Community college students pursuing a four-year degree can enjoy a newly smoothed transition.
During the college experience, students plan a career path then carefully choose courses towards that major or field of study. But if they change schools, research shows that approximately 40% of credits are lost in the transition with one in five students having to re-take classes because of it. To combat this, Saint Martin’s University has developed direct admissions transfer programs with regional schools, including South Puget Sound Community College (SPSCC). This transfer-friendly way to move from community college to a four-year degree saves students time, money and stress.
Direct Admissions transfer program at Saint Martin’s combats credit loss for local college students
“Transfer students are often unsure where to start, how their credits will apply and what steps they need to take while balancing work, family and other responsibilities,” shares Patty Lemon, dean of admissions and enrollment at Saint Martin’s University. “Direct admission helps remove that uncertainty. By simplifying the application and acceptance process, we make it easier for transfer students to take the first step with confidence. It also allows us to connect with them earlier, map out their academic pathway, and ensure they feel supported well before arriving on campus.”
While the Saint Martin’s University and South Puget Sound Community College partnership was being formalized, explains Lemon, they offered an online tool that lets students enter their transcripts or coursework to immediately see how existing credits will apply. Saint Martin’s also began expanding their in-person SPSCC presence with on-campus hours and a solid place in the SPSCC community.
The direct transfer program, which kicked off January 2026, may be in its early days but admissions staff at both schools are 100% ready to help. Saint Martin’s is also working with Centralia College and hopes to open up transfers from additional community colleges across Washington.
Saint Martin’s and SPSCC: removing barriers in higher education through direct transfer opportunities
At South Puget Sound Community College, Dave Pelkey is vice president for student services. He says this program meets a very real need for many students today. By removing barriers in the transfer process, community college students have the opportunity to gain acceptance into a four-year school, the degree program of their choice and address financial aid issues well in advance, risk free.
“We try to help students look at what comes next by their second quarter,” explains Pelkey. All incoming SPSCC students take a College and Career Success (CCS) class that guides them along their pathway. It’s in CCS that they’re introduced to direct transfer programs. If they choose to finish their degree at Saint Martin’s, for example, they can declare that by quarter three and begin meeting with Saints staff to work out admissions requirements and financial aid information.
“It really changes the game when students can have early access like this,” says Pelkey. “Credit loss during transfer is real. Having relationships with the right school that takes your credits as they are gives students a plan.”
SPSCC is also working with Saint Martin’s and other partner institutions to align curriculum so they can develop additional direct transfer options statewide.
Transferring from community college to a four-year program just got easier
To learn more about transferring to Saint Martin’s University through direct transfer agreement, SPSCC students should contact the Advising, Career & Transfer (ACT) Center at 360-596-5267, email advising@spscc.edu or stop by building 22, room 210. Someone from the Center will connect with a Saint Martin’s representative to answer questions or start the process.
Or reach out to admissions@stmartin.edu and the Saint Martin’s team will provide accurate, up-to-date information about programs and requirements. If an incoming student’s coursework hasn’t been evaluated already by the online transfer credit tool, Saint Martin’s Registrar’s Office will review details quickly and follow-up on an individual basis.
Saint Martin’s was again ranked highly by the U.S. News & World Report’s college rankings, both geographically and for their overall value. Likewise, SPSCC is a top ten community college nationwide, as well as frequent Best of South Sound winner.
By streamlining the admissions process, direct credit transfer programs save time, stress, credit loss and money. Partnerships like the one between Saint Martin’s University and South Puget Sound Community College give local students a valuable boost on their educational journey.
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