Congratulations on taking the first step toward becoming a Ball State Cardinal! Making the move to a new college can be intimidating, but rest assured knowing our Ball State admissions team is here to help you apply, commit, and feel at home on our beautiful, welcoming campus as a new transfer student.
Keep reading to learn about our transfer admission requirements, the steps to apply, and more.
What We Look For
Review the following criteria Ball State considers when you apply as a transfer student.
Performance
You must have earned a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale for all transferable work attempted.
Academic Standing
You must be in good academic standing and eligible to return immediately to the last college or university you attended.
Admission decisions will be based on your academic records at all post-secondary educational institutions you’ve attended. If you are transferring with less the 24 credit hours, your high school academic records will be considered.
If you apply for transfer admission to Ball State while you're enrolled at another college or university, you may be considered for admission on the basis of your current cumulative GPA.
If you're admitted to Ball State while enrolled at another college or university (referred to as "admit with conditions"), your cumulative GPA must remain above a 2.0 to maintain admission under these circumstances.
SAT and ACT Scores
Your SAT and/or ACT scores can help us determine your readiness to pursue a college degree. While Ball State is test-optional, we accept scores from either test or both if you choose to submit them. Learn about our test-optional policy.
Advance Credit
You can earn college credit early for Ball State by taking special courses and exams through Advanced Placement (AP), Cambridge International, and other programs. We also offer our own departmental and world language exams. See all of our advance credit options and requirements.
Steps to Apply
Applying to Ball State is easy and can be done completely online. Follow the steps below to prepare your application and materials. You’re one step closer to becoming a Cardinal!
Be sure to apply by the appropriate deadline for your desired term and for maximum consideration of potential scholarships. See our dates and deadlines.
Step 1
Review Admission Criteria
We will consider your academic performance at your past institution(s) when we review your application. See our full admission criteria above ("What We Look For").
Step 2
Send Us Your Transcript
A complete application requires official transcripts from all postsecondary institutions you have attended as well as an official high school transcript or GED/TASC score report (unless you've earned an associate degree from an accredited institution).
We accept transcripts electronically (i.e. Parchment) or mailed directly to the Office of Admissions. Find our mailing address.
Step 3
Tell Us About Yourself (optional)
You may submit a one-page statement, resume, or recommendation as part of your online application. If you’re missing required coursework, fall below admission criteria, or had a poor college semester, we recommend you complete this step.
Guidance for Transfer Students
Thinking about becoming a Ball State Cardinal? Check out our YouTube playlist for transfer students. Explore our academic colleges, learn how to apply for admissions and financial aid, and discover the next steps you'll take after you're admitted. We're ready when you're ready—apply to Ball State.
Apply to Ball State
After completing the steps above, it’s time to complete the online application. An application and all required application materials must be received at least two weeks before the start of classes for a given term to be considered for admission to Ball State. However, we recommend you do so by the priority deadline for your term.
After You Apply
After completing your application, you can continue to log in to your Cardinal Landing portal to submit additional materials and check your application status.
Questions?
If you need help with any portion of your application process, please call or email the Transfer Center. We're here to help you every step of the way.
Contact Us