Western Oregon University Transfer Requirements

Western Oregon University Overview

Western Oregon University is a four-year public liberal arts institution located in Monmouth, Oregon. Serving a diverse student body, WOU offers certificate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees with a focus on comprehensive education. The university has a highly welcoming admissions policy, with a recent overall acceptance rate around 99%, and a strong transfer acceptance rate of over 91% for transfer students who typically have an average GPA of 3.3. WOU is committed to supporting transfer students by accepting various Oregon transfer degrees, such as the AAOT and ASOT, to fulfill general education requirements and provides specific transfer articulation tools and guides to ensure a smooth transition.

Western Oregon University Student Body at a Glance

As of the 2024-2025 academic year, Western Oregon University has a total enrollment of 3,722 students, with 3,167 undergraduates and 555 graduate students. The university recently reported a 5 percent rise in overall headcount for the Fall 2023 term, marking the first substantial increase in over a decade, and proudly serves a large community of first-generation students, who make up 48 percent of its undergraduates.

Western Oregon University Transfer Admission Stats

Western Oregon University received approximately 2,974 transfer applications, with around 2,645 accepted, resulting in an average transfer acceptance rate of approximately 89%. The 6-year transfer graduation rate for accepted applicants is approximately 42%.

Academic Benchmarks for Transfers

Transfer applicants must meet a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.25 for general admission, provided they have at least 36 transferable quarter credits or 24 transferable semester credits. For scholarship consideration and a highly competitive application, transfer students should aim for a cumulative GPA of 3.00 or higher, which is the baseline for automatic merit awards. While Western Oregon University considers SAT or ACT scores if submitted, they are not a general requirement for all transfer applicants. However, the middle 50% of admitted freshmen scored between 985 and 1220 on the SAT and between 21 and 26 on the ACT, which can serve as a useful reference point.

Why transfer to Western Oregon University?

Western Oregon University in Monmouth, OR, is a public four-year university offering excellent value with in-state undergraduate tuition at $9,900 and out-of-state tuition at $30,600. As a transfer student, you will join a supportive community known for top programs in Education and Psychology, benefiting from a personalized experience with a low student-to-faculty ratio of 13:1. WOU is dedicated to a smooth transfer, accepting the Oregon Transfer Module (OTM) and guaranteeing admission and full general education completion for students with an Associate of Arts Oregon Transfer (AAOT) or Associate of Science Oregon Transfer (ASOT) degree. This commitment ensures a streamlined transition to completing your bachelor's degree, with graduates earning a median salary of $52,801 five years after graduation.

Western Oregon University Transfer Information

Western Oregon University (WOU) in Monmouth, OR, is highly committed to supporting transfer students and operates on a rolling admissions cycle. Applicants generally need a minimum of 36 transferable college-level quarter credits and a cumulative GPA of 2.25 or higher for admission. However, those who complete an Associate of Arts Oregon Transfer (AAOT) or the Oregon Transfer Module (OTM) from an Oregon community college are admissible with a 2.00 GPA and will satisfy WOU's general education requirements (or most of them). To help you plan, WOU offers a Transfer Evaluation System (TES) and a course-by-course equivalency database to check how your credits will transfer before you apply. Transfer applicants with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher are automatically considered for the Transfer Merit Award. WOU also offers the Degree Partnership Program (DPP) with several Oregon community colleges and encourages all transfer students to meet with an academic advisor early in the process.

Academic Benchmarks for Transfer Requirements

Transfer applicants to Western Oregon University must submit several materials and meet specific academic benchmarks as part of their application. Here are the key requirements and details:‍

Required or Conditional:

• College Transcript: Official transcripts from ALL previously attended institutions must be submitted.
• High-School Transcript/GED Scores: Required if transferring with fewer than 36 transferable quarter credits (or 24 transferable semester credits), and in this case, applicants must also meet freshman admission requirements.
• Minimum Cumulative GPA: A minimum 2.25 GPA is required for applicants with 36 or more transferable credits.
• Minimum Cumulative GPA (Transfer Degree): A minimum 2.00 GPA is required for Oregon transfer applicants who have obtained an Oregon Transfer Module (OTM) or an Associate of Arts Oregon Transfer degree (AAOT).
• Academic Standing: Must be in good academic, financial, and disciplinary standing at all prior institutions attended.

Optional or Not Required:

• Personal Essay or Letters of Recommendation: Not explicitly required for general admission, but may be requested if additional materials are needed for a comprehensive review.
• Standardized Test Reports (ACT/SAT): Not required for general transfer admission (36+ credits).
• Interview: N/A

Credit Guidelines:

• Minimum College Credits: 36 transferable quarter credits (or 24 transferable semester credits) are needed to be considered a standard transfer student (exempt from high school transcript and most freshman requirements).
• Maximum College Credits: Up to 124 quarter credits may be transferred from a community college.

University Overview

Western Oregon University (WOU) is a public, 4-year institution located in Monmouth, Oregon, and is one of the state's oldest universities, founded in 1856. With an enrollment of approximately 3,800 to 5,500 students and a student-to-faculty ratio of 14:1, WOU is known for its small class sizes and student-centered environment. The university offers undergraduate and graduate degrees through its College of Education and College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. WOU operates on a rolling admissions policy, boasts a high acceptance rate of around 98%, and is noted for its affordability, commitment to sustainability, and diverse liberal arts core.

Transfer Decision Dates

Western Oregon University (WOU) utilizes a rolling admission process for transfer students, meaning applications are reviewed as they are received throughout the year. The university states that applications will typically be processed and notification of admission shared within two weeks of receiving all complete application materials, including transcripts. Although decisions are rolling, students must submit their application no later than two weeks prior to the start of the term they wish to enter. For the best consideration for Fall term scholarships, prospective students are encouraged to apply by the Early Action Deadline of November 1 or the Priority Decision Deadline of January 15.