How to Transfer Colleges: Questions to Ask Before Making Your Decision

Going to college is a major milestone. It signals an investment in yourself and your future, so you should attend a school that will help you achieve your goals — and can support you along the way. If a school doesn't feel like the right place for you, you might consider transferring to a new college or university that offers a better fit.

And whether you've been away from school for one term, one year, one decade or longer, you can search for a transfer-friendly university that values the work you've already put in and will help you finish what you started.

Why Do Students Transfer?

If you’ve thought about transferring colleges, you’re not alone. According to a 2022 data update to a National Student Clearinghouse Research Center study, up to 42.7% of students enroll in more than one institution before completing their bachelor's degree.

Whether you want to enroll at a more affordable university, change your degree program or advance from an associate to a bachelor's degree program, attending a different college can be a big decision — but it might be the right choice for you.

Are There Benefits to Transferring Colleges?

There are significant factors to consider as a transfer student, from program availability to cost. If your current program isn't what you hoped for — or if you’ve decided to change majors — then transferring to a different college could make a lot of sense.

You may consider researching colleges that offer more affordable courses, and that could influence your decision enough to make the switch. You'll also want to research aspects like curriculum, outcomes and career possibilities to ensure the available programs are the right fit for you and your aspirations.

At Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU), more than 200 online degrees are offered, and many allow for specialization. For example, if you’re interested in a bachelor's in information technology, you can take it a step further with a concentration in database management or cybersecurity. Transferring to a school that offers specialized concentrations in your field can give you a leg up on competition in the job market.

Can Transferring Make College More Affordable?

While earning your degree is an excellent investment, the price tag can vary greatly from school to school. It’s important to compare colleges that make sense for your budget. For many students, online institutions can cut costs even more.

"I was really surprised at how affordable it was compared to other universities," said Latisha Aguilar '21, who accumulated a lot of student debt while determining her career goals in previous post-secondary experiences before transferring to SNHU.

"I feel like I wasted a lot of time and money going to school," she said. But Aguilar was able to transfer in a lot of those previously earned credits, allowing her to finish her bachelor's in psychology with a concentration in child and adolescent development in just two years at SNHU.

She said transferring those credits lowered the cost of her education. "If I would have had to complete all of the courses that I'd gotten credit for at previous experiences, it would have definitely made me have to take out more student loans," Aguilar said.

Other cost-cutting measures to consider at schools include financial aid, tuition benefits through employers and military discounts.

Is It Hard to Transfer Colleges?

Deciding when and where to transfer your college credits can be challenging enough, especially if you're trying to finish a term or are busy with work or home life. The paperwork and procedures that might be involved when you actually transfer shouldn't be all-consuming.

While the transfer process can look different at every university, you'll want to be ready to complete a college application and provide transcripts from your previous college experience. Some colleges may ask you to obtain transcripts yourself, while others will handle that component for you.

At SNHU, you can begin your transfer journey right now by following these three easy steps:

1. Complete the free 5-minute online application. There’s no obligation after filling it out.
2. Get your transcripts requested — for free. Chat with an admission counselor, and we'll request your transcripts on your behalf.
3. Receive your free evaluation. Soon after all your transcripts are in, you'll get your official evaluation. It will show you what was transferred in — and what classes you need to complete.

Some colleges, like SNHU, conduct a transfer credit evaluation during the application review process, so when you hear whether you were accepted, you'll also know which of your credits will transfer.

What Year is Best to Transfer Colleges?

When you should transfer depends on your situation. If you transfer early in your college journey after having taken only general education and foundational courses, you may have greater transfer flexibility.

But even if you're more than halfway through your program and want to change schools, you may be able to transfer without having to repeat many credits.

There are also some natural points in your college journey where it makes sense to transfer — including once you reach the end of a community college education. That's what Blake Venable did.

When Venable came to SNHU, ready to earn his bachelor's degree in accounting, he already had an associate degree from a community college in Tennessee.

"All of my (associate degree) credits transferred, so I got to start off about halfway through my bachelor's degree program," Venable said. "So, it's going to be a two-year process to get my bachelor's degree, and so far, I'm almost halfway done."

You may also be able to find direct pathways from a community college to a four-year institution, which may simplify the transfer process and give you peace of mind as you're applying.

What Should You Consider When Choosing Between Colleges?

Once you've decided you want to transfer, you'll need to choose where you'd like to finish your degree. It's important to keep a few questions in mind as you do your research.

Will Your Credits Transfer?

Each school determines if the classes you’ve taken at another educational institution will qualify for credit transfer. If you’ve attended an accredited institution and your grades meet the criteria, your previous coursework may be eligible for a credit transfer. Some colleges will accept a wide range of transfer credits.

While you won't know exactly which course credits will be accepted until you apply, you can think about the classes you've already completed to get an idea:

• Are they primarily general education courses? If so, perhaps they can meet your new school's general education requirements.
• Did any of the classes relate to your intended major?
• Did you receive good grades?
• Does the subject material align with the courses required in the program you hope to transfer to?

Your answers to these questions can help prepare you for the conversation with your admission counselor.

What Makes a College Transfer-Friendly?

To best use earned credits and spend less to finish your degree, you’ll want to find a transfer-friendly school and research all of your program options.

Examining transfer policies at the schools that interest you could help you earn your degree faster. SNHU, for example, accepts up to 90 credits toward a bachelor's degree — about three-quarters of the way through a typical four-year program.

When Jesús Suárez '21 applied to SNHU, he was worried he'd have to start his degree over completely. "I was afraid once I sent in my transcripts that not a lot of the things were going to transfer because, you know, I was following a different career path (at the time)," he said.

But Suárez discovered that the coursework he completed in his previous program was transferable, putting him about halfway through his bachelor's in graphic design.

Some colleges also allow you to test out of college courses, accepting credit from exams, such as Advanced Placement (AP), College Level Examination Program (CLEP) and Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Educational Support (DANTES). If you’ve taken these exams, request that they be considered in your transfer credits.

It's possible to earn credits for work experience, too. Certain certifications, military education and law enforcement training are all examples of prior learning that transfer-friendly schools should consider.

Should You Consider a Traditional or Online College?

Long-established college campuses work well for many students. Steeped in tradition, they offer younger students a well-rounded residential experience filled with sports, dorm life and face-to-face relationships with classmates and instructors. But college doesn’t come in a one-size-fits-all package.

Today, one-third of undergraduate students are 25 years or older, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). If you’re a busy adult learner with a career and family, enrolling in online classes is a practical solution. Courses and assignments can fit around your schedule, and the support systems in place will help set you up for success, no matter where you are.

Some universities, such as SNHU, offer both options. SNHU’s traditional brick-and-mortar location was founded in 1932, and it continues to serve more than 3,000 students at its Manchester, New Hampshire, campus. Its online division also has a lengthy history, dating to 1996, and now educates over 170,000 students. Many students prefer to attend classes through an institution with a longtime proven record.

Ali Lamoureux '22 first began her college journey in person right after high school, but the timing wasn't right. She began working in healthcare instead. Nearly a decade later, she decided to return to school for a healthcare administration bachelor's degree to help her advance her career.

"When I decided to go back to college, I knew I was going to have to do an online program because I lived in one state (and) commuted to another for my job, which took up a lot of time," she said. "So, I knew I wasn't going to have time to physically go to classes."

The flexibility of online courses was a game changer as well as how many of the credits she earned all those years ago could transfer in toward her bachelor's.

"I was able to knock about a year off of my total time that it would take me to complete my degree at SNHU," she said.

How Important is Accreditation?

Accreditation is crucial — to both colleges and future employers. Attending an unaccredited institution decreases the chance that your coursework will be eligible for a credit transfer should you decide to switch schools.

Ask your admission counselor for the school’s accreditation information to ensure the integrity of its academic programs. You’ll want to learn how accepted the accreditation is and if the university holds specialized accreditations, such as those for certain subject areas.

You can learn more about institutional accreditation and why it matters to you — or research accreditations yourself at the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) or the U.S. Department of Education websites.

How Do You Start Transferring Colleges?

If you're ready to initiate the transfer process, begin by identifying other colleges or universities with what you're looking for in terms of programs, resources and overall fit. Once you have your shortlist of options, you'll want to do some research to see which check your boxes.

Some of the questions you may want to consider include:

• How many credits will you be able to transfer?
• What accreditations does this school have?
• Do the learning outcomes of the program you want to pursue meet your career goals?
• How do online classes work? Would going to school online best fit your life?
• What support services and resources will be available if you become a student here?

Attending a university that meets your needs — better fits your budget, understands transfer students, works with your schedule and is accredited — should lead to a more positive outcome in the journey toward your degree.

You may be able to find information online, but it could also be beneficial to request information or call up an admission office to have a conversation. The admission team at any school should be happy to help answer any of your concerns regarding how to transfer. Colleges work with many transfer students each year and should have the answers readily available for you.

Online. On campus. Choose your program from 200+ SNHU degrees that can take you where you want to go.

Deidre Ashe is a copywriter in higher education. Connect with her on LinkedIn.