Empire State University’s online transfer admissions make it easy to apply and bring your credits with you. Whether you’re transferring from a community college or another university, we’ll help you make the most of your credits and get you closer to your degree.

A University Built for Transfer Students

75%
of SUNY Empire students are transfer students
85k+
credits transferred into SUNY Empire in (timeline)
600+
approved institutions for transfer credit

Seamless Transfer, Personalized Help

Brittany Y. at commencement in Albany
Empire was a good fit because I had finished my associate degree, and I was looking for an institution to finish my bachelor’s. It felt exciting to know that I was going to graduate from a SUNY institution.
Brittany Y., Criminal Justice, '25

Apply Online for Transfer Admissions

1

Complete the Online Application

There is no special application for transfer students. Complete the same application and requirements for undergraduate <Admissions & Aid > Undergraduate Admissions >  or graduate admissions. <Admissions & Aid > Graduate Admissions >

Male student in a baseball cap at a laptop.
2

Submit Official Transcripts

Make sure you submit official transcripts from every college or university you’ve attended. Our team will review your credits to maximize what can transfer toward your degree.

Transcripts

Woman working on a laptop computer.

Transfer Credit Requirements

Associate Degree

  • Up to 40 credits can be transferred (64 credits required for an associate degree; 24 credits must be taken at SUNY Empire)
  • Credits with a letter grade of C- and above are eligible

Bachelor's Degree

  • Up to 93 credits can be transferred (124 credits required for a bachelor's degree; 31 credits must be taken at SUNY Empire)
  • Credits with a letter grade of C- and above are eligible
  • If part of a completed associate degree, credits with a passing letter grade (D or better) may be eligible

Master's Degree

  • Up to 12 graduate-level credits can be transferred
  • Credits with a letter grade of B or better are eligible
  • Credits must be less than six years old at the time of admission and must logically fit into your degree program

Pathways Transfer Program

The Pathways Transfer Program (PTP) helps community college graduates continue their education at SUNY Empire.

  • Transfer up to 79 credits from your associate degree.
  • Designed for students who have or are about to earn an associate degree.
  • Makes it easier to complete your bachelor’s degree with fewer additional credits needed.

Transferring From a SUNY School

SUNY Empire offers flexible transfer options within the SUNY system. You can transfer:

  • Up to 93 credits toward a bachelor's degree
  • Up to 40 credits toward an associate degree
  • Credits must meet degree requirements and apply to your program

Explore SUNY Empire courses that match those in the SUNY Transfer Paths or by area of study. These lists are not exhaustive — other courses may also transfer.

Online Credit Transfer Lookup
Jose O. at commencement in Albany.
Math was a little bit of a stickler for me, and one of my coworkers suggested Empire because he had just graduated from the school. He said how wonderful it was here, and how the advisors always talked to you. They want to help you. So I transferred with all these credits.

Did You Know?

You can also earn credit for your knowledge and experience with Credit for Prior Learning (CPL). Once you’re accepted, just talk to your advisor to get started.

Guides & Tools for a Smooth Transfer Transfer Resources

Use these resources to check transfer credits, review degree requirements, and stay on track for success.