NU?
There are lots of reason. Here are just a few.
"Coming from a Community College as a transfer student, I never fully understood the importance of community until I arrived at Northwest University. As soon as I stepped on campus, I was known by name and welcomed into this community with open arms. It was such an unexpected and wonderful experience. I found myself part of a community that lived, studied, laughed, and worshipped together. Northwest creates countless opportunities for all students to find belonging and create meaningful connections."
—Shelbie Frye, Transfer Student and NU graduate
Transfer Credits to Northwest University
Thank you for your interest in transferring courses to Northwest University. The Transfer Equivalency System (TES) tool is a helpful resource as you’re considering credits that will transfer to Northwest.
Instructions
- Select the institution that you are transferring from using the A-Z Index or the Institution Search function. You are then able to search and select the course you are hoping to transfer and see an approved Northwest University equivalency.
- If the institution or course is not currently listed, Northwest University has not evaluated that particular course or created a guide for the institution yet. Please contact Northwest University at transfer@northwestu.edu to review courses with your admissions counselor.
Note: Courses are subject to change at any time and does not constitute an official evaluation or the guarantee of transfer credits awarded. Please speak to your admissions counselor for steps in receiving an official transcript evaluation.
Direct Transfer Agreement
Northwest University accepts college and university-approved Associate of Arts (AA) degrees from public community colleges in Washington. Students who have completed these Direct Transfer Degrees will receive 60 semester credits and junior academic standing. Transfer courses must be completed with a grade of C- or above. Some majors require higher markings.
Northwest University is committed to rooting our students in sound theological study that will build them both spiritually and academically. Theology and Bible courses are part of NU’s general education curriculum and may not be satisfied by Direct Transfer Degrees. Most majors facilitate completing a bachelor’s degree in two years after receiving your AA. To determine the exact requirements of your program, please contact an Admissions Counselor at transfer@northwestu.edu.
Northwest University has a Direct Transfer Agreement (DTA) with 30 community colleges in Washington that meet the ICRC Guidelines. The colleges and their Direct Transfer Degrees are listed below:
| Bellevue College | AA and AS |
| Big Bend Community College | AA&S |
| Cascadia Community College | Associate in Integrated Studies |
| Centralia College | AA, Associate in Liberal Arts |
| Clark College | AA |
| Columbia Basin College | AA&S |
| Edmonds Community College | AA&S, Option I |
| Everett Community College | AA&S, Option II |
| Grays Harbor College | AA |
| Green River Community College | AA |
| Highline Community College | AA, Option A |
| Lower Columbia College | AA&S, Plan B |
| North Seattle Community College | AA, AS |
| Northwest Indian College | AA&S |
| Olympic College | AA&S, Option A |
| Peninsula College | AA, AA – Honors |
| Pierce College, Ft. Steilacoom | AA |
| Pierce College, Puyallup | AA |
| Seattle Central Community College | AA, AS |
| Shoreline Community College | AA&S, Option A |
| Skagit Valley College | AA, Univ. and College Transfer |
| South Puget Sound Community College | AA |
| South Seattle Community College | AA, AS |
| Spokane Community College | AA |
| Spokane Falls Community College | AA |
| Tacoma Community College | AA&S, Option A |
| Walla Walla Community College | AA |
| Wenatchee Valley College | AA&S |
| Whatcom Community College | AA&S |
| Yakima Valley College | AA |
Table Key
AA: Associates of Arts
AA&S: Associates Arts of Sciences
AS: Associates of Science
Scholarships for Transfer Students
In addition to qualified State and Federal Financial Aid, Northwest University rewards hard work with generous scholarships and robust need-based grants for transfer students. Our transfer team is happy to work with you!
Our Financial Aid website will have helpful information for a complete list of outside scholarships, work-study, and paying the remaining balance. Here are a few scholarships you may qualify for:
| Scholarship | Amount (per year) |
|---|---|
| Transfer Academic Scholarship | $7,000 – $13,000 |
| Program Scholarship | $4,000 |
| NU Grant | Varies |
| Music, Athletic, Debate, and other Talent Scholarship | Varies |
You can always refer to our Net Price Calculator to estimate your qualification for financial aid.
Our Admissions Counselors can also recommend a few alternate sources of aid – email transfer@northwestu.edu for more information.
How to Apply
Did you know that nearly 40% of our student body transferred into NU? You are among friends! If you’re ready to apply to NU, check the Admissions Requirements to get started.
Application Checklist
- Application
- Official College Transcript(s)
- Official High School Transcript (Requirement waived if completed 20 semester credits or 30 quarter credits. Note: proof of high school graduation required for enrollment and financial aid if completed less than 60 semester credits or 90 quarter credits.)
Start your application to Northwest University today!
Questions?
Contact an Admissions Counselor at transfer@northwestu.edu or 1-800-669-3781.
Schedule a Campus Visit or Attend a Virtual Event
Frequently Asked Questions
Will NU accept my credit?
In most cases, yes! We want to give you as much credit as possible for your work completed at another institution. And we’ve structured our general education requirements to accommodate transfer students. With flexibility you can enjoy more of the classes you want while still completing your degree on time. Some programs have prescriptive requirements, so ask an Admissions Counselor to guide you on the fastest path.
How long will it take to complete my degree?
NU is transfer friendly, accepting lots of credit! Please contact an Admissions Counselor for an unofficial transcript review. Your unofficial transcript review will approximate the time required to complete your degree at NU, and which classes you need. We will even conduct an unofficial review of your credits before you submit an application! Email transfer@northwestu.edu for more information.
Do you offer credit for AP, IB, CLEP, Dantes, military training, or prior learning?
Yes! You may earn credit that is transferrable to Northwest University from a variety of sources. Northwest University offers credit for successful completion of CLEP, AP, IB, and Dantes exams, in addition to military training (provided it is reflected on an official transcript) and prior learning, through the Prior Learning Assessment (PLA).
For detailed information regarding earing credit at Northwest University from these sources, you can consult our Credit Transfer Guide and Standardized Exam Table, or contact an Admissions Counselor at transfer@northwestu.edu.
When does the next term start? Is Northwest University on the semester or quarter system?
Northwest University utilizes the semester system, so you can apply for either the Fall (August-December) or Spring (January-May) terms. We offer online classes during the summer. Certain programs only start in the Fall semester. Please contact an Admissions Counselor at transfer@northwestu.edu to find out if this applies to you.
What is the difference between Running Start students and Transfer Students?
If you have taken college credit after high school graduation then you are considered a Transfer Student. If you completed your college credits before high school graduation then you will apply to NU as a new incoming student with Running Start college credit.
I’m still enrolled in classes. When should I submit my transcripts for my application?
We recommend completing your application as soon as possible because financial aid is awarded when you are accepted to the University and after completing the FAFSA. Submit your current official college transcripts from all colleges previously attended with your application. Once you finish your term, send a new transcript reflecting your completed courses.
I want to apply to the Nursing program but I have not completed the Bible courses. How do I finish them before the program begins?
This is very common among transfer students, and Northwest University can recommend a few options for you. An Admissions Counselor can work with you to make a plan for completing the Nursing prerequisites: transfer@northwestu.edu. Take a look at the Nursing Admissions page for more details.
My GPA is not very good. Can I still be considered for admission to NU?
The Northwest University Admissions Committee considers students holistically and decisions are made after reviewing each part of the application. If you are concerned that your grades do not match your academic abilities, consider submitting a supplementary essay describing your academic history and your plan for success at Northwest University. Please provide your essay to your Admissions Counselor.
How do I know what class standing I will have when I transfer my credits to NU?
| Class Standing | Semester Credits | Quarter Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Freshman | 0 – 29.9 | 0 – 44.9 |
| Sophomore | 30 – 59.9 | 45 – 89.9 |
| Junior | 60 – 89.9 | 90 – 134.9 |
| Senior | 90+ | 135+ |
Note: All credits accepted by Northwest University are converted into and reported in semester credit hours. One quarter credit is equal to two-thirds of a semester credit. Semester credits are calculated by dividing the total number of quarter credits by 1.5.
Who can answer my questions about the GI Bill® and how to access my educational benefits through the military?
You can find all your answers at our Veteran Benefits page, or contact our VA Coordinator at veterans@northwestu.edu.