Transferring to a new university is a big step, and at Case Western Reserve University, we want to help you make an informed choice.
If you have graduated from high school (or the equivalent) and enrolled in college courses, regardless of whether credit was earned, you can be considered for transfer admission to CWRU.
When reviewing applications, we utilize a holistic process in which we consider academic performance, rigor of curriculum, co-curricular involvement and letters of recommendation. We recognize transfer students come from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. Our admission process seeks to discover each student’s story as well as understand their preparation for a CWRU education.
Transfer Student Information Session
Join us for a Transfer Student Admission information session to learn about the application process, credit evaluation and resources available for transfer students at CWRU.
RegisterAbout Applying
Students can apply for spring or fall transfer enrollment. We admit first-year transfers in the spring semester.
Start your transfer application today
Remember: If you applied to CWRU for the previous spring or fall (within the past year), simply complete our reapplication form. You do not need to submit an application fee.
Case Western Reserve may, at its discretion, consider a student who meets the criteria for a transfer applicant as a first-year applicant.
Notification of Admission Decisions
Fall semester notification begins in early January; spring semester notification begins in mid-October. Decisions will be shared starting on April 1 with application completion.
Complete applications include official final high school transcript(s), official college transcript(s) and a letter of recommendation from a college instructor.
Credit Evaluation
Shortly after being admitted, students will receive a preliminary transfer credit evaluation. This will indicate which courses taken at other institutions will transfer to CWRU, and how they match up with CWRU courses. It will include pending credit for any courses in which you are currently enrolled. Credit will be awarded for courses equivalent to those offered by CWRU and completed with a grade of C or better.
Once you've finished your first term at CWRU, you will send complete and official transcripts for all your college work for an official credit transfer. CWRU advisors will then be able to work with you to schedule appropriate courses given your transfer credit and academic goals.
The awarding of transfer credit for work done at institutions outside the United States is subject to departmental evaluation and to the recommendations of the National Council on the Evaluation of Foreign Credentials.
Financial Aid
Need-based Financial Aid
Transfer students who apply for need-based financial aid are fully considered for grants, loans and work-study. CWRU meets the full demonstrated financial need for all admitted students.
Merit-based Scholarships
Transfer students are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships.
This includes the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Scholarship, awarded to active PTK members who are admitted as transfer students. It recognizes community college transfer students who have demonstrated outstanding academic and leadership achievement with an award of $25,000 per year.
Transfer Orientation
Our goal is to make your transition to Case Western Reserve as smooth as possible. You’ll receive a weekly transfer student newsletter in your inbox leading up to your arrival. Our transfer student Roadmap outlines everything you need to do and know about as you prepare to join the CWRU community. During the Discover orientation program, you’ll take part in meetings and opportunities specifically focused on transfer students’ transition to Case Western Reserve.
Hear from one of our transfer students
"What really drew me to CWRU was the incredible range of research opportunities available both on campus and in the vibrant city of Cleveland, all directly aligned with my major."
Kelly Christensen
Major: Biomedical Engineering
Minor: Computer Science
Involvements: Women’s Weightlifting Club Co-president; Research at the Children’s National Medical Center
Career Ambition: enter the workforce in an intersectional job between biomedical engineering and computer science
