Thinking about transferring to TLU? We’re here to support you.
Texas Lutheran University is committed to serving transfer students through detailed credit evaluations, meaningful conversations, and financial aid, including scholarships, creating a seamless transition into the TLU community. We’re also a military and veteran-friendly campus, offering a full range of services for our veteran students.
TLU has been recognized on Phi Theta Kappa’s Transfer Honor Roll for six consecutive years due to our commitment to transfer students.
Application deadlines:
- Spring Priority Deadline: November 15
- Spring Late Deadline: January 3
- Fall Priority Deadline: June 15
- Fall Priority Deadline: August 1
1. Complete an application.
Submit only one application via TLU’s application, ApplyTexas, or Common App. It is free to apply for domestic students.
2. Submit a writing sample.
A minimum of 500 words is required. You can use the essay prompts on the application or submit your own essay or graded writing sample to applicant@tlu.edu.
3. Send your transcript.
Request your official transcript(s) from every institution attended, including dual credit. Please note that even if no credit was earned, a transcript is required.
An official high school transcript is required for students who have fewer than 24 hours of university-level coursework (not including dual credit).
3. Complete the Transfer Addendum.
The Transfer Addendum is available via your application status portal.
NOTE: A recommendation letter from someone familiar with your academic background is preferred but not required.
Transfer applicants with fewer than 15 semester hours of university-level work may submit official SAT or ACT scores for consideration.
Once we receive your completed application and all of the required documents you can expect an admissions decision with two weeks.
If you do not receive a notification within two weeks, your application may be under review by our Admissions Committee, you are missing documents (transcript or essay), or the application was never received. If your application is under review by the Admissions Committee, your Admissions Representative will contact you so you can provide additional materials (recommendation letter, current grades, etc.).
Students should log in and check their Student Status Page for an admissions decision. Students who are admitted will also receive a TLU acceptance packet in the mail.
- A maximum of 68 hours may be transferred from community colleges to Texas Lutheran University. For students with more than 68 hours, the 68 hours that best complete the degree plan as of the first semester the student attends TLU will be transferred. No changes may be made to the choice of transferred hours after the student starts classes at TLU.
- Only grades of “C-” or better will transfer. Grades of “D” do not transfer.
- Community college courses may not transfer into TLU as upper-division courses (300-400 level), even though TLU may have an upper-division course with exactly the same name and description. Community college courses may not be used to fulfill the 30-hour upper-division requirement for graduation at TLU. However, the course may be used as a substitute for an upper-division course with an approved substitution form signed by the chair and dean.
- FREX134, Exploring the Arts & Sciences, is required of all students except transfer students entering with 24 or more hours, no more than 12 of which may be earned through dual participation
- Only four hours of Physical Education (Kinesiology) activity will apply to degree requirements.
- Only four hours of Ensemble Music will apply to degree requirements.
In addition to your academic record and essay, we look for students who demonstrate they want to be involved in a campus community and embody the values of a TLU student.
Once you submit your application to TLU, you are agreeing to abide by our Student Code of Conduct as outlined in the TLU Student Handbook. A student who enrolls at TLU voluntarily becomes a part of a community where respect for others is the norm, and rational, mature behavior is expected. The voluntary entrance into the community implies acceptance by the student of university regulations, and the failure to comply with these standards subjects the student to disciplinary action.
If offensive or hateful social media content is brought to our attention at any point in the admissions process, we will address it with the prospective student or admitted student. A student’s application could be negatively impacted by the discovery of offensive or hateful speech on social media. We also maintain the right to rescind an admissions decision due to social media posts that violate our Student Code of Conduct.
Bulldogs on the Move
Our signature transfer student event, Bulldogs on the Move, is just for you!
It doesn’t matter if you’re just starting the college search process, have submitted an application, or have been admitted to TLU. The transfer process is unique, and we want to allow you to hear from the experts, our very own transfer students.
During Bulldogs on the Move, you can see how your credits will transfer, hear from current transfer students, learn more about TLU, and connect with our transfer admissions team including financial aid and advising.
Bulldogs on the Move Dates
- June 12, 2026
- June 20, 2026
- July 17, 2026
- Fall 2027 dates are coming soon!
Already Admitted?
Have Questions?
We’re here to support you every step of the way. Please contact the Office of Admissions with any questions.
