Attend a Live Webinar to Learn More

Join our live webinar to receive advice and guidance on completing your Ball State Online application. We'll discuss topics like transcripts and common pitfalls—so you can submit with confidence.

Many students have credit from other colleges or universities when they start their online study at Ball State University.

If you have completed classes at another higher education institution, you may be able to apply that credit toward your Ball State degree. Just keep in mind that you need to earn 30 of your last 40 credits from Ball State in order to earn your bachelor’s degree from us.

How to Apply as a Transfer Student to Ball State Online

 Next Start Date:
August 18, 2025

 Applications Due:
August 3, 2025

Applying to Ball State is easy and can be done completely online. Follow the steps below to prepare your application and materials. You’re one step closer to becoming a Cardinal!

Be sure to apply by the appropriate deadline for your desired term and for maximum consideration of potential scholarships.

Step 1
Review Admission Criteria

We will consider your academic performance at your past institution(s) when we review your application. See our full admission criteria above ("What We Look For").

Step 2
Send Us Your Transcript

A complete application requires official transcripts from all postsecondary institutions you have attended as well as an official high school transcript or GED/TASC score report (unless you've earned an associate degree from an accredited institution). 

We accept transcripts electronically (i.e. Parchment) or mailed directly to the Office of Admissions.

Step 3
Tell Us About Yourself (optional)

You may submit a one-page statement, resume, or recommendation as part of your online application. If you’re missing required coursework, fall below admission criteria, or had a poor college semester, we recommend you complete this step.

How to Submit Your Official Transcripts

For electronic and paper transcripts to be considered official, transcripts must be sent directly to Ball State University's Office of Admissions from all post-secondary institutions you attended. Your high school transcripts or GED/TASC score report will also be need to be sent unopened and directly to the Office of Admissions. We cannot accept opened or unsealed transcripts.

Ordering Transcripts Online

One of the easiest ways to send your transcripts is to use Parchment. Ball State University uses Parchment to fulfill transcript orders electronically. Your transcripts need to be sent to Ball State University’s Office of Admissions via email to askus@bsu.edu.

Ordering Paper Transcripts

You can opt to have all of the colleges and universities you’ve attended mail your transcripts directly to Ball State’s Office of Admissions at the following mailing address.

Office of Admissions
Lucina Hall
Ball State University
Muncie, IN 47306

You can use either Parchment or contact the issuing institution(s) registrar’s office directly to mail your transcripts.

What Do I Need to Apply as a Transfer Student?

Review the following criteria Ball State considers when you apply as a transfer student.

Performance

You must have earned a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale for all transferable work attempted.

Academic Standing

You must be in good academic standing and eligible to return immediately to the last college or university you attended.

Admission decisions will be based on your academic records at all post-secondary educational institutions you’ve attended. If you are transferring with less than 24 credit hours, your high school academic records will be considered.

If you apply for transfer admission to Ball State while you're enrolled at another college or university, you may be considered for admission on the basis of your current cumulative GPA.

If you're admitted to Ball State while enrolled at another college or university (referred to as "admit with conditions"), your cumulative GPA must remain above a 2.0 to maintain admission under these circumstances.

SAT and ACT Scores

Your SAT and/or ACT scores can help us determine your readiness to pursue a college degree. While Ball State is test-optional, we accept scores from either test or both if you choose to submit them. Learn about our test-optional policy.

Advance Credit

You can earn college credit early for Ball State by taking special courses and exams through Advanced Placement (AP), Cambridge International, and other programs. We also offer our own departmental and world language exams. See all of our advance credit options and requirements.

Apply to Ball State

After completing the steps above, it’s time to complete the online application. An application and all required application materials must be received at least two weeks before the start of classes for a given term to be considered for admission to Ball State. However, we recommend you do so by the priority deadline for your term.

Apply Now

After You Apply

After completing your application, you can continue to log in to your Cardinal Landing portal to submit additional materials and check your application status.

Questions? We're here to help

For more information about transferring your credits to Ball State, contact the academic advisor for your program.