Transfer Student Information

Transfer Student Introduction:

Students may choose to begin their college journey at a two-year school, after graduation, and transfer to a four-year university to complete a four-year degree.  This option is increasing in popularity amongst students.

FYI:

You will not be considered a transfer student if you take college-level classes in high school or during the summer after graduation. 

You will be considered a transfer student if you take college-level courses during the fall (and beyond) after your high school graduation.

Pros and Cons of Being a Transfer Student:

Pros:

SAVE MONEY — One of the most significant benefits of community college is the cost. Community college tuition is significantly lower than four-year colleges, making it a more affordable option for many students and helping them save valuable money. In addition, many community colleges offer scholarships and financial aid opportunities to help reduce costs even further. 

MAY BE CLOSER TO HOME — Another significant reason two-year community college helps with the cost is the local aspect and how it prevents commuting long distances or forced living on campus. Local community colleges are plentiful and provide enormous cost-saving benefits. For example, if you attend your local community college, you can live at home and save even more money.

FLEXIBILITY — Aside from the financial benefits, community colleges offer the most flexible schedule for other students and interested transfer students. You will have plenty of time slots to choose from when signing up for your classes, making it more convenient to structure your study time.

SMALLER CLASS SIZES— More individualized attention from class professors. May help students develop a stronger foundation for your career and help you succeed academically.

RAISE YOUR GPA — Two-year colleges help students regain their academic confidence while working towards finishing general education credits and preparing to embark on the transfer process. As a result, students with less-than-stellar high school grades may be at a disadvantage when applying to colleges. However by attending community college first can give these students a chance to improve their academic records.

TRANSFER ADVANTAGE — Completing a transfer degree such as an associate degree is also beneficial. An associate’s degree application can be advantageous for transfer students because it shows that you can attend college and commit to a higher education degree path. In doing so, you demonstrate to your future university or four-year school that you are a capable transfer student who will attend classes and thrive at their new school. 

Cons:

NEW SCHOOL AGAIN — Finding your place in a new community can be an adjustment, and it is important to recognize that settling in socially at your new school may take some time. It can be helpful to look for special groups and clubs on campus for transfer students, and be sure to ask the admission counselors about any support the school offers for transfer students. 

FEWER DEGREE OPTIONS— Community colleges typically offer a more limited range of degree programs than four-year universities. If you’re interested in a specialized or niche field, you may need to transfer to a university to pursue your desired major.

TRANSFER CHALLENGES— While many community colleges have transfer agreements in place, the process can still be complicated. You may need to meet specific requirements, such as maintaining a certain GPA, to transfer successfully. It’s essential to work closely with your academic advisor to ensure your course selections align with your transfer goals and the requirements of your target university.

Resource USED: https://nextgenadmit.com/the-pros-and-cons-of-attending-a-community-college-before-transferring-to-a-four-year-university/

Minnesota Transfer Pathways Program:

https://www.minnstate.edu/admissions/transfer/transfer-pathways.html

The Minnesota Transfer Pathways Program makes it easy for students complete a specific associates degree from a Minnesota State college to a Minnesota State university to earn a bachelors degree. The program allow you to save time and take only required classes!

Click here for more information regarding the Minnesota Transfer Pathways program.