What we're looking for

If you have taken any college coursework after graduating from high school, you are considered a transfer applicant in our process. The more college coursework you have completed, the less we consider your high school record in our review. For students who were not competitive for admission to JMU directly from high school, we recommend that they complete or be in the process of completing at least 24 credit hours post-high school graduation at the time they apply.

In our review process, JMU considers a transfer applicant’s college courses, college grade point average, high school courses, and high school grades. To be considered a competitive applicant, students should have at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA and successfully completed college course work in these core subject areas: English, mathematics, social science and lab science. 

If you have a question about the process, reach out to your regional recruiter for guidance.

Please note, admission to JMU does not necessarily guarantee admission into your intended major. For information on majors that have additional requirements, please view our Admission and Progression Standards.

Pathways to JMU

There are multiple pathways to JMU from a Virginia community college. It is important that you familiarize yourself with the various options since each has an impact on the courses you take while still at the community college.

The Guaranteed Admission Agreement

JMU has guaranteed admissions agreements with all Virginia community colleges and Richard Bland College. Under the GAA, admission to JMU is guaranteed to a student who completes an appropriate associate degree, has a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher and meets additional requirements as outlined in the individual agreements. Admission to JMU is guaranteed, though certain majors may have additional admissions requirements.

Review our GAAs

Regular Admission with an Associate Degree

A student who earns an approved associate degree, applies and is admitted to JMU will receive junior standing and will have General Education requirements waived.
Read more about approved associate degrees »

Regular Admission without an Associate Degree

A student who has not earned an appropriate associate degree from a Virginia community college will be evaluated for admission on an individual basis. Admission to JMU is not guaranteed.
Read more about this option »

Transfer applicants are admitted for spring, summer and fall semesters.

We know changing from one college to another is a big deal and our Orientation Program has special transfer student programming in place to ease the transition.

Obtaining Transfer Credit

The Office of the Registrar will complete an evaluation of credit after an offer of admission has been made. Each course taken at another institution will be evaluated individually, and credit will be allowed only for equivalent college courses offered at JMU in which a grade of "C" or better has been earned. A "C-" will not transfer. 

You may also want to review courses that will count towards your major as you are progressing through your VCCS or Richard Bland Associate Degree to help in your transition to JMU. 

If you are receiving an Associate Degree

JMU will waive general education requirements and grant junior-level status to admitted students who have completed an Associate in Arts, an Associate in Science, or an Associates in Arts and Sciences degree at Richard Bland College or any Virginia community college. If you are majoring in General Studies, please note that only certain General Studies programs will waive JMU's General Education requirements.
Read more about approved associate degrees »

If you are not receiving an Associate Degree

If you transfer to JMU from a Virginia community college or Richard Bland College without earning an associate's degree, your credits will be evaluated on a course-by-course basis as specified in the Transfer Credit Equivalency Guide through Transferology. You can input your classes into this system to see how they will transfer to JMU.

Graduation Requirements

JMU requires a minimum of 120 credit hours for graduation. If you are offered admission to JMU, you must complete all prerequisite, major, program and degree requirements to graduate and you must meet the following requirements:

• Have earned a minimum of 25% of credit hours (30 credits for degrees programs of 120 credits) at JMU
• Have earned at least 50% of credit hours (60 credits for degrees programs of 120 credits) accepted by JMU from accredited senior (four-year) institutions of higher education, including JMU
• Meet course prerequisites for the major regardless of where general education requirements were completed
• Must be attending JMU during the semester in which degree requirements are completed

There is no limit to the number of hours that may transfer to JMU. 

More Topics:

• How to apply - transfer application process
• Financial aid and scholarships for transfer students
• Some programs have special admissions requirements or progression standards
• Transfer Advising - helpful tips on planning coursework at your current institution, a list of resources for transfer students and more