A transfer student is someone who decides to switch colleges to continue or finish their degree. Transferring to another school is one of the toughest decisions you can make, but it is worth it. Before you learn how to transfer colleges, you should identify your career goals and the academic path you want to pursue.
What is a transfer student, and how do you become one? Read this article to find out if transferring college is hard and to learn tips for transfer students, including what universities look for in a transfer student. Many factors can affect your transfer application process, and transferring colleges is hard. If you’re ready to transfer, read the guide below.
What Is a Transfer Student?
A transfer student is someone who started studying at a college and decided to continue their studies at another school. Transferees are typically sophomores and juniors, and they use their official transcripts to move their credits to a different school or program. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, there were more than 1.2 million transfer students in the fall of 2020.
Students can have different reasons for transferring. Some of these common reasons are finances, academic standards and opportunities, environment, and program changes. The best colleges for transfer students allow them to use their old college courses for credit.
Is Transferring Colleges Hard?
No, transferring colleges isn’t hard because the application process is usually simple. As long as you have a good academic performance and meet the admission requirements, it will be easy to get into a new college as a transfer student. These requirements are different than those for first-year applicants, so do your research to make sure you’re eligible for transfer.
The most common reason why people transfer colleges is to use associate degree credits for a four-year institution. Most community colleges offer transferable credit hours so you can get a bachelor’s degree after your associate degree. Again, prospective students should always read the transfer requirements for their preferred college.
Do Transfer Students Need SAT Scores?
Yes, transfer students usually need SAT scores because academic performance is an important criterion for current transfer students. Standardized test scores can demonstrate transfer eligibility, but college grades are also vital. Some colleges may or may not require SAT scores, so you should check with admission services beforehand before you transfer from college to college.
What Do Universities Look For in a Transfer Student?
- Good Grades. Prospective transfer students should have a high average GPA and good grades for each completed course. Some schools require both high school and college transcripts for those who have less than 60 college credits. Before submitting your transfer application, check the minimum GPA requirement from the school.
- Previous College Credits. Admissions officers also evaluate the credits you completed at your previous school. The admission criteria are different depending on how many credits you already have. Transfer credit evaluation could include additional materials during application.
- Extracurricular Activities. While not as strong as your GPA, extracurricular activities can also boost your transfer application. You should include sports clubs, volunteering, competitions, leadership activities, and internships you participated in at your current institution. This can set you apart in the applicant pool.
- Good Standardized Test Scores. While some schools do not require test scores, they can demonstrate your academic strength and capabilities. You usually need a good SAT or ACT score to get into a good college, and high scores can increase the chances of applicants who want to get in.
- Reason for Transfer. Some academic institutions will require you to state the reason why you’re transferring. For example, maybe you want to transfer from a software engineering to an art history program. Maybe you don’t like the environment of your current school. You should explain your reason for the transfer so your transfer advisor can help you.
Applying to College as a Transfer Student
Applying to college as a transfer student can be difficult, and it will require you to put in the effort. In this section, learn about the common application process for transferees and read tips for transfer students. This can make the transfer process much smoother.
Transfer Application Process
A college transfer process typically includes filling out an application form online, submitting necessary application documents, and meeting with an academic advisor. A transfer applicant may have to pay application fees. The admission application is different at every school, so read the application and degree requirements carefully.
How to Transfer Colleges
- Choose the school you want to transfer to. Before you apply, you should assess what you are looking for in a college. Evaluate every school and see what matches your preferences and academic history. See if the school offers the degree program you want, and determine the cost, financial aid, and academic opportunities available.
- Prepare all the necessary documents. Once you identify the education requirements, you should find and prepare the documents you need before applying. You can request school transcripts and other requirements such as recommendation letters from your current school.
- Begin your application. The common application process for transferees usually includes an online application form. This will require you to include personal and other important information. Then, you can submit the application materials and documents.
- Meet with an academic advisor. Most transfer students will get to meet with an academic advisor to plan the transfer admissions process. This will be your opportunity to discuss your career path. An advisor will help you identify the college credits you can transfer, the financial aid you can receive, and the degree program that works best for you.
- Wait for an admission decision. Once you complete the application process, you can monitor your application and check for any updates about the admissions decision. Keep in mind that college decisions usually take longer for international students.
Tips for College Transfer Students
Essential tips for transfer students include assessing your reason for the transfer, maintaining good grades, and joining student organizations. The transfer application process is competitive, and most schools have a low transfer acceptance rate. Read below to see more tips for transfer students.
1. Assess Your Reason for Transfer
Before deciding to transfer to any other colleges and universities, determine first your reason for the transfer. Admissions officers will want to know why you want to transfer through an admissions interview or an application essay. As well, your reason for transfer might be something you can solve at your current school.
2. Maintain Good Grades
Your academic performance and grades are the most important factor in your transfer application. You should meet the minimum required grade point average for the school you want to transfer to. Applications will require you to submit your school transcripts to evaluate your grades.
3. Join Student Organizations and Competitions
Participating in school activities and joining student organizations can add up to your eligibility. Extracurricular activities can increase your chances of getting accepted, especially if you have average or low grades. Along with credit for courses, make sure you submit information about your extracurricular activities.
Best Colleges for Transfer Students
| School Name | Location | 2022 Transfer Student Enrollment |
|---|---|---|
| University of Maryland Global Campus | Adelphi, MD | 9,513 |
| California State University-Northridge | Northridge, CA | 6,727 |
| Florida International University | Miami, FL | 6,517 |
| University of Central Florida | Orlando, FL | 6,478 |
| Liberty University | Lynchburg, VA | 5,420 |
| National University | La Jolla, CA | 5,223 |
| University of Houston | Houston, TX | 4,614 |
| Arizona State University-Tempe | Tempe, AZ | 4,508 |
| Texas State University | San Marcos, TX | 3,055 |
| San Francisco State University | San Francisco, CA | 3,016 |
Best Colleges for Transferring: Explained
In this section, you will learn important details about the best colleges for transfer students included in the table above. This can help you evaluate what school is the best for you. Learn about the acceptance rate for transfer students, education courses you can take, and other resources for the college decision process.
University of Maryland Global Campus | Adelphi, MD
- Transfer Student Enrollment: 9,513
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Graduation Rate: 21%
- Tuition: $312/credit (in state); $499/credit (out of state)
- Degree Levels Offered: Associate, Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD, Certificates
Considered the largest campus of the University System of Maryland, the University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) has more than 55,000 current students. UMGC provides different ways for transferees to earn credits. For instance, you can earn credits by taking exams or using your job experience through a workplace learning program.
California State University-Northridge | Northridge, CA
- Transfer Student Enrollment: 6,727
- Acceptance Rate: 88%
- Graduation Rate: 54%
- Tuition: $1,665/term (6 units or less); $2,871/term (above 6 units); additional $396/unit for out-of-state students
- Degree Levels Offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD, Certificates
One of the best colleges for transfer students, California State University at Northbridge (CSUN) is a public university that began in 1958. CSUN offers a variety of degree programs in information systems, accounting, health sciences, marketing, management, and nursing. You can transfer up to 70 credits from your community college to your degree at CSUN.
Florida International University | Miami, FL
- Transfer Student Enrollment: 6,517
- Acceptance Rate: 64%
- Graduation Rate: 67%
- Tuition: $3,084/semester (in state); $9,283/semester (out of state)
- Degree Levels Offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD
Florida International University (FIU) is a public research institution. FIU offers several degree programs in the field of art, sciences, and tech. This university is also one of the top performers on the US News & World Report social mobility rankings list. FIU allows transferees to gain credits through examination. Bridge advisors also guide transfer students during their academic transition.
University of Central Florida | Orlando, FL
- Transfer Student Enrollment: 6,478
- Acceptance Rate: 36%
- Graduation Rate: 75%
- Tuition: $105/credit
- Degree Levels Offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s, Ph.D.
The University of Central Florida (UCF) has more than 70,000 current students. UCF offers many degree programs, and it is known for its research and innovation activities in cyber security, renewable energy, and learning sciences. One of the best colleges for transfer students, this school provides student engagement programs that help new students explore UCF services and academic programs.
Liberty University | Lynchburg, VA
- Transfer Student Enrollment: 5,420
- Acceptance Rate: 99%
- Graduation Rate: 62%
- Tuition: $23,800/year (residential programs); $390/credit hour (full-time online programs); $455/credit hour (part-time online programs)
- Degree Levels Offered: Associate, Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD, Certificates
One of the largest Christian universities in the United States, Liberty University is a non-profit private institution that started in 1971. The school has over 94,000 students, and it offers a wide range of online and on-campus programs. At Liberty University, you can transfer credits from your on-the-job experience and training or through standardized college credit exams.
National University | La Jolla, CA
- Transfer Student Enrollment: 5,223
- Acceptance Rate: 55%
- Graduation Rate: 47%
- Tuition: $370/quarter unit
- Degree Levels Offered: Associate, Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD, Certificates
National University is a private institution and is considered one of the best colleges for transfer students. This university offers several online and on-campus academic programs in the areas of business, healthcare, engineering, technology, and criminal justice. National University also provides scholarships for qualified transfer students.
University of Houston | Houston, TX
- Transfer Student Enrollment: 4,614
- Acceptance Rate: 66%
- Graduation Rate: 62%
- Tuition: $10,856/year (in state); $26,096/year (out of state)
- Degree Levels Offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD, Certificates
The University of Houston is a public research university. The school offers degree programs in business, engineering, liberal arts, technology, and public affairs. According to admissions data, students at the University of Houston earn their degrees faster and finish their programs in just one or two years.
Arizona State University-Tempe | Tempe, AZ
- Transfer Student Enrollment: 4,508
- Acceptance Rate: 88%
- Graduation Rate: 66%
- Tuition: $10,978/year (in state); $29,952/year (out of state)
- Degree Levels Offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD, Certificates
Arizona University at Tempe (ASU) currently has over 77,000 students, and it offers several online and on-campus academic programs in architecture, arts, engineering, law, and entrepreneurship. ASU introduces transfer tools like the MyPath2ASU tool that helps transferees plan their academic path at ASU.
Texas State University | San Marcos, TX
- Transfer Student Enrollment: 3,055
- Acceptance Rate: 70%
- Graduation Rate: 57%
- Tuition: $11,860/year (in state); $24,100/year (out of state)
- Degree Levels Offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD
Texas State University is a public research institution that was founded in 1899. Currently, the university offers degree programs in agriculture, arts, digital media, engineering, and health sciences. The school uses its Transfer Course Equivalency System to evaluate common transfer course equivalencies. It also serves as a guide for transferees about their credit transfers.
San Francisco State University | San Francisco, CA
- Transfer Student Enrollment: 3,016
- Acceptance Rate: 93%
- Graduation Rate: 54%
- Tuition: $7,484/2 semesters; additional $396/unit for out-of-state students
- Degree Levels Offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD, Certificates
San Francisco State University (SFSU) is smaller than other schools on this list, with around 27,000 current students. This school offers a variety of degree programs in engineering, health education, management, philosophy, and psychology. On average, transferees complete their degree program at SFSU within two and a half years, according to the school’s official site.
Is Transferring Schools Worth It?
Yes, transferring schools is worth it if you’re dissatisfied with your current educational experience. Becoming a transfer student is a good choice if you have financial issues or your current school doesn’t meet your academic needs. You can use your transferable credits from your previous to lessen college costs and get a better education at one of the best colleges for transfer students.
What Is a Transfer Student? FAQ
Common admissions requirements for college transfer include a college transcript, recommendation letters, application essays, and test scores. Applicants for admission should be mindful of the GPA requirements as well as the number of transfer credits required for each school.
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The common GPA requirement for transfer students is around 2.5, but this varies depending on the school. A higher GPA can increase your chances of getting admitted. If you have a low GPA, you might only be accepted for conditional admission, which means you need to get your grades up before you can transfer.
Some of the ways you can transfer college credit include standardized exams, work experience, and previous coursework. Review the school’s transfer policies to know how you can transfer your college credits.
The difference between a first-year student applicant and a transfer student applicant is that the latter already has some college credit. First-year applicants are usually coming straight out of high school, and the admission process is different if you are a transfer student. Read some tips for transfer students before you apply to make sure you meet the requirements.
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