How Transferring Your Credits Works

You’ve worked hard for your credits, and we value your effort. When you transfer to Canisius, we aim to apply as many credits as possible. Use the guide below to find the right tools and next steps.

Evaluating Your Credits

To get a sense of how many of your courses will count toward Canisius credit, please use one of the two tools below:

Unofficial Credit Tool. Map out your courses for future semesters and review equivalencies from any school from which we've accepted transfer credit before.

Credit Equivalency Quick Lookup. Classes from common two- and four-year schools around Western and Central New York. 

Request an Unofficial Credit Evaluation. Work directly with a transfer admissions counselor to get a more precise estimate. Completed evaluations will be emailed to you within two weeks of your request.


Transferring From a Local Two-Year College 

Special Credit Situations

Military Credit

Canisius proudly supports our military. Veterans can earn college credit for service experiences like basic, specialized, or leadership training. Submit your Joint Services Transcript, Community College of the Air Force transcript, or other military credit when applying for transfer admission.

Advanced Placement (AP) Credit

Students scoring 3 or higher on an AP exam may earn elective credit toward their Canisius degree. Core curriculum credit requires approval from Academic Affairs, and major credit depends on course equivalency review by the department. Official exam results must be sent from the College Board to Canisius. For credit requests, please direct to the Student Records and Financial Services Center for evaluation.

Learn More About AP Credit Equivalencies

International Baccalaureate (IB) Credit

Canisius awards academic credit for the following IB achievements:

  • Higher Level Exams: Scores of 5+ earn two three-credit courses (core field and elective, unless otherwise specified); scores of 4 earn a three-credit elective.
  • Standard Level Exams: Scores of 5+ earn a three-credit elective.
  • IB Diploma: Recognized with 30 credits, the maximum for pre-college work.

Send official IB scores to the Student Records and Financial Services Center for evaluation. Major credit is determined with department chairs. Duplicate credit will not be granted for both AP and IB exams.

College-Level Examination Program (CLEP)

Canisius grants credit for eligible CLEP subject exams with minimum scores of 50, a grade of 'C,' or 'pass' (pass/fail exams). Credit is awarded after matriculation by the Student Records and Financial Services Center. CLEP general exams are not accepted, and not all subject exams qualify for transfer credit. Major requirements require department chair approval. Matriculated students must request associate dean approval to use CLEP credits for degree requirements, granted only under extraordinary circumstances.

Transfer Credit Policies

  • From Two-Year Colleges: Up to 66 credits may transfer; at least 60 credits must be completed at Canisius to earn a bachelor’s degree.
  • From Four-Year Institutions: Up to 90 credits may transfer; at least 30 credits must be completed at Canisius, including 18 in the major.
  • Credit Criteria: Transfer credit is granted for courses with a grade of C- or better from accredited institutions and similar objectives to Canisius courses. For associate degree holders, courses with a D or better are considered.
  • Teacher Certification: A C or better is required for major courses in teacher education and related programs.
  • Evaluation Process: Transcripts are reviewed by the Student Records and Financial Services Center, followed by a meeting with an assistant/associate dean to finalize transfer credits and register for classes.
  • GPA Impact: Transferred grades do not affect the Canisius GPA, but credits apply to the major, core curriculum, or electives toward the 120-credit degree requirement.