collageIf you are looking for a sure way to find the best college to transfer to, then you are in the right place. Not only are we going to go over some of the best colleges, but we also have answers to some of your most popular questions on how the transfer works and what might be best for you.
Top 10 Most Community College Transfer-Friendly Universities
Which four-year universities embrace the highest numbers of community college transfer students? Read this article to find out!ASU – Photo Credit: Schwnj via Wikipedia CommonsFor many community college students, the end goal is not simply an associate degree from their current school, but the ability to transfer to a university and earn a bachelor’s degree.
However, many community college students are dismayed to discover that the classes they paid for and worked hard in at their community college don’t always make the transfer to the next step. To ensure the hard work completed at the community college level does not go by the wayside, we analyze the latest US News and World Report study that discusses the 10 most transfer-friendly universities around the country.
Transfer Rates According to the US News and World Report study, more than a half-million community college students transferred into four-year colleges in 2009. There are a variety of reasons why students may choose to take this path to completing their education. Some like the more affordable tuition rates at community colleges and get as many of their credits at these less expensive schools as possible before completing their education at a university. Others find that after earning their associate degree, they want to pursue additional training and education in their field. No matter what the reason for completing a transfer, students in this situation may discover that universities vary significantly in the amount of transfer students they accept and the resources provided to transfer students. For those who want to join this number in the future, it pays to research the best universities for transfer students, so they can set their sights on those goals. By learning about your transfer prospects at the beginning of the process, you are in a better position to chart a successful course throughout your entire academic year. In fact, some community colleges even have guarantee transfer agreements with pretigious universities.
The Rise in Transfers to For-Profit Institutions An interesting trend in community college transfers is the increasing number of students that are choosing for-profit schools over state universities. According to a report at NWCN.com, one reason for the change may be due to the fact that state schools are facing severe budget cuts that directly impact how many students they can accept every year. Another possibility is that state universities may be hoping to enroll more out of state students, since tuition rates for these enrollees can be as much as three times what state residents pay. An article in the Seattle Times voiced concerns about the move of transfer students to for-profit institutions. The report cites statistics that show as many as one quarter of students at for-profit institutions default on student loans within three years of beginning to pay them. This statistic could indicate that these students are paying a lot for a college education that cannot prepare them adequately for a lucrative career out of school. The Seattle Times report stated that the number of students transferring to for-profit institutions went up as much as 37 percent. Jan Ignash, deputy director of the Higher Education Coordinating Board that prepared this study, told the Times, “I knew the percentage increase in the private sector was going up – I was surprised it was that much.” Ignash added, “Our concern is capacity. The students are here – we’ve been telling them to complete their education, and they’re doing it. Now we have to find a place for them.”
Where to Go For students who have set their sights on transferring to a four-year university, US News and World Report has found the 10 institutions with the most transfer acceptances. These colleges were determined after the publication surveyed more than 1,700 colleges to discover transfer policies and requirements, as well as actual enrollment figures. The school at the top of the list, Arizona State University, had the largest number of transfer students by far, with 5,388 enrolled in 2009. Three other schools on the list are located in California, and each boasted transfer student enrollees of around 3,700 for the same year. Transfer acceptance rates were also a key figure considered by US News and World Report. Arizona State University had a very high acceptance rate for transfer students, at 84.4%. However, one Texas school, the University of Texas at Arlington, boasted an even higher rate at 91.9%. Many of the other schools on the list had transfer acceptance rates that hovered between 50 and 70%. The national average for transfer acceptance rates is currently 61.9% to give readers an idea of how the most transfer-friendly universities compared. The list of top 10 schools by US News and World Report includes:
- Arizona State University, with 5,388 transfer students
- University of Central Florida, with 5,336 transfer students
- Florida International University, with 4,336 transfer students
- University of North Texas, with 4,012 transfer students
- University of Texas, Arlington, with 3,944 transfer students
- California State University, Fullerton, with 3,800 transfer students
- California State University, Sacramento, with 3,771 transfer students
- California State University, Northridge, with 3,706 transfer students
- University of South Florida, with 3,696 transfer students
- Portland State University, with 3,486 transfer students
All of the numbers listed above were taken from 2009 enrollment figures for each of the universities. While these are not the only universities that accept a large number of transfer students, these colleges currently boast the largest numbers. If there is another university that you are considering a transfer to after you complete your community college program, it is important to educate yourself about the requirements and the likelihood of transfer prior to sending in your application. A little research goes a long way in plotting out a successful postsecondary academic track to jumpstart a successful career after graduation.
How to choose the best colleges to transfer to
Now we’re going to talk about the best colleges that accept transfer students. The best transfer colleges are ones that have a high acceptance rate. However, some colleges are still difficult to get into. Here are a few tips to get you through the process of picking the best college to transfer to.
Is transferring the best decision?
Before you make any decision, you are considering if it is the right one for you. This same rule applies to transferring colleges. A question you could ask yourself is why are you transferring? If you are currently at a community college and your goal is to get into a four-year college, this is a great, common decision.
However, if you are unhappy with your education at your current college, just know that feeling could stay the same; It’s not always the college’s fault. Make sure to get all the help you can and think your decisions through carefully.
Stay organized
You’ve experienced a few years in college already, and you know how important it is to stay organized. When you are deciding what college to transfer to it is important to look at the ones with the highest transfer rates.
It is also important to note their application deadlines and policies. You want to make sure you make a note of this because you don’t want to miss out on the school you want to attend!
Be financially ready
Another thing to consider when transferring colleges is the cost. Not only are you paying for different tuition, but you are also potentially looking at a new cost of living. Will you be moving cities or states? Don’t forget about enrollment fees, transfer applications, and any other administrative fees that appear for transfer students. And talk to the admissions office about the potential of financial aid!
Don’t be a stranger
This last tip is something to consider when you actually make the transfer. Some may think that everyone already knows everyone, but the truth is that a lot of the student body are transfer students too. This means you shouldn’t be afraid to go out and make some friends. Join clubs, tutoring sessions, and athletics!
10 Best Transfer Schools in the US (2021 Update)
Transferring colleges is very common. Many students choose to transfer to a state university after achieving their associate’s degree at a community college. Other students may decide that the college they enrolled in after high school was not the best fit for them. Whatever the reason, transferring does not have to be an intimidating process.
How to apply to the best transfer schools
Plan and research
Your college experience is uniquely your own. Therefore, you must think about your wants in a college. Consider more than just whether or not your credits transfer; this is your college experience. Take a few days to think about what you actually want in a college or university, especially if you are transferring due to a misfit in college culture.
Ask yourself: What major track is most interesting to you? What size school do you want to go to? What is the student body like? Do you want to stay in-state or transfer out of state? What kind of campus vibe do you want? What does my current institution lack that I want?
These questions are important because they help narrow down your list and ensure you get the college experience you want and receive a bachelor’s degree from a university you’re proud of.
Think about transfer credits
The transfer admission process can be complex. Sometimes, schools will not take all of the college credits you took from your current school. Check to see if your school has an articulation agreement with the other institutions you are interested in. An articulation agreement is an agreement between two colleges that guarantee credits completed at one college or university will be accepted by the other university. According to US News, four-year colleges in Florida and California usually have comprehensive articulation agreements with two-year colleges. In other words, the transition between community college and four-year institutions may be easier in those states as the transfer process is clear and established.
It is important to think about transferring credits because if the schools you plan to ultimately transfer to do not accept credits, you may find yourself retaking classes and paying more money to do so.
Consider the transfer application
Unlike typical college applications you complete in high school, transfer applications have different eligibility requirements and vary across schools. For example, high school transcripts may not be as important as college transcripts. Moreover, some schools will want your ACT or SAT test scores. Some may even ask for letters of recommendation, but this time, from college professors. You may need to conduct extensive research to learn the nuances of each institutions’ transfer policies. You may especially want to pay attention to application deadlines as they vary as well.
You must approach the transfer admissions process strategically and ensure you have all the materials needed to maximize your chance of acceptance.
Read up on their transfer admissions process
Transferring to another institution can be intimidating and isolating. Some colleges and universities recognize the difficulty of adjusting to a new school, making new friends, and finding your way around a new campus; they work to make the experience easier. Transfer-friendly schools have clear pathways for transferring credits and offer support for transfer students even after enrollment.
10 best schools to transfer to in the US (Updated for 2022)
Here are the ten best colleges and universities to transfer to based on transfer and acceptance rates. We’re going to indulge in why they should be the college you transfer to. Information about why they are a good school and their application process will be provided.
Saint Louis University
Saint Louis University stands out as one of the best transfer schools as it offers a transfer-focused orientation, TRANSFERmation, featuring social events and mentorship from former transfer students. Their program is designed to help new students make a seamless transition to life at SLU. There is also a class that helps transfer students during their first semester on campus.
Clemson University
Clemson offers a transfer-focused housing community, where transfer students live together and receive academic support. Additionally, a transfer council represents the transfer student voice in student government, and the school hosts a special web portal to keep students informed during the transfer process.
University of California – Los Angeles (UCLA)
UCLA offers a joint volunteer project during its orientation for transfer and first-year students which makes it one of the best transfer colleges in California. Students build a rapport while working together to support the child life program at UCLA’s affiliated hospital. Following orientation, students maintain their connection to each other and the university through participation in the Bruin Transfer Camp.
University of Michigan
This school emphasizes a one-on-one approach in its support of transfer students. Newly accepted transfer students are encouraged to enroll in Transfer Connections – paired with specially trained current students, transfers learn directly about all U of M has to offer. The transfer student office also publishes a monthly newsletter.
Meet with our college admissions experts
American University
Transfer students at American are paired with current students, and these pairs connect to support various non-profits in Washington, DC. Following orientation ‘Welcome Week’, the campus offers weekly sessions designed to support transfers, as well as an honors society for academically successful transfers.
University at Buffalo
The university’s Educational Opportunity Program is open to qualified transfer students, helping them find support and comfort. The campus also supports peer mentoring and a transfer-only honor society.
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
The flagship campus of the North Carolina system, UNC offers extensive support to students making the transition from community colleges. The Carolina Student Transfer Excellence Program (C-STEP) identifies academically talented students from 2-year colleges and supports them on both campuses. The school also helps qualified C-STEP students graduate with low or zero student loan debt. Transfer students can go online to determine which of their current credits will transfer before they decide to apply.
The University of Utah
New members of the Utes family can trade in t-shirts and other materials from their old schools and receive University of Utah t-shirts on Transfer Tuesdays! As the year progresses, transfer students who attend the weekly meetings learn about campus resources, scholarships, and other important issues.
Portland State University
PSU hosts a virtual home for transfer students leading them through every part of the admissions and registration processes. Students can use the online center to gain information about each step of the transfer process; they can also apply and live chat with representatives. An online degree audit program called uSelect allows students to get information about PSU degree programs and transfer credits before enrolling.
New York University (NYU)
Transfer students at NYU can anticipate unique challenges as they transition to both the school and New York City. The campus hosts a Student Resource Center, through which transfer students can join their own Facebook group, request a mentor, participate in a student-run transfer student association, and join a dedicated listserv to receive a weekly newsletter.
Admission to the best schools for transfer students: College transfer acceptance rates in 2022
Here are the rankings and transfer acceptance rates of the schools above.
| School | Location | Transfer acceptance rate | Number of transfer students admitted in 2021 |
| Saint Louis University | Missouri | 2.3% | 299 |
| Clemson University | South Carolina | 5.9% | 1,529 |
| UCLA | California | 7.4% | 3,284 |
| University of Michigan | Michigan | 2.7% | 1,278 |
| American University | Washington D.C | 1.5% | 212 |
| University of Buffalo | New York | 5.5% | 1,742 |
| University of North Carolina | North Carolina | 2.9% | 846 |
| The University of Utah | Utah | 4.4% | 1,446 |
| Portland State University | Oregon | 11.8% | 2,988 |
| NYU | New York | 1.8% | 960 |
Planning to transfer schools and need professional advice?
Prepory is a place where we can help guide you in the right direction. Prepory believes in finding your perfect college fit. If your first choice wasn’t the best choice for you, we will help you identify and apply to colleges that better suit your needs. Our college counseling has helped hundreds of students receive admission to the schools of their dreams
10 Transfer-friendly colleges in the US – (Updated for 2021)
Florida and California’s extensive articulation agreements amongst community colleges in their respective states mean they dominate the list of most transfer-friendly colleges. However, there are still many colleges across the country that offer excellent opportunities for transfer students.
University of California – Los Angeles (UCLA)
Los Angeles, CA
25% Acceptance Rate
While UCLA does not accept transfers with less than 60 credits, the school’s transfer acceptance rate is significantly higher than their regular admission rates. UCLA has tons of resources to ease the transfer application process, including ASSIST, which provides articulation agreements, and the Center for Community College Partnerships, which has dedicated faculty for underrepresented students. Although the school is transfer-friendly, students must still be competitive. The average GPA for transfer students sits around 3.7.
Florida International University
Miami, FL
76% Acceptance Rate
Located in sunny Miami, Fl, Florida International University is no stranger to transfer students. The school accepts the most number of transfer students in the country. In addition to a culture of transfer students, FIU also offers generous financial aid for transfer students. In fact, they have specific scholarships for transfer students.
California State University
Various locations
40% Acceptance Rate
California State University’s Educational Opportunity Program helps transfer students and other disadvantaged students with academic advising, financial aid, and personal and career counseling.
University of North Carolina
Chapel Hill, NC
26% Acceptance Rate
UNC works with the Carolina Student Transfer Excellence Program (C-STEP), which helps low and middle-income high school and community college students apply to college. C-STEP prepares students academically for their transition to college. UNC’s transfer program is so good, they accept more transfer students than freshmen.
University of Michigan
Ann Arbor, MI
UMichigan is a very transfer-friendly campus. The school has a transfer student center, which offers resources specifically for transfers. They also offer a mentoring program aimed at helping students feel at home called Transfer Connections.
University of North Texas
Denton, TX
UNT’s Transfer Assistance Program helps students who don’t yet qualify for transfer admissions. Students with under 30 credits can receive personalized assistance from a transfer counselor, who will help them select the correct coursework that will transfer to UNT. They also offer an Eagle Bound program that helps students through the transfer college admissions process.
University of Central Florida
Orlando, FL
The University of Central Florida is no stranger to the transfer process. UCF will accept transfer students in the thousands each year. The school offers a specialized program for transfer students called Transfer Knights. The organization hosts events, socials, and meetups to facilitate community among transfer students.
College of William and Mary
Williamsburg, VA
The College of William and Mary offers tons of resources to ensure students understand the processes at the school. Each student will enroll in a mini-course, College Studies, to help them understand how to register for classes. They will also receive a pre-major advisor, who will help them through their registration.
New York University
New York City, NY
New York University has an active transfer student organization as part of its Student Life Center. Students are matched with a previous transfer student who will mentor new students through the acclimation process at NYU.
Emory University
Atlanta, GA
Emory’s transfer acceptance rate is higher than its normal acceptance rate. What’s more 90% of their transfer students graduate in 4 years. The transition process is so seamless, students do not get stuck retaking courses or delaying graduation.
How do the most transfer-friendly colleges and universities support transfer students?
As mentioned, some schools have robust programming to help transfer students apply and ultimately enroll at their schools. The best schools will pair you with a mentor and ensure you have everything you need to embed yourself in the student body. When applying, ask what services they provide specifically for those that are transferring.
Can some schools accept more transfer students than freshmen?
As mentioned, some schools have robust programming to help transfer students apply and ultimately enroll at their schools. The best schools will pair you with a mentor and ensure you have everything you need to embed yourself in the student body. When applying, ask what services they provide specifically for those that are transferring.
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