[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-2″]Transferring colleges is common among students who want to save money and time by pursuing the education they want, when they want it.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]College transfers are common in most student bodies in higher education, especially those from community colleges, with many students preferring this route to save money on a degree. Still, transferring from one school to another can present challenges. Understanding how or when to move schools, and whether your credits will transfer, can seem daunting.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]To help make the transition smoother, this page explores common transfer pathways and strategies, give you the options you need to determine if you should transfer, and how to do it.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]When to Switch Schools[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Students decide to switch schools for a variety of reasons. For example, degree-seekers may transfer for academic reasons, or they might move from two-year programs into four-year programs to gain more career opportunities and earning potential after graduation. They may also want to change majors to a discipline their current school does not offer, or they may just not function well with the educational model at their current institution.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]For some transfer students, the reasons are more personal. For example, a student’s financial situation may cause them to move; tuition rates or scholarship opportunities can often influence the decision to switch schools. The school atmosphere might also present issues for learners, such as bullying. Students may also simply find faculty, campus facilities, or extracurricular programs incompatible with their interests and goals.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Students decide to switch schools for a variety of reasons.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content] [/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Sometimes, learners decide to move because their school changed. Schools can alter or even eliminate programs, and some might close altogether. No matter the reasoning behind the switch, transfer students should always go through the process carefully to ensure they optimize their credits and hit the ground running at their new school.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]If at all possible, transfer students should always finish out their most recent academic term before switching schools, to ensure they complete their current courses and get the credits they deserve. Most schools offer transfer students a 90/30 credit opportunity, meaning they can transfer up to 90 credits toward the typical 120 credits for a bachelor’s degree.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Learners should also consider their new living and employment situation before making the move. It might also be worthwhile to look into switching fraternity or sorority chapters, along with any clubs or associations of which they are members.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]How to Find a New School[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The right school depends entirely on each individual student, but following the steps below can help ensure transfer students have the best chance at success.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]First, learners should consider what they want to change about their current school and program, and then find another program that addresses those issues. Explore the curriculum, the faculty, program length, school facilities, and any other factors that are important.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Next, transfer students should consider how their academic performance might influence their transfer decision. They should evaluate whether their college grades meet transfer requirements for their desired school; some schools require a different minimum grade to receive credit. Transfer grades may even qualify students for a program for which they were previously unqualified.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]From there, students should speak to admissions counselors to determine if the program matches their needs. Counselors can help navigate transfer credits and set schedules to avoid unfortunate surprises. Learners may also wish to speak with financial aid representatives, who can help them get an accurate financial picture and explore scholarship and grant opportunities.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Transfer students can also get information from students and alumni at their new schools to learn what the school and program look like and if both will meet their expectations.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]How to Transfer Schools[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Though degree-seekers can take different paths when transferring schools, these common steps should help most transfer students.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”check”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″]Research Schools[/hen-ui-heading] Students should start by closely examining any possible school and program. Learn about the curriculum, program structure, teachers, and campus facilities or online program resources. Most importantly, verify that any potential school or program has [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/accreditation/”]received proper accreditation[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″]Contact the School[/hen-ui-heading] Learners should speak with admissions and financial aid officers to determine when they may receive an offer of admission, how many transfer credits they will receive, and what the resulting tuition will cost before committing to a program.[/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″]Collect the Documents[/hen-ui-heading] Start collecting all required transfer documents, such as transcripts, letters of recommendation, and personal essays, before you need to turn them in. It is best not to be surprised by a deadline.[/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″]Complete the Applications[/hen-ui-heading] All students should [hen-ui-link href=”https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa/”]fill out the FAFSA[/hen-ui-link] to see what federal financial aid they qualify for. They should also complete all applications to schools that interest them, paying close attention to required application materials and deadlines.[/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″]Finish All Required Paperwork[/hen-ui-heading] As part of the application process, learners need to complete a lot of paperwork, including deposit forms, housing applications, and course schedules. Make a checklist to stay organized.[/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]How to Transfer From Community College[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]While many community colleges have articulation agreements with four-year schools to optimize the transfer process and make it seamless, some schools do not view all applicants and their credits equally. Transfer students also tend to enter programs as sophomores or juniors, so they may miss out on student orientation or the usual freshman experience. That means enrollees are on their own to ensure they take the right classes, follow the appropriate steps, and meet deadlines for things like declaring a major.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]How to Transfer From Online College[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The growth in online learning has made transferring from online schools more accessible than ever. Online learners can attend schools with limited travel or none at all, allowing them to expand their searches and find programs that meet their financial and academic needs. Transferring to or from online schools, however, may warrant additional consideration.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]As with other delivery formats, online students should first ensure that both schools they are attending are accredited, as most schools do not accept transfer credits from unaccredited schools. In fact, some schools or programs may not accept transfer credits at all, so students should carefully research this in advance. You can learn more about [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/transferring-to-online-college/”]transferring to an online college[/hen-ui-link] and transferring from an online college from our handy guides.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Frequently Asked Questions[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Does Your GPA Change When You Transfer Colleges?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Since many schools and programs have unique grading systems, GPAs usually do not transfer with students. However, transfer students do typically need to meet a minimum GPA to earn transfer credits — usually a C grade or higher. That means that when enrollees start their new programs, they often start with a new GPA.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Is It Better to Transfer From a Community College?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Many students find that transferring from a community college program into a four-year program benefits their studies and career prospects. This allows learners to establish a foundation in general education before they have to choose a major. The transfer route can be more affordable, too, as community college credits tend to be cheaper.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Is It Bad to Transfer Colleges?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Transferring colleges is a common part of the higher education system. Over the years, many colleges and universities have established relationships with other institutions to help students can move between them with ease. Moreover, regional accreditation and reciprocity agreements between states allow transfer credits, certifications, and licensure to move more freely between locations.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What Do Universities Look For in a Transfer Student?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Schools look for the same things in transfer students that they do in first-time students: academic promise, commitment, and dedication. Essentially, they are interested in students who might add positively to the school’s reputation with their research, school work, and career after graduation.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [/hen-ui-accordion] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-xs”]Header Image Credit: Phil Boorman | Getty Images[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Learn more, do more.[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h5″]More topic-relevant resources to expand your knowledge.[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-article-row variant=”slider” ids=”1090,1012,289″][/hen-ui-article-row] [hen-ui-section-header title=”Popular with our students.” /] [hen-ui-article-row variant=”2-col” ids=”970,1538,905″][/hen-ui-article-row]