Tulane University in New Orleans, LA, is a well-respected, private research university. Whether pursuing Tulane for its pioneering research, the environment of excellence, or its home in “The Big Easy,” it’s understandable why a student may be exploring transferring.
The university emphasizes community service, as it is a curriculum requirement. This aligns closely with their motto: “Not for one’s self, but for one’s own.”
Perhaps this is why Tulane ranks first in producing the most peace corps volunteers.
The city of New Orleans is a melting pot of cultures. Tulane is no exception. The university prioritizes a diverse student body. Thirty percent of the students in the class of 2026 identify as persons of color.
Tulane’s “Only the Audacious” campaign challenges students to think boldly and confront challenges. Tulane University strives for a better tomorrow by creating, communicating, and conserving knowledge.
The university is seeking not only the audacious, but also only the best and brightest. The office of undergraduate admissions received over 43,000 applications for admission for the class of 2026, and only 8.4% of students were offered admission.
The highly competitive admission makes sense given the reputation of the university. US News & World Report ranked Tulane as #42 in best national universities, #34 in most innovative schools, and #4 in service learning.
If a student is interested in transferring, they should ensure proper preparation and attention to detail to be considered for a highly coveted spot at this prestigious university.
Tulane University Transfer Acceptance Rate
The transfer acceptance rate into Tulane is approximately 26.5 percent, meaning that of every 100 students that apply, roughly 74 will be rejected.
These data indicate a highly selective and competitive transfer admissions process. However, acceptance rates are generally higher for transfer students than for first-year students.
While Tulane is not forthcoming on its website regarding its transfer admissions data, they do share that approximately 175 transfer students join the university each year.
The university acknowledges that Tulane is an extremely competitive institution. When reviewing transfer student applications, admissions counselors consider many factors.
Such considerations include high levels of academic performance and extracurricular involvement. The admissions team also considers what a student will bring to Tulane to make the entire campus and study body more substantial and vibrant.
While academic performance and applied experiences are perhaps the most valuable assets a student can bring, the university indeed considers the applicant as a whole and whether or not they can contribute to the values and mission of the greater institution.
According to Tulane, this decision will never be based on a singular piece of data; instead, the overall profile and combination of attributes that an applicant brings to make them unique.
Application Requirements & GPA for Tulane Transfer Students
The required GPA for students transferring to Tulane is at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA or higher. However, it is advised to have a significantly higher GPA for best chance of admission.
To be considered for admission to Tulane as a transfer applicant, an individual must have attended a regionally accredited college or university and must be in good academic standing.
The admissions department considers strong transfer applicants that have demonstrated their academic potential at another college or university. They will review coursework in either English Composition or College Writing, as well as higher mathematics courses (i.e., calculus or statistics), and ideally a foreign language.
To complete the application process, applicants must submit high school transcripts, as well as any college or university transcripts. Applicants may also optionally submit their ACT or SAT test scores.
International applicants must submit their TOEFL/IELTS score, certification of finances form, and a WES Evaluation if they are studying at a non-American university.
According to the university, the individual must be sure to check their applicant portal to confirm whether or not Tulane has received all required documents and materials. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure that all application materials have been submitted on time.
Tulane Transfer Deadline
The deadline to apply to Tulane as a transfer student is February 1st for Fall Admission (Early/Non-binding), April 15th for Fall (Regular), and October 15th for Spring.
Unlike many other universities, Tulane offers an early and non-binding application process for Fall. Students can then apply earlier than what would typically be required, but, in turn, will hear earlier regarding the university’s decision.
Tulane University highly recommends that students submit their application materials as soon as possible. This is encouraged, given the limited number of spots available each term.
Applications are reviewed and therefore decided upon in the order they are received.
Students should be reassured that FAFSA and CCS information is not due until after the application deadline. This allows additional time for important considerations regarding a transfer decision, such as financial aid availability.
Both merit-based scholarships and need-based aid, such as loans and federal work-study, are available through the university for transfer students.
If a student is undecided about whether or not to apply for transfer, the university recommends a tour. You can sign up for a campus tour or visit their website. Here, you can also meet with a transfer ambassador.
What Is the Decision Date for Tulane Transfer Students
Students who have applied to Tulane as transfer students will hear from the school by March 15th for early/non-binding Fall applications.
For those that applied for Fall or Spring (Regular), decisions are made on a rolling basis, with priority decisions given in the order received. This is why it is highly encouraged that students submit their application materials early.
In this case, applicants hear from the university sooner and are potentially given priority due to the limited number of spots available.
With this in mind, Tulane is still highly competitive and selective in its admissions. Therefore, even if an individual submits all necessary information prior to the deadline, this does not guarantee admission.
Additionally, it is important to note that some students may receive their admission decision at a different time than others.
The university reiterates that this is not reflective of admission or denial. Applicants should not make assumptions if they know someone else who has received a decision from the university regarding their transfer application.
If a student has received notice of admission, they can begin to explore additional information for admitted transfer students on the website. At this point, students can submit information for financial aid, consult with their academic advisor, and learn more about Tulane!
Deciding Whether You Should Apply to Tulane As a Transfer Student
Tulane University is arguably one of the country’s most unique and well-respected research institutions. A transfer applicant would likely consider themself very fortunate to have the opportunity to study at such an influential university.
In the heart of New Orleans, Tulane students have the opportunity to not only engage in the Green Wave school community, but also the greater city. Although small in student population, the university has a big impact in the surrounding area.
Unlike many other schools, the Tulane student experience is truly defined by the city of New Orleans. Transfer applicants with a love of the unique culture and vibrant community will likely find themselves at home in southern Louisiana.
Additionally, all students participate in one or more service-learning courses, which connect classroom teaching and learning to community practices.
With endless volunteer opportunities offered throughout the curriculum, students will foreseeably have many chances to make a lasting impact throughout their studies.
In addition to public service, students at Tulane can choose from over 200 student-run clubs and organizations to form lasting friendships and connections.
Tulane University believes in leading with integrity to make a better tomorrow. Suppose a transfer applicant connects with this message and is prepared to put in the effort to be successful at such a competitive university, Tulane may just be the next leg of their post-secondary journey.
Recap: How To Apply to Tulane As a Transfer Student
Applicants should be prepared to give fine attention to detail and appropriate preparation in order to remain competitive in the transfer application process.
Tulane is a highly selective university that aims to put together a well-rounded student body.
Transfer students should ensure that their application stands out among the rest by placing high priority in volunteer and community service, as well as challenging and rigorous academic preparation.
Approximately 26.5% of transfer applicants will receive an offer of admission for Tulane. While this indicates a competitive admissions process, it is undoubtedly less competitive than the acceptance rate for first-year applicants.
In order to be considered for admission, students must demonstrate at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA, preferably much higher. Optionally, an applicant may choose to submit their SAT or ACT test scores. However, this is not required.
All high school and post-secondary transcripts must be submitted with the application. For Fall admission, an applicant must submit by February 1st for early/non-binding consideration and April 15th for general admission. For Spring enrollment, applications are due by October 15th.
If you’re considering transferring to Tulane, you’ve made an excellent choice. However difficult it is to be admitted, the efforts are worth the opportunities provided.
