Transfer Students

Students who have completed an Associate of Arts or equivalent degree from a regionally-accredited institution and who have an accumulative grade point average of at least 2.00 normally will be able to complete work toward graduation from the Getty College of Arts & Sciences with a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in two academic years if courses in the first two years of work conform to the usual pattern in their chosen major field. The student will assume a normal semester course load of 12 to 19 academic semester hours. If a student wishes to obtain teacher licensure, it is possible that one or more additional academic semesters of study will be required.

Ohio Northern also welcomes transfer students who wish to pursue degrees in business through The James F. Dicke College of Business Administration and engineering through the T.J. Smull College of Engineering.  Students interested in completing a Bachelors degree at Ohio Northern University are advised to visit campus and request a course-by-course evaluation by the Office of the Dean to determine the number of semesters required to complete the degree.  For information specific to transferring into the Rudolph H. Raabe College of Pharmacy, please also visit pharmacy transfer students.

Admission

Submit official transcripts – request that an official transcript be sent from each institution that you have attended.  The envelope containing the transcript must indicate that it in fact was sent directly from the institution and that the transcript must not say “Issued to student. “ Concealment of previous attendance at a college or university is cause for cancellation of admission and registration.

Proof of residency and/or citizenship – If you are NOT a U.S. citizen and you are a permanent resident, then you must provide proof residency.  If you are NOT a U.S. citizen and you are NOT a permanent resident, then you must apply through the office of international admissions.  If you are an individual with dual citizenship, then you must provide proof of citizenship with both countries.

Transferring Credits – Once you complete and submit the application, the process for credit evaluation will begin in the registrar’s office. Each course is evaluated for its comparability to ONU courses and its pertinence to the intended major.  Depending on the time of year it could take 2-3 weeks to complete.  Once it is completed then it is sent to your academic dean.  If for some reason you require a time sensitive response, a preliminary credit evaluation may be requested in writing from the office of admissions.  ACT/SAT – In special circumstances an admissions decision may be contingent on an ACT or SAT test score.

Transfer students in good standing academically and socially from regionally-accredited colleges and universities may be admitted.  Credits to be transferred must be graded a C (2.00) or higher and must apply toward the course of study the student intends to pursue. Concealment of previous attendance at a college or university is cause for cancellation of admission and registration.

Accepted transfer students

Orientation – Once you have received notification of your acceptance to Ohio Northern University schedule for an appointment with your academic dean for orientation and registration.  
Housing – If you require on-campus housing you may contact the Office of Residence Life at 419-772-2430.  The placement of residence is determined by the number of credit hours.  After your freshman year typically transfer students live in the same area of campus.

Email/Luminis accounts – Registrar will set up your accounts after your appointment with your academic dean.  

Financial Aid – The Dean’s Transfer Scholarship is available for students who have a minimum 3.0 GPA from their previous institution.  The amounts range from $12,000 to $15,000 depending on the GPA.  The award is renewable if a minimum 3.0 GPA is maintained.  Students with a previously earned bachelor degree and those planning to enroll part-time are ineligible for this award.  Non-US citizens without permanent residency, part-time students and students with previous bachelor degrees are not eligible.  All students are encouraged to submit the FAFSA.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is there minimum college grade point average required for transfer admission?

A: There is not a published minimum GPA requirement. We review the academic record of each transfer applicant closely, looking at the courses taken and the grades received.  For a GPA lower than 2.5 your application may still be considered, depending on individual circumstances.

Q. How many new transfer students enroll at ONU each year?

A. 67 new transfer students enrolled at ONU last year.

Q: Does ONU interview transfer applicants?

A: No, we do not offer interviews to transfer applicants.

Q: Are recommendations required for admission as a transfer student at ONU?

A: No.  Recommendation letters and recommendation forms are only required of first time freshmen and are optional for transfer students.  

Q: When can I find out if ONU will accept my credits?

A: ONU evaluates credits only after an applicant is accepted to the University.

Q. Is there an enrollment deposit at ONU?

A: Once you are accepted to ONU, you must submit a $200 deposit. 

Q: Will the grades of the past institutions that I attended affect my GPA at ONU?

A: Grades from previous institution do not factor into your Ohio Northern GPA. You will be starting from a clean slate as far as your GPA is concerned. 

Articulation Agreements

Ohio Northern makes it easy for students from nearby schools to transfer credits towards a bachelors degree through articulation agreements with those institutions. ONU currently holds a variety of agreements through our various colleges. The James F. Dicke College of Business and Administration has articulation agreements with Rhodes State College, North Central State College, Sinclair Community College, Columbus State Community College and Owens Community College.