Your Guide to Transferring from Community College to a Four-Year College or University

Explore the essential steps for a smooth transition from community college to university, maximizing credit transfer and financial planning.

Transitioning from a two-year community college to a four-year college or university marks a significant turning point in your academic journey. While all transfer types experienced growth in 2023, upward transfers (i.e., moving from a two to a four-year institution) saw the highest gains, with 39,000 more students completing their transfer than in 2022.

The decision to move to a four-year college or university offers many benefits. You can better tailor your education to your individual interests and career aspirations. You also have access to a broader range of courses, specialized programs, and resources to further enrich your educational experience. Four-year colleges and universities typically offer more research opportunities or internships that nurture your personal and professional growth. But before you switch schools, make sure to follow essential steps to ensure a smooth transition and maximize your success at your new college or university.

Preparing for Transfer

Start by researching potential colleges and/or universities where you can transfer. Look into their academic programs, transfer requirements, and deadlines. Reach out to admission offices or transfer advisers for more information.

Next, schedule meetings with advisers at your current school. Discuss your transfer plans and academic goals with them. They can help you understand the transfer process, select the correct courses, and navigate any challenges you may encounter. Additionally, consider contacting advisers at the colleges and/or universities where you have an interest in transferring. They can provide specific guidance on transfer pathways, scholarships, and resources available to transfer students.

Understanding Transfer Credits

Once you identify potential transfer destinations and have begun exploring academic programs, the next step is to understand how your credits will transfer from your two-year college to a four-year college or university. This step is especially important as transfer students have been recorded losing up to 43% of their credits on average.

To avoid this pitfall, begin by evaluating your credits and understanding how they align with the requirements of your desired program at the new institution. Check for an articulation agreement, which is a formal document between two colleges or universities that outlines a transfer pathway for specific program offerings between your current college and the college or university where you’re considering transferring. Its primary purpose is to facilitate the smooth transfer of credits and provide a clear roadmap for students to advance their education seamlessly.

For instance, when a student completes an associate-level program and wishes to transition into a corresponding bachelor’s program, an articulation agreement between two- and four-year institutions ensures a seamless transition. St. John’s University has articulation agreements and partnerships with several community colleges, allowing transfer students to smoothly move from their original institution to St. John’s.

To maximize your transfer credits, take advantage of the credit transfer policy offered by the new institution. Familiarize yourself with their transfer credit evaluation process and any specific requirements they may have. Some colleges and universities may accept a higher number of transfer credits if certain criteria are met, such as completing an associate degree or earning a minimum grade in relevant courses. You must also submit your official transcripts from your two-year college to the new institution for further evaluation. With these transcripts, the transfer admission office can accurately assess your academic history and determine which credits can be applied toward your degree program.

Completing the Application

Now that you have a solid understanding of how your credits should transfer to your new school, it is time to delve into specifics on application deadlines and requirements for transfer students. These deadlines and requirements will likely be different from first-time applicants, so verify what you will need. You may want to create a transfer checklist so you can ensure everything is completed in a timely manner.

Don’t forget to include ample time to craft a compelling personal statement or essay as this may be a requirement for your new school. This piece serves as your voice in the application process, providing insight into your academic journey, extracurricular involvement, and future aspirations. Expand on your achievements and experiences, articulating how they have shaped your academic and personal growth. Use concrete examples to illustrate your strengths and showcase what makes you a standout candidate.

Evaluating Financial Considerations

Financial planning is another crucial aspect of the transfer process. Begin by researching financial aid options available for transfer students, such as scholarships, grants, and loans, as many schools may offer transfer scholarships. Ensure you’re aware of any federal student aid programs in which your new school participates. If your new school is part of these programs, update your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) to include the new institution.

Once you receive your financial aid offer from the new school, carefully review it to determine your out-of-pocket expenses and how you’ll cover them. Inform the financial aid office at your current school about your transfer plans and ensure any outstanding accounts are settled to avoid issues with your transcript. If you have federal student loans, be prepared for exit counseling and understand how your loans will be affected by the transfer. Don’t hesitate to reach out directly to the new school’s financial aid office to get a clear understanding of their application process, deadlines, and eligibility criteria.

Once you have a clear understanding of the expenses associated with the transfer, you should start the process of budgeting. Map out all potential expenses you’ll encounter at your new school (e.g., tuition, fees, housing, textbooks, transportation, etc.). Then, craft a detailed budget that accounts for each expense, helping you stay on track financially.

You may also consider supplementing your finances. Part-time employment or work-study opportunities can be lifesavers when it comes to managing the financial load. Explore job openings both on and off campus, and don’t shy away from inquiring about work-study programs specifically available for transfer students.

Navigating the Process

Remember, transferring schools is a pivotal and exciting part of your academic journey and it’s important to do what is best for you. Finding the right school and ensuring you make the most of your existing credits will carry you through. Don’t be afraid to lean on the support and guidance at your disposal.

“Trusting your instincts is crucial when it comes to making decisions. If someone hadn’t told me to trust my gut, I would have continued studying at my former college for another semester despite being unhappy. If you’re considering transferring, you’re probably missing something or feeling unhappy. Remember, college is like a second home, so being comfortable and content with where you are is essential.”

-St. John’s University transfer student Ritisha Purohit

Transferring to St. John’s University

Ready to start your transfer journey? At St. John’s University, you’ll find yourself in a vibrant academic community in the heart of Queens, New York. Our main campus offers you a safe and welcoming environment, providing access to city amenities while enjoying the tranquility of our leafy surroundings.

From application to graduation, our dedicated advisers provide personalized support, including credit evaluations and assistance with scheduling. Plus, we offer competitive academic scholarships and additional awards for transfer students. Experience the world with our global campus in Rome, Italy, and our locations in Paris, France, and Limerick, Ireland, and seize opportunities like the University Plunge Program. With Community College Partnerships, transferring is effortless—we’re connected with leading two-year colleges to ensure a smooth transition.

Start your transfer journey and apply to St. John’s today.

Additional Resources:

To learn more about community college agreements and opportunities for those with an associate degree, please contact Melissa Mirabella, Associate Director, Office of Transfer Admission and Advising. Call or email us today.