Credit Transfers

Transferable credit is determined through the admissions process. College courses similar to those offered at Yale are usually transferable.  

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Guidelines for transferring credit

Many Eli Whitney Students begin their enrollment at Yale with credit that has transferred from previously completed college courses. The admissions office does not conduct transfer credit reviews before evaluating an application. Admitted Eli Whitney students who have previously completed college coursework receive an estimate of their transferable credits at the time of admission. 

Review the guidelines below to understand which college courses are likely to transfer for Yale credit.  

Yale College does not measure credit by credit hours, but by course credits—normally one credit for each term course. Yale students must complete 36 course credits to receive their bachelor’s degree. Incoming Eli Whitney students may transfer up to the equivalent of 18 Yale course credits earned at one or more colleges and must complete a minimum of 18 course credits at Yale. 

Completed college courses that are similar to those offered at Yale in subjects taught in Yale College are usually transferable. Many courses in English, math (statistics, calculus I and above), psychology, biology, computer science, physics, history, economics, political science, chemistry, non-English languages, and philosophy are usually transferable for Yale course credit. 

Courses in subjects not offered at Yale—such as communications, criminal justice, business, nursing, and military fields—are not transferable.

College courses graded on a Pass/Fail basis do not typically transfer to Yale. Eli Whitney students must achieve a letter grade of A or B in at least three-quarters of transferable non-Yale courses, with no grade lower than C in the remainder of the courses. 

Higher-level mathematics courses and writing-intensive courses are especially valuable to prepare for Yale’s rigorous curriculum.

Credit is not granted for Advanced Placement (AP) results; International Baccalaureate (IB) results; College Level Placement Exams (CLEP); or college credits earned while a student was enrolled in high school.

Transferable coursework must have been completed at a fully accredited postsecondary institution.

Application eligibility

You may be eligible to apply to Yale through multiple pathways. Learn more about who is eligible to apply to the Eli Whitney Students Program and what makes it distinctive. 

Review Eli Whitney eligibility

Eli Whitney Students Program admission: learn more

  • Eligibility

    The Eli Whitney Program is for adult learners who do not hold a bachelor’s degree.

  • How to Apply

    The Eli Whitney application includes personal statements, letters of recommendation, and academic history.

  • Affordability

    Learn how special financial policies make a Yale education affordable for all Eli Whitney students.

  • Student Profiles

    Meet current Eli Whitney students whose life journeys have taken them around the world and to Yale.