Starting your college journey at a community college is a smart decision, but what’s the next step? At Remitly, we recognize the importance of education, particularly for immigrant, first-generation, and non-traditional students.
That’s why we’ve created this guide on how to transfer from a community college to a university. Whether you’re aiming for a four-year degree or looking to boost your career opportunities, this guide will walk you through the key steps, common challenges, and tips for success.
Benefits of starting at a community college
Starting your degree at a community college before transferring to a four-year university has a variety of benefits.
Save on tuition and living expenses
As overall living and tuition costs continue to increase, community college remains one of the most affordable ways to get a degree in the US.
Tuition at a community college is significantly cheaper than at a traditional four-year university, even compared to public in-state options.
For comparison, the average yearly tuition and fees for the 2024-25 academic year are:
- Public community college: $4,000 USD
- Public in-state four-year university: $11,600 USD
- Public out-of-state four-year university: $30,800 USD
- Private four-year university: $43,400 USD
Attending school close to home can also reduce expenses like housing, transportation, and food. These savings can help lower or even eliminate student loan debt.
Smaller class sizes and flexible schedules
Community colleges are designed to support a diverse range of students. Whether you’re a full-time student, working, or caring for family, they typically offer flexible courses on evenings, weekends, and online.
While an introductory class at a university might have over 300 students, most community college classes have around 25–30 students. You’ll often get more personal support from professors and feel more comfortable asking questions.
Explore majors and build a strong GPA
If you’re not sure what you want to study, community colleges give you the time and space to explore without the pressure of a four-year university.
You can take introductory classes in different fields without committing to a major right away. For immigrant students or those new to the US education system, this environment offers a gentle transition into college-level work.
You’ll also have access to professors and academic advisors who can help you succeed. With effort and support, you can build a strong GPA, which can boost your chances of getting into selective universities and earning scholarships later on.
Key steps to prepare for a successful transfer
While some community colleges now offer bachelor’s degrees, most students plan to transfer to a four-year university. Following the steps below can help you stay on track and make the most of your hard work.
Step 1: Meet with an academic advisor early
The earlier you meet with an academic advisor, the better. They can help you map out your transfer plan, avoid wasted credits, and guide you through admissions and financial aid.
Advisors can explain:
- Any articulation agreements—formal partnerships between your community college and specific universities that guarantee credit transfers and sometimes admission
- Schools that fit your academic background
- Transfer timelines and deadlines
- Credit transfer limits
- Classes to prioritize based on your goals
- Financial aid and scholarship opportunities
Come prepared with questions and take notes during your meeting.
Step 2: Research your target universities
As each university has different transfer requirements, look into:
- Minimum GPA requirements
- Application deadlines
- Prerequisite courses for your intended major
- If you need SAT or ACT scores
- If you need a letter of recommendation
- Any special transfer tracks or honors programs for community college students
Bring this information to your academic advisor to help narrow your list and stay realistic about your options.
Tip: Bookmark university admissions pages, sign up for newsletters, and attend virtual information sessions to stay informed.
Step 3: Plan your coursework strategically
Not all college credits transfer equally. If your ultimate goal is to transfer, choose classes that meet general or major-specific requirements at your university. Your advisor can help you create a study plan to avoid spending time and money on classes that won’t count.
Step 4: Maintain a strong academic record
Your college GPA usually matters more than test scores or high school grades. University admissions officers use your college GPA to see your academic potential, so aim to keep it high.
If you’re struggling in a specific class, ask for help from your professor, department head, or advisor. Many schools also offer resources like free tutoring, writing centers, and study groups.
If you’ve failed or gotten a low grade in a class, particularly one required for your major, consider retaking it, as not doing so could hurt your transfer chances.
Step 5: Get involved and build your resume
Extracurricular involvement can make your application and resume stand out and show you’re motivated, engaged, and ready for the next step.
Join student organizations and participate in campus events. Build relationships with the professors and mentors you have. Outside of school, volunteer or participate in other local groups.
Once you’ve researched your transfer options and planned your coursework, it’s time to apply. Here are some common hurdles to expect and how to stay on track:
Common App vs. university-specific applications
Some universities accept applications through the Common App, while others have their own university-specific portals. Double-check the application method for each school.
The Common App lets you apply to multiple schools at once. However, check each school’s instructions carefully, as some require additional documents or essays.
Highly selective schools and big public university systems use their own applications. They have different essay prompts and requirements (like portfolios) than the Common App.
Give yourself time to complete your application and gather the required documents. Your academic advisor can help you prepare a timeline to stay on track.
Writing a strong personal statement
Most transfer applications require a personal statement or essay. This is your chance to tell your story beyond your grades and test scores. Ideally, a strong transfer essay includes:
- Why you started at a community college
- What you’ve learned so far
- Your academic goals and intended major
- Why you want to transfer to this specific university
- How it aligns with your long-term goals
- Any challenges you’ve faced, including:
- Balancing work and school
- Adjusting to a new country
- Being the first in your family to go to college
Be honest and reflective with your story. Before submitting, have a professor, advisor, or writing tutor review your essay.
Transcripts and credit evaluations
Request official transcripts from your current and any previous colleges. You can do this through your college’s registrar office or an online service like the National Student Clearinghouse. Ask your advisor or the registrar for specific instructions.
If you studied abroad, you may need to submit those transcripts, too, along with a foreign credential evaluation.
Once accepted, your university will send you a credit evaluation or degree audit showing which credits will transfer and how they’ll apply to your major. If some of your credits don’t transfer, talk to:
- The registrar’s office
- Your new academic advisor
- Your major’s department chair or program coordinator
- Your community college transfer counselor
See if you can appeal the decision or substitute those classes for other degree requirements.
Understanding transfer credits
Knowing how your community college credits will transfer is a critical part of the process. Planning ahead will keep you on track.
What transfers, and what doesn’t
Universities are most likely to accept credits for general education (gen ed) courses. Classes like introductory English composition, math, and science classes often meet basic degree requirements across majors and universities.
Major-specific courses, however, can be harder to transfer unless the university offers an equivalent (very similar or the same) course. These credits often transfer but only count as elective classes.
Most universities have a maximum number of transferable credits, typically 60–70 semester units. Overloading your schedule with extra classes probably won’t help later on.
Use online tools
Transfer planning tools can help you avoid surprises.
Many community colleges and university systems have their own tools, so Google “Transfer planning tools + (name of your community college or target university)” or talk to your academic advisor.
Transferology.com is a nationwide database to see how classes transfer to 400+ schools across the country. If you’re in California, transferring to the UC or CSU systems, check out ASSIST and Plan My Transfer.
While these tools aren’t 100% accurate, they’re great for research. If you’re not sure about something, take a screenshot and ask your advisor.
Ask the right questions
Many students assume their courses will count toward their major, only to find out later they’re listed as electives.
Before enrolling in a course:
- Write down the name and number of each course you’re planning to take
- Email your target university’s admissions or department advisor
- Ask: “Will this course transfer to your school, and will it count towards my intended major?”
Getting clarity upfront can save you time, tuition, and setbacks.
Financial aid and scholarships
Good news: financial aid and scholarships don’t stop when you transfer, and many universities offer special aid for transfer students.
FAFSA updates for transfers
US citizens and eligible noncitizens should complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) every year. When transferring:
- Submit the FAFSA for the upcoming academic year (open from October 1 to June 30)
- Add your new university’s school code to your FAFSA so they can receive your information
If you’re undocumented, check if your state offers alternative financial aid applications (like the California Dream Act Application).
University-specific scholarships
Many universities offer merit-based scholarships for high-achieving transfer students. Some are automatically issued based on your GPA, while others require a separate application and personal statement. Check application deadlines, as they may be due before your transfer application.
Depending on your situation, you can also find scholarships for:
- First-generation students
- Immigrant or refugee students
- Students with financial need
- Specific community colleges or regions
You can find these on your target university’s financial aid page.
How financial aid packages may change
When you transfer, you’ll receive a new aid package based on:
- Your updated FAFSA
- Your new school’s cost of attendance
- The school’s institutional aid policies
Your financial aid might increase or decrease. For example, some grants may only apply to public in-state universities, and some scholarships may not transfer.
To avoid any financial surprises:
- Use online tools like net price calculators
- Ask your new university’s financial aid office for a preliminary aid estimate
- Compare aid offers between schools
- Ask about work-study programs, emergency grants, payment plans, and other resources
Life after transfer: What to expect
Transferring to a new university is a big step, but knowing what to expect can help you settle in and succeed.
Cultural adjustment and campus life
Many transfer students feel like they’ve “missed out” on the first two years of college and worry they won’t adapt to their new school’s rhythm and social environment.
Give yourself time. Get involved by:
- Joining student clubs or organizations
- Attending transfer student events
- Looking into cultural or identity-based groups
Many other transfer students are looking for connection—you’re not alone.
Accessing support systems
Most universities offer free resources to help you adjust and stay focused. Take advantage of:
- Academic advisors
- Transfer student offices or orientation programs
- Multicultural student centers and services
- Tutoring centers, writing labs, and study skills workshops
Staying on track to graduate
Universities often expect transfer students to hit the ground running, so stay organized.
- Review your degree audit tool to see what credits transferred and what you need to graduate
- Meet with your academic advisor every semester
- Know the required classes and GPA minimums for your major
- Use a planner or app to track deadlines, assignments, and registration dates
- Set clear goals (e.g., maintaining your GPA or finding an internship)
Transferring from a community college to a university is a powerful way to reach your academic and career goals. Keep asking questions, use available tools and resources, and stay focused. Your degree is closer than you think.
FAQs
Can I transfer without completing an associate degree?
Many universities accept transfer students who haven’t finished an associate degree. However, completing one can increase your admission chances and let you transfer more credits, especially if your community college has an articulation agreement with your target university.
If my credits don’t transfer, do I have to retake those classes?
Not necessarily. You may be able to appeal or substitute those credits for other requirements. Talk to your university’s academic advisor or department head.
Will transferring delay my graduation timeline?
It can, particularly if you don’t plan ahead or if some credits didn’t transfer as expected. To stay on track, meet with your academic advisor and stay on top of your degree audit. Consider summer or winter break classes to catch up.
Is it harder to get into a university as a transfer student?
It depends on the school. Some universities have high transfer acceptance rates, reserve spots for transfer students, or articulation agreements that guarantee admission. However, more competitive schools can be very selective.