Transfer Student
Continuing Your Journey at Sonoma State University
Considering transferring to Sonoma State University? We’re here to make your transition smooth, exciting, and completely within reach. At SSU, you’re part of a community that’s ready to support your success every step of the way.
Who is Considered a Transfer Student?
A transfer student is someone who has completed college coursework after graduating from high school and plans to continue their education. This includes:
- Upper Division Transfers: Students who will have completed 60 or more transferable semester units (typically third-years and forth-years) before enrolling.
- Lower Division Transfers: Students who have completed fewer than 60 transferable semester units (typically first-years and second-years) and meet additional eligibility criteria.
Your Roadmap to SSU Success
We’ve created tailored resources to help you transition confidently into life at Sonoma State. Explore the tools designed with your success in mind.
Apply to Join Our Community
Start your application today on the California State University website:
Priority Application Dates
| Term | Transfer (Lower & Upper Division Students) | International Students |
|---|---|---|
| Spring 2026 Priority Period | Aug. 1 - Sept 30 | Aug. 1 - Sept 30 |
| Fall 2026 Priority Period | Oct. 1 – Dec 1 | Oct. 1 – April 30 |
Note: Application periods may extend past priority deadlines. All dates are tentative and subject to change.
Review the Impacted and Additional Majors
Missed an Application Deadline?
No worries! Request a Late Application.
Application Support
For application support, please contact the Sonoma State Outreach and Recruitment Counselors.
If you are experiencing technical issues with your application, please contact:
- Email: [email protected]
- Or call (857) 304-2087
Transfer Admissions Criteria
Upper Division Transfer (Junior/Senior Level)
You qualify if:
- Completed at least 60 transferable semester units (90 quarter units).
- GPA of 2.0 or higher in all transferable units
- Good academic standing at your last college/university
- Completed by the appropriate deadline:
- Fall: by the end of spring
- Spring: by the end of fall
Additional Requirements:
- Completed at least 30 semester units in general education (Check your community college catalog under CSU General Education/Cal-GETC for a list)
- Courses must be a C- (or 'CR') or better
- Completed:
- Oral Communication - (A1/1C)
- Written Communication - (A2/1A)
- Critical Thinking - (A3/1B) Waived for Electrical Engineering majors
- Mathematics - (B4/2)
- Declare a major when applying (undeclared applications not allowed)
- Additional criteria may apply for impacted majors (see department websites for more information)
- Priority is given to students from Sonoma, Napa, Marin, Lake, Solano, and Mendocino counties
Additional details and full criteria can be found on the California State University Upper-Division Transfer website.
Associate Degrees for Transfer (ADT)
Thanks to the Student Transfer Achievement Reform Act (STAR Act), community college students can transfer to Sonoma State University with:
- Guaranteed junior standing
- Priority admission for bachelor programs that match your community college program
- Only 60 additional units needed to complete your degree
To Qualify:
- Submit proof of AA-T or AS-T degree completion or in-progress status
- Visit the California State University Student Transfer website for details
- Use SSU’s Search by California State University Campus tool to find program matches
Additional details and full criteria can be found on the California State University Student Transfer website.
Lower Division Transfer (First-year/Second-year level)
You qualify if you:
- Completed fewer than 60 semester units (89 quarter units)
- Have a college GPA of 2.0 or higher
- Are in good standing at your last college/university
- Completed by the appropriate deadline:
- Fall: by the end of spring
- Spring: by the end of fall
- Completed courses with a C- or better:
- Written Communication - (A2/1A)
- Mathematics - (B4/2)
- High School requirements:
- California Residents:
- High School diploma
- GPA 2.5+ for direct admission 2.0 – 2.49 evaluated using Multi-Factor Score
- Completion of college-prep courses or equivalent
- Non-Residents/International:
- High school diploma
- GPA:
- 3.0+ for direct admission
- 2.5 – 2.99 evaluated using Multi-Factor Score
- Completion of college-prep courses or equivalent
- California Residents:
Note:
Lower Division Transfer students cannot apply to the Nursing and Business Administration (online) - Management programs.
See our Multi Factor Score Information website for more details.
Additional details and full criteria can be found on the California State University Lower-Division Transfer website.