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If you’re considering enrolling at Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts and have previously completed college coursework, you may be wondering whether those credits can come with you.
Escoffier does accept transfer credits under certain conditions. Understanding how the process works—and what qualifies—can help you make the most of your prior learning and potentially reduce both the time and cost of completing your culinary education.
In this guide, we’ll walk through Escoffier’s transfer credit policies (which vary slightly between our various program locations), covering the types of coursework that may qualify, how the evaluation process works, what documentation you’ll need, and how transfer credits affect your academic standing.
Does Escoffier Accept Transfer Credits?
Yes, Escoffier accepts transfer credits. Our Austin and Boulder campuses and online programs allow students to submit official transcripts from previous institutions for review. In fact, up to 75% of program credits can come from eligible transfer or proficiency credits for qualifying students.
However, it’s important to understand that transfer credit is not guaranteed. Acceptance is at the sole discretion of the school and depends on whether your prior coursework meets Escoffier’s specific criteria regarding content, credit hour equivalency, and academic standards.
*Information may not reflect every student’s experience. Results and outcomes may be based on several factors, such as geographical region or previous experience.
What may count for credit, and how can you start the credit transfer process? Let’s dig into Escoffier’s general policies; for personalized guidance on your specific situation, you can reach out to the Admissions team.
What Types of Transfer Credits Does Escoffier Accept?
Escoffier evaluates several types of prior learning for potential credit. The specific policies vary somewhat between the Boulder campus (including our online programs) and the Austin campus, so it’s important to understand which guidelines apply to you. (Note: Escoffier’s online programs are offered through the Boulder campus—thus, their credit transfer policies are the same, and we’ll refer to them as the “Boulder campus (including online programs)” going forward in this article.)
Coursework From Accredited Colleges and Universities
Both campuses accept coursework from institutions accredited by agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (USDE) or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). To qualify, your coursework must meet the following criteria:
- Same or more clock/credit hours as the equivalent Escoffier course
- Content covering the same competencies as Escoffier’s curriculum
- Grade equivalent to “C” or better
- Completed within the last five years (Boulder/Online only—unless approved by the Campus President)
The five-year recency requirement applies specifically to the Boulder campus (including online programs). Austin does not specify this timeframe limitation for accredited coursework, though all other criteria remain the same.
Prior culinary training, coursework, or other experience may qualify for credit transfer.
Coursework From Non-Accredited Schools (Boulder/Online Only)
The Boulder campus (including online programs) may award Proficiency Credit for coursework taken at non-accredited institutions, provided the coursework is comparable to Escoffier’s curriculum. The same requirements apply: equivalent hours, matching competencies, a grade of C or better, and completion within five years.
The Austin campus does not offer this Proficiency Credit pathway. At Austin, transfer credit is limited to coursework from accredited institutions only.
Military and Veterans Education
If you’re using VA benefits, the evaluation process has specific requirements:
At the Austin campus, evaluation of previous postsecondary education and training is mandatory for VA beneficiaries. If you’re approved for transfer credit, the institution will grant appropriate credit, reduce your program length proportionately, notify you in writing, and adjust VA invoicing accordingly.
The Boulder campus (including online programs) does not include an equivalent mandatory evaluation, though transfer credit policies still apply to all students, including veterans.
*Information may not reflect every student’s experience. Results and outcomes may be based on several factors, such as geographical region or previous experience.
How the Transfer Credit Process Works
Understanding the specific process can help you know what to expect and how to prepare. Here’s how Escoffier evaluates and applies transfer credits.
Step 1: Student Submits Official Transcript
You’ll need to provide an official college transcript from each institution where you completed coursework you’d like considered. This typically involves requesting that the transcript be sent from your previous institution to Escoffier via a third-party transcript service, such as Parchment.
If you have foreign diplomas or credentials, both campuses require a certified English translation and evaluation before they can be reviewed.
Submitting your official transcripts is typically the first step in transferring credits to Escoffier.
Step 2: Registrar Reviews Coursework for Equivalency
Once your transcript arrives, the Registrar’s Office evaluates your coursework against Escoffier’s curriculum. The review focuses on several key criteria:
- Do the courses have the same or more clock/credit hours?
- Does the content cover the same competencies as Escoffier’s courses?
- Did you earn a grade of C or better?
- At Boulder campus (including online programs), is the coursework from an accredited institution (or does it qualify for Proficiency Credit), and was the course taken in the last 10 years?
This review process is typically completed within three to four business days. If you haven’t received a decision notice within that time, you may wish to follow up with the Registrar’s Office and/or your Admissions representative.
*Information may not reflect every student’s experience. Results and outcomes may be based on several factors, such as geographical region or previous experiencee.
Step 3: Decision Is Made
After the review, the Registrar’s Office will determine whether to grant transfer credit. This decision is entirely at Escoffier’s discretion. If your coursework doesn’t align closely enough with Escoffier’s curriculum—even if it’s from an accredited institution—it may not transfer.
If you disagree with the decision, you have the right to appeal. At Boulder/Online, you can submit a written appeal to the Campus President, Senior Lead Chef Instructor, or Registrar within 10 days of receiving notification.
Step 4: How Credits Are Recorded
Approved transfer credits appear on your transcript with a special designation: TC (Transfer Credit). Here’s what that means for your academic record.
Transfer credits are included in Credits Attempted and Credits Earned, but they are not included in your Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA). For example, if you earned an A in a relevant course at your previous school, that A won’t boost your Escoffier GPA. Instead, it shows up as TC—proof that you completed the requirement, but without affecting your grade average.
Transfer credits count toward completion of your program, but not toward your GPA.
Step 5: Tuition and Schedule Adjustments
Once transfer credits are approved, your program is adjusted accordingly.
At Boulder/Online, your tuition is prorated based on the remaining number of credits you need to graduate. Fewer required credits may also mean less federal student financial aid, since aid is calculated based on your enrollment status and program length. Financial aid is available for those who apply and qualify.
At Austin, if you’re using VA benefits, your approved transfer credits will reduce your program length proportionately, and the school will notify the VA so your invoicing is adjusted.
Documentation Required
To have your prior coursework evaluated, you’ll need to provide specific documentation. Both campuses require the same core materials:
- Official college transcript from each institution you attended
- Certified English translation and evaluation for any foreign diplomas or credentials
If you’re a veteran using VA benefits at the Austin campus, you must also submit documentation of your prior postsecondary training for mandatory evaluation. This ensures that all qualifying education is reviewed and that your VA benefits are calculated correctly.
The school does not charge a fee for evaluating transcripts to identify potential transfer credits, so there’s no financial barrier to having your coursework reviewed.
How Transfer Credits Affect Satisfactory Academic Progress
Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) is the standard that Escoffier uses to measure whether you’re on track to complete your program successfully. Transfer credits affect your SAP, with potential implications for your academic journey.
What Is SAP?
SAP includes three components: Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA), Rate of Progress (ROP), and Maximum Timeframe (MTF).
- Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) refers to your overall grade point average at specific points throughout your education. Your CGPA must meet or exceed a minimum threshold for the duration of your time at Escoffier.
- Rate of Progress (ROP) refers to the percentage of courses in which you have received a passing grade at specific points throughout your education. Your ROP must meet or exceed a minimum threshold for the duration of your time at Escoffier.
- Maximum Timeframe (MTF) refers to the overall timeframe for completing your program. You must complete your program within 150% of the total number of credit hours required for that program.
SAP is evaluated at regular intervals throughout your program—typically every six weeks or at the end of each academic term, depending on your campus and program. If you fail to meet SAP requirements, you could face academic probation or even dismissal from the school, so understanding how transfer credits factor in is important.
| Understanding SAP Requirements at Escoffier | ||||
| Campus | Evaluation Period | Required CGPA | Required ROP | Required MTF |
| Boulder (including online programs) | SAP is evaluated at the end of each 12-week term | Ranges from 1.30–2.0, depending on progress point | Passing grades in 60%–66.67% (depending on program) | Program completed within 150% of the total number of credit hours required. |
| Austin | SAP is evaluated at the end of every 6 weeks or end of externship | Ranges from 1.0–2.0, depending on credits attempted | Passing grades in at least 67% of courses | Program completed within 150% of the total number of credit hours required. |
How Transfer Credits Count
At both campuses, transfer credits count as Credits Attempted and Credits Earned. This means they factor into your ROP and MTF calculations. However, transfer credits do not affect your CGPA.
Here’s what that means in practice:
- ROP: Transfer credits help you meet the percentage of credits you must successfully complete. Since they count as both attempted and earned, they support your ROP.
- MTF: Transfer credits count toward the total number of credits you can attempt. This can be beneficial if you’re bringing in credits, as it reduces the number of courses you need to take—but it can also mean you have less “buffer” if you need to retake courses later.
- CGPA: Transfer credits don’t boost (or hurt) your Escoffier GPA. Only the grades you earn in Escoffier courses count toward your CGPA for SAP purposes.
*Information may not reflect every student’s experience. Results and outcomes may be based on several factors, such as geographical region or previous experience.
Implications for Your Academic Journey
Because transfer credits don’t contribute to your GPA, you won’t get “credit” for strong grades earned at your previous institution. Your Escoffier GPA is built entirely on your performance in Escoffier courses. On the other hand, if you struggled academically before, transfer credits can give you a fresh start—your prior grades won’t drag down your Escoffier GPA.
If you have questions about how transfer credits will specifically impact your SAP status, it’s a good idea to check with your Admissions representative before enrolling.
Escoffier Admissions representatives may be able to help you determine how transfer credits could shape your experience.
What Won’t Transfer
Not all prior learning is eligible for transfer credit. Understanding what doesn’t qualify can help you set realistic expectations.
Coursework That Doesn’t Meet Minimum Standards
Both campuses exclude the following:
- Coursework with grades below a C—even if the course content matches Escoffier’s curriculum
- Coursework that lacks equivalent hours or competencies—if your prior course was significantly shorter or covered different material, it won’t transfer
- Coursework older than 10 years (Boulder/Online only, unless approved by the Campus President)
Non-Accredited Institutions (Austin Only)
At the Austin campus, coursework from non-accredited institutions is not eligible for any type of credit. At Boulder/Online, non-accredited coursework may qualify for Proficiency Credit if it meets the other requirements; however, this is at the sole discretion of the school.
Avocational or Recreational Classes
At Escoffier’s Austin campus, “Home Cook” avocational classes cannot transfer into any licensed or accredited program. These are recreational cooking classes, not college-level coursework, and don’t meet the academic standards required for transfer.
Military Experience Without Documented Coursework
While both campuses value military service and the Austin campus mandates evaluation for VA beneficiaries, informal military experience without formal, documented coursework typically won’t meet the transcript-based transfer framework. If your military training included college-level coursework that’s documented on an official transcript, it may qualify—but hands-on experience alone generally does not.
How to Begin the Transfer Credit Process
Ready to explore whether your prior coursework qualifies? Here’s how you can get started.
Step 1: Apply for Admission
Before your transcripts can be evaluated, you’ll need to apply to Escoffier. Both campuses require an application and have specific admissions requirements you’ll need to meet.
Step 2: Submit Official Transcripts
Request official transcripts from each college or university you’ve attended. These should be sent directly to Escoffier’s Registrar’s Office. If you have foreign credentials, arrange for a certified English translation and evaluation as well.
Step 3: Registrar Review
Once your transcripts arrive, the Registrar’s Office will review them to determine which courses, if any, meet Escoffier’s transfer credit criteria. You’ll be notified of the decision once this review is complete.
Step 4: Review Tuition and Financial Aid Impact
If transfer credits are approved, your program length and tuition may be adjusted. At Boulder/Online, your tuition will be prorated based on the remaining credits you need. If you’re receiving federal student financial aid, your aid package may also change to reflect the shorter program length. Financial aid is available for those who apply and qualify.*
At Austin, if you’re using VA benefits, your program length will be reduced proportionately, and the VA will be notified.
Step 5: Proceed with Enrollment
With your transfer credits applied and your program plan finalized, you can move forward with enrollment and begin your culinary education journey.
*Consider your situation and resources to determine what is affordable for you.
Ready to Put Your Credits to Work?
Escoffier’s transfer credit policies recognize your prior learning while maintaining high academic standards. And when credits transfer, they can potentially save you time and tuition by reducing the courses you need to complete.
Because transfer credit is evaluated case-by-case and approval isn’t guaranteed, your best next step may be to reach out to Escoffier’s Admissions team. They may be able to provide personalized guidance, help you gather documentation, and walk you through enrolling in a culinary program that fits your goals.
Your culinary education is an investment in your future. Making informed decisions about transfer credits can help you approach that investment thoughtfully—and could potentially shorten the amount of time between you and your culinary dreams.
