Ready to Move Mountains?
Paul Smith’s College invites you to an unparalleled adventure!
Nestled in the heart of the Adirondacks on a sprawling 14,000+ acre campus, we offer an immersive learning experience unlike any other.
Explore a natural laboratory and playground, where hands-on learning meets breathtaking beauty. Whether you’re a transfer student seeking a fresh start or aiming to advance your career, we provide the resources and support you need to succeed.
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How to Apply
Transfer Students
- A student who has matriculated to another institution and has attempted college-level coursework
- A student who has completed 12 or more college credits and is applying for an Associate or Bachelor’s Degree program at Paul Smith’s College
Required Materials for Application
- College transcripts—unofficial transcripts can be submitted to complete your application. A final transcript will be required prior to registering for classes.
- All college transcripts must be submitted for every institution you have attended, prior to receiving an Admissions decision.
- Essay
Optional Materials for Application
- Letters of recommendation
- A resume or portfolio
- Additional essays
All application materials can be sent directly to the Admissions Office.
Transfer Credit Evaluations
“How long will it take to complete my Paul Smith’s College degree?”
This is a common question for any student looking to transfer into Paul Smith’s College. Below you will find information regarding credit evaluations, the credits and grades we accept and your student status requirements when transferring in—i.e.: Sophomore, Junior, etc.
Within 10 days of your acceptance, your Admissions Counselor will be in touch with you with a preliminary credit evaluation. This evaluation will provide an overview into your credit placement in your major of choice here at Paul Smith’s College.
Your evaluation will receive final credit approval from the Registrar’s office once your final transcripts are submitted prior to registering for classes.
Paul Smith’s College generally accepts 3 or 4 credit courses that have received a C- or better from other accredited Higher Education Institutions.
AP, IB, CPEP, CLEP and ACE courses are also accepted.
Detailed information regarding transfer credits can be found in the College Catalog.
When transferring to Paul Smith’s College, you will be assigned an Academic Advisor who you will work with to set up your schedule.
- Fall Semester Students: you will meet with a faculty member during orientation to set up your schedule
- Spring Semester Students: you will be connected to your academic advisor via email to set up a time to work on your schedule prior to coming to campus.
Final Transcripts are required to be on file before registering for classes.
When you receive your credit evaluation, the number of credits transferring in will determine your student status:
- First-year status: 0 to 29 credit hours
- Sophomore status: 30 to 59 credit hours
- Junior status: 60 to 89 credit hours
- Senior status: 90 or more credit hours
Affording Paul Smith’s
At Paul Smith’s College, we love to recognize students’ achievements. That’s why we offer merit scholarships based on a student’s overall GPA, which are automatically awarded when we review their admissions application.
We also offer activity-based scholarships for students who have participated in select programs and meet certain criteria. Take a look at the list below, and if you think you’re eligible, be sure to let your admissions counselor know!
Merit-Based Transfer Scholarships
All applicants are reviewed for merit-based scholarships at the time of admission. No separate application is required, just make sure to select “Yes” the “applying for financial aid” question in your application! Merit scholarships are determined based on a student’s previous academic performance at all institutions attended. Merit scholarship will be applied directly towards tuition and is renewable every academic year, granted students remain in good academic standing and maintain full-time enrollment.
Advanced Studies Scholarship — $2,000 per year
Awarded to students currently enrolled in and who have paid for their Advanced Studies dual enrollment courses.
State Grant Programs
State Grant programs are also available in select states to eligible recipients:
Visit Financial Aid for more information about costs or to access your financial aid portal.
The Arthur O. Eve Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP) is a collaboration between the New York State Department of Education and Paul Smith’s College. HEOP provides a means for traditionally underserved, low-income students to obtain admission as well as academic and financial support.
If you are currently enrolled in a EOP/HEOP program, please check with your Admissions Counselor for more information about transferring in these benefits or visit HEOP to lean more!
We are a proud participant in the Yellow Ribbon Program, and accept Post 9/11 GI Benefits. If you have questions about using these benefits to supplement your education costs, please contact the Financial Aid office at 518-327-6220 or financialaid@paulsmiths.edu for more information.
My experience as a transfer student at Paul Smith’s has been an easy and rewarding process. I felt like I wanted more out of my college experience—and Paul Smith’s College was the perfect place for me. I have made great connections with peers and professors in my time here, and I’m very glad to have made the switch!
Emma Afton
Hotel, Resort, and Tourism Management. Class of 2026. Brookville, PA
My experience at Paul Smith’s College is unlike any other. As someone who loves immersing myself in my studies, this is the perfect school for me. Snowshoeing for class, trapping animals, and being immersed in real-life situations in nature is giving me hands-on experience that will advance my career goals.
Katie Elmquist
Fisheries and Wildlife Sciences. Class of 2026. Sugar Grove, PA
Let's Connect!
Bailey Walton
Admissions
Director of Admissions