If you’re starting to wonder if you’re in the wrong college, you’re not alone. About one-third of students choose to switch schools and learn how to transfer colleges to complete their degree.^{(See disclaimer 1)} Transferring colleges may be a good choice for you if your circumstances or goals have changed and you’re no longer able to fulfill your objectives at your current school. 

Many schools welcome transfer students, including Grand Canyon University. Our College Transfer Center streamlines the transfer process, providing each student with a personalized plan for making the transition. Before visiting our transfer hub, however, you may wish to learn more about transferring colleges and get the answers to common questions, such as, When is it too late to transfer colleges? and How long does it take to transfer schools? 

When a student transfers colleges, they leave one institute of higher education before finishing their degree program and enroll at a different college to complete their studies. Students may transfer from one university to another or from a community college to a university.

Students will need to keep in mind that degree completion requirements do vary from one school and program to the next. After transferring colleges, students must complete the general education and degree-specific requirements of their new program before graduating.

There are many different reasons why students decide to transfer to a different school. Some of them include:^{(See disclaimer 1)}

• Community college: Many high school grads enter a community college (which award associate degrees) with the goal of transferring to a university later on to earn a bachelor’s degree.
• Academic alignment: You might decide that your major no longer fits your career goals and academic interests. If your current school doesn't offer a program that suits you, you might transfer to a college that does.
• Finances: Some universities may raise their tuition rates suddenly, or students might decide that the education they’re receiving isn’t aligned with the cost. They may decide to transfer to a more affordable school, such as one that offers more institutional aid.
• Change of environment: Not every college town and campus is a great fit for all students. Some students may transfer for a much-needed change of setting. Similarly, some students transfer because they feel socially isolated at their current school and want a fresh start.

Student athletes may also transfer colleges. Some student athletes are recruited early and commit to a college too early, before they’ve had an opportunity to ensure the school is the right fit for them. Other student athletes transfer because they’re dissatisfied with their playing opportunities or they lost their scholarship.^{(See disclaimer 1)}

It’s technically never too late to transfer to a different university. It’s possible to transfer as a college junior or even as a senior. Keep in mind, however, that a late-stage transfer may extend your time to graduation. You might need additional semesters to complete all the program requirements of your new school and program.

When is the ideal time to transfer colleges? If you’re a new freshman and you’re feeling a bit like a fish out of water, it’s often a good idea to wait until your first year is complete. If you want to transfer because you’re feeling homesick and socially isolated, then you may be surprised to discover that you’re feeling more adjusted by the end of your first year.

If, however, you’ve already decided that your college doesn’t offer the right academic program for your needs, then you can get started preparing for the transfer process. After you’ve selected the new school that’s right for you, research the application deadlines and plan accordingly.

There is considerable variability in terms of how long it takes to transfer schools. Many schools may have different requirements for the amount of credits that can be transferred over or needs to be.

Some schools abide by deadlines for transfer applications, while others maintain a rolling admissions policy. Under a rolling admissions policy, colleges review applications as they arrive and typically issue a decision within weeks. Then, you’ll need to wait for the next semester to start.

One of the most important tips for college transfer students is to first gain an understanding of the entire transfer process before diving into it. It’s important to know what to expect and what to do at each stage.

Transferring colleges requires the following steps:

1. Meet with your academic advisor. Talk to your advisor at your current school about your plans to transfer. It’s likely they’ve worked with other students who have transferred, and they may offer some guidance.
2. Research your options. You’ll need to research different schools and their programs to decide where you’d like to transfer. You may wish to reconsider some schools that were previously on your shortlist when you were in high school.
3. Contact a university counselor. Contact a university counselor at the college you’d like to transfer to. Discuss the admissions process and learn about your new school.
4. Talk to a transfer specialist. Connect with a transfer specialist at the new school and request a credit transfer evaluation.
5. Review your finances. You may need to develop a new financial plan for paying for your education at a new school.
6. Submit your application. Complete your transfer application and arrange to have your official transcripts submitted. If accepted, complete the necessary paperwork to commit to your new school. 

A credit transfer is the process of transferring credits earned at one institution to another. For example, if you’ve already completed an English 101 course, you probably won’t need to take it again.

At GCU, you can complete the Lopes Unofficial Credit Evaluation tool to get an unofficial assessment of how your current credits may transfer to a new program at GCU. You may be able to transfer up to 90 credits toward a new program. 

Your transfer credits may go toward fulfilling the general education requirements and perhaps degree-specific requirements, as well. Credits that do not directly fulfill a graduation requirement might be counted as electives toward your total number of credits earned.

You’ll need to consider the effects of a college transfer on your finances. If your parents are helping finance your education, you’ll need to have a discussion with them. You will need to:

• Consider whether transferring colleges will affect any third-party scholarships you may be receiving.
• Review the financial aid offer for your new school, including institutional aid like scholarships.
• Understand tuition costs at your new school, along with additional school fees.
• Continue to file the FAFSA each fall. You’ll need to use the code for your new school once you’ve enrolled there.
• Plan a budget for living expenses during and after your transition. Your new school may be in a higher or lower cost-of-living area.

If you are transferring as a junior or senior, it’s possible that you may need to extend your total time in college in order to fulfill degree requirements for graduation. Keep that in mind as you’re planning your finances.

Transferring to a new college can be challenging. These tips may streamline the process for you:

• Be sure of your decision to transfer. Think carefully about your reasons for wanting to make a change and be able to articulate those reasons.
• Stay organized throughout the process. Keep the paperwork in one place and stay on top of deadlines.
• Communicate openly with your academic advisor at your current school, as well as your contacts at your new school. Don’t hesitate to ask questions.
• Make the most of the opportunities at your new school. Get involved in extracurriculars, which can help ease the transition.

GCU welcomes transfer students from other universities and community colleges. Here, you can choose from a wide range of degree programs across fields, from nursing and healthcare to engineering and technology to ministry and theology and beyond. We provide a supportive Christian learning community where all are welcome.