How to Transfer
Plan Ahead to Make Your Credits Count
Transferring from one college to another can be part of a successful education plan.
You might begin at a community college and transfer to complete a bachelor's degree, change institutions after discovering a different academic or career goal, move closer to home, or decide another college is a better academic, financial, or personal fit.
Whatever your reason, planning ahead can help you protect the time, money, and credits you've already invested.
Start Transfer Planning Early
If you know—or think—you may transfer, begin researching before you choose your courses.
The fact that you've earned college credit doesn't automatically mean every credit will apply toward your new degree.
A course might:
- Meet a specific degree requirement.
- Meet a general education requirement.
- Transfer as an elective.
- Transfer as credit but not apply to your intended major.
- Not be accepted by the receiving institution.
The earlier you understand the requirements, the more intentionally you can choose courses.
Understand Transfer Credit
Transfer policies vary by institution and academic program.
Ask the college you're considering:
- Will my credits transfer?
- How will each course apply toward my intended degree?
- Are minimum grades required?
- Is there a maximum number of transfer credits?
- Are there courses I must complete at the new institution?
- Does my intended major have separate transfer requirements?
- Will changing institutions affect my expected graduation date?
Don't rely solely on whether a course is "transferable." What matters is how the credit applies to your degree.
Look for Transfer Agreements
Colleges may establish articulation or transfer agreements that identify how courses or programs at one institution apply toward requirements at another.
Some agreements are designed around specific majors or pathways, while others cover broader general education requirements.
If you're planning to begin at one institution and finish at another, ask whether a formal transfer pathway exists for your intended program.
Work With Advisors at Both Schools
Your current academic advisor can help you understand the requirements you're completing now.
An advisor or transfer specialist at the institution you're considering can help you understand how those credits may apply there.
Whenever possible, involve both institutions in your planning.
Bring:
- Your intended major
- Your academic record
- Courses you're currently taking
- Courses you're considering for future semesters
- Questions about transfer requirements
Don't wait until your final semester to begin the conversation.
Research Admission Requirements
Transfer admission requirements may differ from requirements for students entering directly from high school.
Research:
- Application deadlines
- Minimum credit requirements
- GPA requirements
- Program-specific admission
- Required transcripts
- Prerequisite courses
- Orientation requirements
- Housing deadlines
- Scholarship opportunities
Some competitive programs may have additional requirements or limited space.
Explore the College Application Process →
Request Your Transcripts
Your new institution will generally need official academic records to evaluate your application and transfer credit.
Depending on your situation, you may need transcripts from:
- Your current college
- Other colleges you've attended
- Your high school
Follow the receiving institution's instructions for submitting official records.
Understand the Financial Impact
Before transferring, compare more than tuition.
Consider:
- Total cost of attendance
- Scholarships and grants
- Transfer scholarships
- Housing and transportation
- Credits that won't apply to your new degree
- Additional semesters you may need
- Financial aid eligibility
If you're receiving financial aid, talk with the financial aid offices at both institutions about your plans.
You may need to update your FAFSA information for the appropriate academic year, and institutional scholarships generally don't automatically move with you to another college.
Contact outside scholarship providers to determine whether their awards can be used at your new institution.
For Iowa Students
Transfer Between Iowa Colleges
Iowa students have access to transfer resources and agreements designed to help students understand how coursework may move between participating institutions.
If you're considering transferring between Iowa colleges, use available transfer resources and talk directly with advisors at both institutions to confirm how your courses will apply to your intended program.
Explore Iowa Transfer Resources →
Before You Transfer
Before making your final decision, make sure you can answer:
- Why am I transferring?
- Does the new institution better support my goals?
- Have I confirmed how my credits will apply?
- Do I understand the admission requirements?
- Will transferring change my graduation timeline?
- What will the new option cost?
- How will my financial aid change?
- What steps and deadlines do I need to complete?
A transfer can be a smart part of your education plan. The key is making the move with a plan rather than assuming everything will transfer automatically.
