How to Apply as an Adult Learner or Working Professional

While no exact formula for college acceptance exists, we can tell you that your success in coursework as reflected by your cumulative transfer GPA weighs into our decision — but we also look for more in our applicants. We search for students who are doers, makers, leaders and thinkers.

Academic Qualifications

• A cumulative grade point average of 2.3 if you have completed 24+ hours for most majors.
• A cumulative grade point average of 2.5 if you have 24 or fewer hours completed. Additionally, your high school record should reflect evidence of solid performance in core academic areas.
• A cumulative grade point average of 2.5 if you are applying for biology, technology management or zoology.
• A cumulative grade point average of 3.0 if you are applying for any majors leading to an education certification.

Step 1. 

Apply Online

Transfer students are advised to use the SUNY Application or Common Application for transfer admission. The application requires a non-refundable $50 fee. If you are applying with the SUNY Application and are graduating or have recently graduated with an AA or AS degree from a SUNY Community College, SUNY will waive your $50 application fee.

Step 2.

Submit Transcripts

Submit all official college or university transcripts (transcripts must be submitted regardless of credits earned). If you’ve completed fewer than 24 credit hours at the time of application, also submit your high school transcript.

Step 3.

Additional Information

Because each transfer student has a unique educational background we may ask for these additional items to be included along with your application:

Midterm Grades

Transfer students currently taking college coursework may be required to submit midterm grades. Midterms can either be submitted through your school’s grade reporting system or by completing the printable SUNY Oswego Midterm Grade Report.

Transfer Application Supplement (Found in Your Applicant Portal)

We require transfer applicants with a gap in their educational history to complete the Transfer Application Supplement found in the Applicant Portal. Be sure to include all activities from the time of high school graduation (including military service) through the term for which you are applying for admission.

Other materials may be requested as needed.

Step 4.

Check Your Application Status

Once your completed application is received, we will send a confirmation email to the email address listed on your application. That email includes a temporary PIN to access the Applicant Portal and establish your password. Once you have set your password you can return at any time using the Applicant Portal. Check the portal often to see what information we’ve received, what is still needed, and any supplemental requests that may follow.

Credit Evaluation

If you’re considering transferring to Oswego, our admissions counselors would be happy to work with you to determine what credits you may transfer from your previous school. Course work completed with a passing grade from regionally accredited institutions (SUNY or Non-SUNY) will transfer to Oswego, as described in the Requirement Guides for Transfer Students. A vast number of course-to-course equivalencies have already been determined for both SUNY and non-SUNY colleges and universities. You can access these equivalencies through the Transfer Course Guide. If you have questions about how your credits will transfer, please contact the Office of Admissions and ask to speak with a transfer counselor. Official degree audits are completed within 1-2 weeks of admission to ensure you have the necessary information to make informed decisions.

Articulation Agreements

SUNY Oswego works closely with numerous partner institutions through articulation agreements. These are agreements that exist between two educational institutions to ensure efficient, effective transfer and guarantee continuous progress in degree completion. Both general and program-specific articulations exist. We offer an online list of the many institutions with which SUNY Oswego has articulation agreements.

Program-to-program articulations aim to provide a smooth transition to parallel programs, minimum time in completing the bachelor’s degree and maximum transfer of credits.

The general articulation agreement allows students completing associate degrees to have particular general education requirements waived. Students who enter under the General Education 21 requirements with an AA, AS, or AAS degree from a SUNY institution that have completed three years of high school level foreign language or 101 level of a foreign language are exempt from any remaining foreign language requirements at SUNY Oswego. Students that don’t fit either of those requirements but have completed an associate’s degree from a SUNY institution are only required to take 101 level of a foreign language at SUNY Oswego. For more information on these requirements, visit our General Education page.

If you are transferring from institutions outside of the SUNY system, SUNY Oswego aims to provide maximum value for previously earned credits with minimum hassles. If you complete a program deemed equivalent to the 30-credit SUNY general education program from any regionally accredited institution, you will be exempt from all remaining SUNY Oswego General Education requirements.

Acceptance of transfer credits from non-accredited institutions is indefinite until successful completion of one full-time semester at Oswego, after which time approval or refusal of equivalency credits, will be determined by the Registrar upon consultation with the major department.

For more information on the transfer process, contact the Office of Admissions at 315.312.2250 or email one of our transfer counselors at [email protected].

How do I get my previous credits reviewed?

Once you’re accepted, you’ll receive an official credit evaluation. If you want an early idea of what will transfer, you can request an unofficial review at any time.
Just send transcripts from any colleges you’ve attended along with your intended major to:
Office of Admissions, 229 Sheldon Hall, SUNY Oswego, Oswego NY 13126
315-312-2250 | [email protected]

You can also explore how credits typically transfer by using our Transfer Course Guide.

How many credits can I bring with me?

Most students bring in a substantial number of credits. How many will transfer depends on:
• Where you took the classes
• The grades you earned
• Your intended major

Oswego accepts up to 90 credits from regionally accredited two-year or four-year institutions. We strongly recommend requesting a credit evaluation early so you know exactly where you stand.

Are scholarships available for adult learners?

Yes. Many adult and returning students qualify for transfer scholarships. You can learn more on our Transfer Scholarships page.

Will my work experience or training count for credit?

Oswego accepts CLEP, AP, IB, and military credit. Official transcripts or score reports are required.
While Oswego does not award direct “life experience” credit, many adults earn credit through Prior Learning Assessment, which reviews significant work experience, professional training, and certifications. This can shorten your time to degree.

Learn more about Prior Learning Assessment here.

What are the general education requirements?

Most adult learners meet part of their general education requirements through past college coursework. Oswego requires 33 credits of general education under our GE21 program.

If you already completed SUNY’s 33-credit General Education Requirement (SUNY-GER) or an approved equivalent at another institution, you may be exempt from additional general education courses.
Details are available on the General Education website or at www.suny.edu.

I participated in EOP, HEOP, SEEK, or a similar support program. Am I still eligible?

Yes. If you were enrolled in one of these programs at a previous institution, you may continue in EOP at Oswego. Admissions will verify your status.
If your prior school did not offer one of these programs, contact Admissions to discuss eligibility.

When do I register for classes?

You’ll register during your scheduled adult/transfer orientation. A faculty advisor will meet with you one-on-one to review your program and build your class schedule.

When will I meet my academic advisor?

You’ll meet an advisor from your major during orientation. Once the semester begins, your department will assign your long-term advisor to support you throughout your program.

Where can I find graduation requirements?

You can look up general requirements in the academic catalog. Degree-specific requirements are listed under each major and minor. Your advisor will help you understand exactly what you need to graduate.

Where can I live if I’m a returning or adult student?

Oswego offers 10 residential communities and a townhouse village. While many adult learners commute, on-campus options are available and convenient.
Learn more at Living at Oswego.

What financial aid forms do I need to complete?

Most adult students file the FAFSA and the NYS TAP application. Deadlines are:
• March 1 for fall enrollment
• November 1 for spring enrollment

If you’ve already filed for the year, simply add SUNY Oswego as your school of attendance. Visit our financial aid site for details.

Does Oswego offer health insurance?

Yes. Full-time students are automatically billed for the college’s basic accident and sickness plan. Part-time students can also purchase the plan. If you already have coverage, you can waive the fee.

Are health services available on campus?

Yes. Oswego’s Health Services clinic is open Monday through Friday and provides primary care, walk-in sick visits, and most medications at no cost beyond the standard health fee.

Do I need immunizations?

Yes. Immunization requirements are listed on the Health Services website. You can request your records from your most recent college or your doctor.

Is there child care available?

The Children’s Center of Oswego serves children ages 18 months to 5 years on a sliding-scale fee structure. Space can be limited, so early inquiry is encouraged.
Call 315-312-2587 for details.

What support is available for veterans?

The Office of Veteran and Military Services assists with VA benefits, referrals, and information about work-study opportunities. Visit 337 Sheldon Hall or call 315-312-2270.

How do I know if courses I took at another SUNY college meet Oswego’s general education requirements?

You can check SUNY’s approved General Education course list for your campus to see how those courses apply to Oswego’s requirements.

Where can I find campus safety information?

SUNY Oswego’s annual security report is available on the University Police website and includes campus crime statistics and safety policies.

How can I get involved or meet people on campus?

Whether you commute or live on campus, there are many ways to connect:
• Join student clubs and organizations through The Point
• Explore academic, arts, service, cultural, or special-interest groups
• Attend campus events and activities listed on our News and Events page
• Participate in programs offered through residence life if you live on campus

Getting involved is a great way to build connections and make the most of your time at Oswego.