Returning to College as a Transfer Student
Perhaps you're a student who has some previous experience with college enrollment or attendance and would like to transfer to a new institution. Transfers come in many forms and can take place at various times during a student's academic career. For more detailed information on transfer issues, please download "
Transfer Students: Planning Your Successful College Transfer" or call 866-866-CFNC.
Transfer Admission Requirements
There are no hard and fast rules for transfer admission. Since each college has its own policies concerning transfers,
never assume that the requirements of one college apply to another. It's up to you to research colleges, majors, admissions and financial aid applications and deadlines (you can take virtual tours of North Carolina's colleges and universities, compare campuses, and find colleges that match your specific requirements using
College Fair). It is important for you to make a game plan to implement the transfer, and then follow through with the required action to make your transfer a successful experience.
Kinds of Transfers
The most typical transfers are from:
- Two-year to four-year schools
- Four-year to four-year schools
- Four-year to two-year to four-year schools
The majority of students who transfer begin their college career at a technical, junior, or community college and then transfer to a senior-level college or university. Two-year institutions offer a variety of learning options including "transferable" and "nontransferable" programs, both of which can offer you an associate's degree.
Transferring Credits
Many factors make a difference in the transferring of credits from one college to another. Because transferring is such an individual process, your best bet is to meet with an admissions officer at the college or university you want to attend to make certain you know how your credits will transfer to that particular institution.
You can view valuable information about transferring between North Carolina's colleges and universities, including a list of transferable courses, contact information, and frequently asked questions, in the Transfer Student Planner.