How to Transfer to Montclair
You’ve already started your journey. Now it’s time to finish where you’ll be supported, seen and set up for what’s next.
At Montclair State University, your ambitions are supported, your achievements are valued and your future is full of opportunity. As a transfer applicant, you’ll discover:
- A clear, step-by-step application process, built just for transfer students
- Over 300 academic programs to explore
- Personalized support to guide you through transferring credits and planning your degree
- A vibrant campus community that welcomes you, and where your experience and goals are celebrated
Transfer to Montclair with Confidence
You’re considered a transfer student if you’ve attempted 16 or more credits at a regionally accredited college or university after high school. View Frequently Asked Questions
Start your journey with confidence, knowing you’ll receive guidance every step of the way.
Transfer Credit Overview
Want to know how your courses might count? Visit our Transfer Credit Equivalent Database to preview potential transfer credits, then receive an official evaluation after you’re admitted. An official credit evaluation is provided to students within 10 business days after acceptance and before your tuition deposit, provided all official college transcripts are received. Look out for an email when your evaluation is ready. Please note:
- Official transcripts from all institutions are required
- Official score reports are required for any exams (AP, CLEP, IB, etc.)
- Credits will not be evaluated if coursework is in progress
Planning an online degree? You’ll need at least 45 earned college credits before you can enroll.
How to use the Database
- Access the Transfer Credit Equivalent Database
- Enter the name of your prior institution into the Institution Search box OR find the school listed in the A-Z index.
- Click on the name of your school. All courses with Montclair equivalents are listed.
Course Notes: Some course equivalents have attached Notes, which will provide additional information about the equivalent. Courses with Notes have a check mark in the Note column. To view the Note, either click on the course or add the course to "My List."
Create My List: Add courses to My List by clicking the box on the right side of the course. After selecting your courses, click on Add/View My List to fully understand the equivalency. This list can be exported to excel, emailed to yourself, or cleared out by selecting the appropriate icon on the top of My List.
What Credits Transfer
Courses at the 100 level or higher with a grade of C- or higher, and “P,” “CR,” or “S” grades, are accepted for full credit. In some cases, D grades earned as part of an NJ AA or AS are accepted.
Missing an Equivalent?
Courses not listed in the database have not yet been evaluated for equivalency. This does not mean the course is not transferable, rather, it needs to be reviewed. In general, as long as a course is acceptable to the University, the course will be equated to, at minimum, free elective credit. Please review the Undergraduate Transfer Policy to learn more about acceptable credits.
Maximum Transfer Credits
From four-year schools, transfer as many credits as you wish – just complete 30 at Montclair.
From two-year schools or programs, you may transfer up to 60 credits.
Associate Degree = Junior Status
Earned an AA, AS, or AFA? You’ll satisfy our general education requirements and start as a junior. Junior status may qualify you for apartment-style on-campus housing.
Transfer Application Process
Montclair reviews each transfer application individually. Strong candidates for transfer admission generally meet these criteria:
- A sustained, rigorous academic curriculum with an overall “B” average (typically 2.8 GPA or higher).
- Demonstrated interest and success in courses related to their intended major.
- If you have attended more than one regionally accredited college, your GPA from all schools will be considered.
- Official transcripts from all colleges and universities previously attended are required.
Additional requirements may apply based on your credits and selected major.
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Complete the Online Application
Fill out and submit your transfer student application online. When you finish, you’ll see instructions to pay the $65 non-refundable application fee or request a fee waiver.
If you’re applying to a major that requires an audition (Dance, Music, Music Therapy, Musical Theatre, or Theatre), you’ll pay your audition fee through your status page.
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Submit Your Transcripts
Submit official transcripts from every regionally accredited college or university you previously attended. These must be sent directly to Montclair from your previous school.
- You may upload an unofficial transcript for an initial admission decision in your application portal, but you’ll need official transcripts to enroll.
- If you’ve completed 30+ credits at a four-year institution or earned your associate’s degree, you don’t need to submit a high school transcript.
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Submit Test Scores (Optional)
Montclair no longer requires SAT or ACT scores. If you have fewer than 30 college credits, you may submit test scores if you’d like them considered in your application.
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Essay/Personal Statement
Most majors don’t require an essay, but some do. Check if your major requires one and see prompts here.
You can upload a resume or a list of extracurricular activities with your application, especially if applying to Dance, Musical Theatre, or Theatre.
Financial Support That Works for You
77% of Montclair students receive some form of financial aid, including grants, loans or scholarships.
Finish Strong with a Degree from Montclair
Review Potential Credits to Transfer
See how your credits may transfer before you apply. Use the Transfer Credit Equivalent Database to preview possible course matches and plan your path to a Montclair degree.
The Montclair 2+2 Program
If you’re coming from a community college, learn how you can apply through our 2+2 Partners Program (application fee is waived!) and begin upper-level courses right away.
Flexible Online Learning
For students with 45+ college credits, Montclair offers accredited, flexible online learning. Learn more about the programs available.
Transfer Honor Society
Tau Sigma is the national honor society for transfer students, celebrating academic achievement and campus involvement. Learn more about eligibility and how members gain access to scholarships, leadership opportunities and national networking events.
Martinson Edge Honor Society – Open to Transfer Students
Transfer students are encouraged to apply for admission to the John Martinson Honors EDGE Program, which offers opportunities to develop creativity, leadership and community engagement through internships, research opportunities and more. See how else the honor society can level up your Montclair experience.
How Transferring Can Open New Doors
Students who transferred to Montclair share why it was the right choice.
“Transferring to Montclair from County College of Morris was one of the best decisions I’ve made. Since arriving, I’ve found endless opportunities to grow, lead and give back as part of this campus community.”
Abigail Rodriguez ’26
Political Science; minor in Psychology
“What I found really helpful is that the professors care where you come from. They’re accepting of everyone and treat you the same no matter what path you took.”
Brian Scott ’26
Film and Television
Community College Partners
Transferring to Montclair State University is easy – especially with Instant Decision Days:
- Complete your online application.
- Sign up for one of our Instant Decision Days.
- Bring your required documents to campus.
- Meet with an Admissions Counselor and get an admission decision on the spot.
Ready to get started? Register below for your school:
You may attend a community college not listed here, but Instant Decision Days may still be available. Contact your Transfer Counselor at your current school to find out if your college has its own event – or register for one of our Transfer Instant Decision Days open to all students.
Meet Your Transfer Admissions Team
We’re here to help every step of the way. From starting your application and answering transfer questions to checking your status, our Admissions team is dedicated to supporting transfer students like you.
Erin M Samples
- Assistant Director for Transfer Recruitment and Outreach
Maria Zaino
- Transfer Admissions Counselor
Lisa Garrity
- Associate Director for Enrollment Communications
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I apply?
Application instructions can be found on our How To Apply as a transfer applicant page.
Am I a transfer student?
Montclair State University considers a transfer student one who has attempted 16 or more credits from a regionally accredited college or university after graduating high school or earning a high school diploma equivalent.
How many college credits do I need to enroll in an Online Degree Program?
To enroll in a fully online undergraduate program at Montclair State, you must have at least 45 earned college credits from a regionally accredited college or university.
Can I choose “undeclared” as my major on my application?
The answer depends on the number of transfer credits you are bringing with you:
- YES – If you will enter Montclair with fewer than 45 credits, you may apply as an undeclared student.
- NO – If you will be transferring with 45 or more credits, you must declare a major in order to be considered for admission.
Will I need to take placement tests again?
Generally, students arriving on campus with 24 or more college-level credits are exempt from taking the Math/English placement tests. However, certain majors that require higher-level math courses may require further testing. Also, if you have not successfully completed at least one foreign language course in college and/or your only experience with a foreign language was at the high school level, you will be required to take a foreign language placement test.
When is the application deadline?
Applications must be submitted by the posted deadlines to be considered for admission. Required materials, like official transcripts, may be received after the deadline.
Are transfer scholarships available?
Montclair offers $2,000 scholarships a year for 2 years exclusively for Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society members. Undergraduate Admissions does not offer merit-based scholarships for incoming transfer students. However, there may be scholarships available through your major. More than 72% of students receive some sort of financial aid, so be sure to submit your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and list Montclair State University (Federal School Code 002617).
Does Montclair offer an honors program for transfer students?
Yes! Eligible transfer students may join Montclair State University’s Theta Xi chapter of the Tau Sigma National Honor Society after their first semester of enrollment. You can learn more about Tau Sigma on our Honor Societies web page.
How can I learn more about your academic programs?
You can browse through all our Academic Programs online.
I’m a recently accepted transfer student. How do I register for classes?
Accepted transfer students may register for classes after meeting with their academic advisor.
What is the 2+2 program?
Montclair’s 2+2 program is an exciting opportunity designed for community college students that guarantees admission to the University for students who enroll at various community colleges and complete an associate’s degree. Learn more about the specific requirements and agreements with each of our partner institutions on our 2+2 Applicants page.
What is reverse transfer and how does it work?
A reverse transfer agreement allows students who have transferred to Montclair from a New Jersey community college to complete an associate’s degree back at their community college while currently attending the University.
Transferring Credit
The college I’m transferring from operates on a quarter-hour system. How do courses transfer in this circumstance?
Students receive 2/3 of a Montclair credit hour for each quarter hour earned elsewhere. This equation does not result in the loss of transfer credits.
How will I know how many credits will transfer to Montclair?
We try our best to ensure that most credits transfer, provided they are from a regionally-accredited college/university. For your own reference, we do not give credit for basic skills courses, ESL courses lower than level 100, or courses where the earned grade is lower than a C-.
How many credits can I transfer?
If you are transferring from a regionally accredited four-year institution, we do not currently limit the number of credits you may transfer. Keep in mind, though, that you will need to complete a minimum of 30 credits at Montclair in order to receive a Montclair degree. If you are transferring from a regionally accredited two-year institution (community college) or two-year program, you may transfer up to 60 credits towards your bachelor’s degree.
Are courses in which I received grades of “P” (pass), “CR” (credit) or “S” (satisfactory) accepted in transfer?
Generally, courses taken with a grade of “P”, “CR”, or “S” are accepted at full credit value, provided they are college-level credits from your previous school.
Is my GPA from my previous college transferred to Montclair?
No, only credits are transferred from your previous college(s).
I took a CLEP test at my other college. Will Montclair State accept CLEP scores?
Students who earn CLEP credits through another college must submit official test scores to Montclair State in order to receive credit. (Please note: If the CLEP credits contributed to the completion of an AA, AS, or AFA degree from a community college, test scores are not required.) Please review the CLEP Exam Equivalency Chart.
I took AP courses in high school. Will Montclair State accept my AP scores?
Students who took AP courses in high school must submit official test scores to Montclair State in order to receive credit. Please review the AP Exam Equivalency Chart.
Can I receive an evaluation of my transfer credits before I am admitted?
Due to the large volume of transfer applications received, we are unable to conduct credit evaluations prior to a student being admitted. The evaluation will be completed shortly after admission and is available prior to paying a tuition deposit.
Does Montclair accept D grades?
In general, no: only grades of C- or better are accepted in transfer; however there are two exceptions:
- When a D grade is earned through an associate degree (AA, AS, or AFA) from a community college.
- When the first grade in a two-term sequence of courses is a D and the second grade is a C- or better.
I am enrolled in a New Jersey community college and I am transferring to Montclair State. Is there a website that describes how courses will transfer?
Yes. Visit NJTransfer.org.
What is the advantage of transferring with an Associate Degree?
Students who graduate from a community college and earn an Associate of Arts (AA), Associate of Science (AS), or Associate of Fine Arts (AFA) will have fulfilled Montclair State’s General Education requirement. The General Education requirement will be waived.
Does Montclair accept credits from the NYU Language Proficiency exam?
Yes, these scores may be reviewed for transfer credit. All NYU Language Proficiency exam score reports must be sent directly to Rashida Batte-Bowden, Associate Registrar, at batter@montclair.edu.
I don’t understand my credit evaluation. Can someone help me?
We’re happy to help! Please contact us at 973-655-4444 or email transfermsu@montclair.edu for assistance.
Have Questions? We’re Here to Help
Please contact us at 973-655-4444 or email transfermsu@montclair.edu for assistance with your transfer application. If you've already applied, register for a Transfer Talk to learn what to expect between acceptance and orientation. Walk through the Transfer Accepted Student Checklist, explore services available to incoming students, and connect with academic advisors to plan your semester.
Undergraduate Admissions Office
Whether you’re looking to begin an application, have questions about transferring to Montclair or trying to check your application status, the Office of Undergraduate Admissions is pleased to help you in any way we can.
- msuadm@montclair.edu
- 973-655-4444
- Susan A. Cole Hall, Suite 100
Bloomfield College Admissions Office
Our admissions team is here to guide you every step of the way. Whether you’re ready to apply or just exploring your options, we offer resources and visit opportunities to help you find your place.
Have questions about your application or campus life? Sign up for a telecounseling appointment and a counselor will help during your appointment time.
Guidance Counselor Liaison