Transfer credits, credit for prior learning, exams for college credit and more — Sage wants to make it as easy as possible for you to transfer here.

As a transfer student at Russell Sage College, you will enhance your personal growth — and most importantly, you will have fun doing it. In small and innovative classes, you will learn from practicing researchers, authors and Fulbright scholars. And yes, they will know you by name.

Cost & Financial Aid

Russell Sage College is committed to making a quality education affordable. Institutional scholarships, grants and federal and state aid can help bring your dream within reach.

As an accepted Sage transfer student, you’re guaranteed a competitive merit scholarship of at least $16,500 per year, for up to three years. You may also be eligible to receive additional aid based on financial need or other factors. Visit our Transfer Cost and Financial Aid page for more information.

Russell Sage College Online Application

Both Free and easy to complete, apply with our online application and get your journey at Russell Sage College started today.

Transfer applications are processed on a rolling basis each year and continuing through the following summer. Rolling Admissions for all programs means that you typically get a decision within a couple days from when your application is complete.

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Required Application Materials

Nursing Program

The Nursing program requires a minimum overall GPA of 3.000 (on a 4.000 scale). Transfer applications must be received by March 1 for fall semester and October 1 for spring.

Occupational and Physical Therapy Programs

Linked programs into the Master of Science in Occupational Therapy and Doctorate of Physical Therapy require a minimum GPA of 3.250 (on a 4.000 scale).

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Transferring Credits

Russell Sage College has developed agreements with many community and four-year colleges and universities to allow you to transfer your credits to Sage. We want to maximize the number of credits that you can apply toward your degree.

Check out what courses are already in our database and see how they transfer might in.

Don’t see your courses?

Don’t stress! We’ll work with our faculty to see how your credits can come in.

Visit Transferology.com

Articulation Agreements

Community colleges often attract traditional four-year undergraduates looking for initial savings in cost as well as their historic populations of two-year students preparing for career entry and part-time working adults. Articulation agreements allow you to pursue a pre-defined course of study at a community college in preparation to finish a four-year degree at Russell Sage College. Copies of the articulation agreements are also available to current and prospective students, in the Office of Admission, the Office of the Assistant Registrar for Transfer Evaluation in Student Services and in the Office of the Provost

Credit for Prior Learning

Russell Sage College recognizes skills and knowledge gained outside of the classroom through its Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) portfolio program. Many Sage students have amassed expertise through employment, military, community service or personal life experience. The credit for prior learning program grants credit to students who demonstrate college-level learning in a written portfolio. A portfolio for prior learning should support a student’s goals and academic degree program. Students who meet the following criteria may participate in Credit for Prior Learning:

Guidelines for Credit for Prior Learning

  • Must be a matriculated Russell Sage College student in a baccalaureate degree program
  • Must have completed at least 3 credits at Russell Sage College with a C (2.000) or better (some programs require B or higher).
  • The CPL program is offered in fall or spring.
  • Students may earn up to 30 credits in the CPL program (no more than 9 credits in major program or 9 credits in general education)
  • On average, students can realistically expect to earn 12-15 credits through CPL
  • Credit will be granted for documented learning including a narrative statement only, not for experience per se.
  • While Russell Sage College will provide guidance and assistance, it is each student’s responsibility to provide a portfolio of documentation, which will be the basis for awarding credit.
  • Evaluation and validation of credits is conducted by the faculty.
  • Credit under this program cannot be obtained for learning when proficiency exams are required by the appropriate department.
  • A student who transfers more than 60 credits to Sage must take a minimum of 45 credits of Sage course work (30 credits for students matriculated in Evening, Weekend and Online) before graduation (prior learning credit is not included), effectively capping the number of potential prior learning credits.
  • The maximum combined transfer credits including credit for prior learning is 75 credits (90 credits for students matriculated in Evening, Weekend and Online).
  • A student who has more credits at the time of application may be granted no more than one-half of the remaining credits for prior learning.
  • CPL is only offered in fall and spring. In addition, CPL may not be used in the last term of study.
  • Participation in the prior learning evaluation requires an enrollment fee of $150. Upon approval of prior learning credit, students will be assessed a per credit charge of $100 (up to a maximum of $1,000 (cap) for 10 credits or more).

In preparation for discussion with the Department Chair, students should review catalog course descriptions to determine courses their portfolios may address. The portfolio will focus on skills and experiences supporting a college-level learning experience.

Other Resources

College Level Examination Program (CLEP)

Non-Collegiate Organizations
See the Guide to Educational Programs in Non-college Organizations for credit available through courses sponsored by organizations recommended by the State University of New York.

Accredited Proprietary Schools
Transfer-credit petitions will be accepted from students with a minimum of 2.500 GPA for work done at proprietary schools accredited by the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities.

Armed Services Training
Refer to the Guide to Evaluation of Educational Experiences in the Armed Services to see if credit may be awarded for training on military installations.

Non-Accredited Institutions
Students transferring from non-accredited schools may petition for credit evaluation after attending Russell Sage College for two consecutive semesters and earning a minimum of 2.000 GPA with a 2.200 in their major.

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