Whether you’re moving from a community college to a four-year university, trying to find the right fit academically or socially, or looking to lower your tuition bill, transferring colleges could help you achieve a better college experience.
The process of transferring colleges involves careful planning and understanding various factors, such as evaluating transfer credits, meeting application deadlines, and ensuring your new school aligns with your educational and personal goals.
This guide will walk you through the essential steps of transferring colleges, from researching potential schools and preparing a compelling application to navigating the transition smoothly.
Why Transfer Colleges?
There are many reasons a student may want to transfer colleges. Sometimes, they start out at a college and it simply isn’t the right fit — it could be the wrong social or learning environment for the student.
Other times, students will transfer from a community college to a four-year university to complete their degree. Some students find they want to switch majors and their desired major isn’t available at their current school. Or, changes in financial aid or academic standing may lead them to transfer.
Regardless of the reason behind transferring universities, the ultimate goal is usually the same — to find a school that is the right academic and social fit for the student.
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What Is a Transfer Student?
A transfer student is someone who switches from one academic institution to another in pursuit of a degree. For example, someone who completes their freshman year at one school, but then transfers for sophomore year and completes their degree at another school is considered a transfer student. Types of transfer students include:
Community College Transfer Student
Someone who begins their college education at a community college and then transfers to a four-year institution to complete their Bachelor’s degree is considered a community college transfer student.
Military Transfer Student
Individuals who are on active duty or are veterans of the U.S. military may be able to transfer to four-year colleges. Some schools will work closely with members of the military to ensure that credits earned while they were on active duty transfer to their new degree.
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International Transfer Student
International students who transfer colleges may have to complete additional requirements depending on the school. Some schools may require international students to fulfill English language requirements, for example.
Nontraditional Transfer Student
A nontraditional transfer student is generally defined as someone who has been out of high school for at least five years. This could include adult learners or people who choose to go back to school to make a career change.
Plan Your College Transfer
Transferring colleges is a bit different than applying for the first time. Your high school transcript and standardized test scores will generally carry less weight than the courses you completed at your current college.
Policies for transferring vary by college, but generally, potential transfers are expected to have completed a set number of college credits and met a certain minimum GPA. Additionally, certain program requirements may need to be met, and any study abroad plans should be discussed with your academic advisor.
Prep to Transfer Schools
As you prepare to transfer schools, make sure you do the following:
• Figure out why you want to transfer: Understanding your reasons for wanting to transfer will give you an idea of what to look for in a new school. For example, if your current college is too expensive, it may help to focus on tuition rates when you’re comparing alternatives.
• Speak with an advisor: Your college may have academic and financial advisors who can give you information and personalized advice based on your needs. It’s likely they’ve gone through the same process with other students and may be able to provide some perspective to help you navigate the transfer process.
• Get letters of recommendation: Consider asking a current college professor for a letter of recommendation. While high school recommendations can help bolster your transfer application, a letter from someone who has seen you navigate college-level coursework may be beneficial.
• Be aware of deadlines: The deadline for your transfer application can vary from college to college, so make sure to check the school’s website and write it down.
Financial Considerations for Transfer Students
When you transfer colleges, keep in mind that most federal financial aid will not transfer with you. For example, school-specific scholarships won’t transfer. Consider speaking with the financial aid office to see which types of aid, if any, will move with you to a new school.
Even though aid you currently receive may not transfer with you, you can apply for or update your current federal financial aid with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®). This will determine whether you’re eligible for federal student loans and other forms of federal financial aid, including scholarships, grants, and work-study.
Federal Student Loans
Federal student loans are awarded to college students based on information provided in the FAFSA. Undergraduates may qualify for either Direct Subsidized or Direct Unsubsidized Loans.
The government covers interest that accrues on subsidized loans while the student is enrolled at least half-time in school. These are awarded based on financial need.
Students are responsible for all accrued interest on unsubsidized loans, and these are not awarded based on need.
Graduate or professional students may also qualify for Direct PLUS Loans. Grad students will need to fill out a grad school FAFSA to apply for PLUS Loans.
Grants and Scholarships
Filling out the FAFSA may help you secure some federal or school-specific grants or scholarships. Unlike loans, grants and scholarships typically do not need to be repaid as long as the student continues to meet the requirements.
To find scholarships, take advantage of SoFi’s scholarship search tool or other online scholarship databases.
Work-Study
Students who demonstrate financial need may be eligible for work-study. This program allows students to secure a part-time job to help them pay for college expenses.
Private Student Loans
If you’ve maxed out your federal loan allowance, an undergraduate loan from a private lender could help you bridge the gap. Keep in mind that private loans don’t necessarily offer the same benefits or protections — like loan forgiveness options — as federal student loans.
Typically, private student loans also require a credit check. College students who have a limited credit history may find a cosigner is needed to help them get approved for a private student loan.
Recommended: Private Student Loan Guide
The Takeaway
When transferring colleges, understand what credits will transfer and be aware of college transfer application requirements and deadlines. Planning ahead can help you streamline the college transfer application process.
Take the time to understand how the process works for the school of your choice and start thinking about financing options sooner than later. Options for paying for college include cash savings, grants, scholarships, and federal and private student loans.
If you’ve exhausted all federal student aid options, no-fee private student loans from SoFi can help you pay for school. The online application process is easy, and you can see rates and terms in just minutes. Repayment plans are flexible, so you can find an option that works for your financial plan and budget.
FAQ
Is transferring to another college hard?
Transferring to another college can be challenging due to varying credit transfer policies, application requirements, and adjusting to a new environment. Typically, schools focus on your college GPA as opposed to your high school one, and certain program requirements may need to be met prior to transferring.
What is a good GPA to transfer colleges?
A good GPA for transferring colleges typically ranges from 3.0 to 3.5 or higher, depending on the institution’s selectivity. Meeting or exceeding the average GPA of admitted transfer students improves your chances of acceptance.
What should I consider before transferring colleges?
Before transferring colleges, consider factors like credit transfer policies, costs, location, academic programs, campus culture, and support services. Evaluate how the change aligns with your academic and career goals to ensure the transfer meets your long-term needs.
SoFi Private Student Loans
Please borrow responsibly. SoFi Private Student Loans are not a substitute for federal loans, grants, and work-study programs. You should exhaust all your federal student aid options before you consider any private loans, including ours. Read our FAQs.
SoFi Private Student Loans are subject to program terms and restrictions, and applicants must meet SoFi’s eligibility and underwriting requirements. See SoFi.com/eligibility-criteria for more information. To view payment examples, click here. SoFi reserves the right to modify eligibility criteria at any time. This information is subject to change.
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