Five Benefits of Transferring Colleges| University of Bridgeport

Around one-third of college students transfer schools before completing their degree, according to the National Student Clearinghouse. And CollegeTransfer.Net reports that 60% of 4-year graduates each year have transferred at least once before completing their degree.

These and other statistics show how normal and common it is for students to change colleges. Every semester across the globe, millions of students transfer their course credits from one school to another.

There are many benefits to transferring, including experiencing new surroundings, finding a better academic program that fits your needs and interests, and changing your financial situation for the better.

Let’s examine why students transfer schools and the five benefits of transferring colleges.

Why Do Students Transfer?

Students transfer colleges for a variety of reasons. Some simply need a change of environment, while others choose to transfer because their goals and ambitions no longer align with the college they initially chose. And sometimes, factors outside the student’s control, like unexpected financial needs or family emergencies, result in a transfer.

Commons reasons for transferring include:

Changing majors
Financial concerns
Social isolation and change in environment
Being close to family
School recognition and prestige
Poor academic performance
Transferring from a 2-year institution to a 4-year institution
Sports and international transfers
Returning to school to complete a degree

Students should assess their current situation carefully and honestly. Take the time to talk to family, mentors, and academic advisors at your current institution and the institution you want to transfer to, for guidance and feedback.

Regardless, transferring to a new college or university is valid and worth considering. And ultimately, transferring schools can lead to many benefits.

What are the Benefits of Transferring College?

1. Opportunity to Experience New Surroundings

More often than not, a student’s second school will be substantially different than their first.

For example, if you attended a small high school and found yourself at a big college, you might feel overwhelmed in a busy and populated environment. Conversely, attending a small liberal arts school may feel too isolating, and students transfer to be a part of a university that has a lot of student activities, groups, and events.

Additionally, some students attend large schools with continuous parties around campus and have difficulty focusing on their studies. This leads them to transfer to a school that is more focused on academics and better suited to their needs.

By transferring schools, students experience different environments and ultimately learn more about themselves and what will best support their personal and academic needs.

2. Finding an Academic Program to Love

Changing majors is a widespread experience for many students. The National Center for Education Statistics states that around 30% of undergraduate students changed their declared major at least once.

Students that change their original major transfer schools to find a program and institution that will help them be successful in their future careers. And even if they are not changing majors, students will transfer because they do not feel challenged by their current academic program.

Thus, by transferring to more prestigious colleges with better educational opportunities, students find an academic program, department, and faculty they love.

3. Transfer Credit Benefits

Transfer students represent around 15% of new enrollments at four-year institutions according to the Association of American Colleges and Universities. Community colleges are traditionally cheaper than four-year universities so students are able to complete many general education courses for much less than they would at a four-year college or university.

They also often offer more flexible course options including evening, hybrid, and fully online courses giving students the flexibility and freedom to continue to work, fulfill family responsibilities, and attend school.

By using community college as a stepping stone, students are able to earn a more affordable degree and transfer their credits easily to a four-year institution. Students can then focus on the courses specifically for their major and make even more connections with new peers and teachers.

4. Experiential Learning Opportunities

Some students experience a lack of resources or learning opportunities at their college or university. Perhaps you were hoping to obtain hands-on lab experience or an internship in your program, only to find out those opportunities were few and far between.

Thus, students will transfer in order to gain more experiential learning opportunities that allow them to explore their field in more depth. This learning-by-doing approach through lab experiments, fieldwork, and teaching can be extremely effective and rewarding for students’ career and professional development.

5. Finding Happiness and Making New Friends

The last benefit to transferring colleges is the opportunity to make new friendships and connections. Building friendships at a new school may be difficult at first. However, engaging with campus visits, admission events, and even specific transfer events will help connect with other transfer students and feel welcome, valued, and engaged.

Transfer students should look into student and campus life resources, such as clubs, sports, and other activities that will help them get involved in their new academic environment. Plus, by transferring, students now have two groups of friends to feel supported and encouraged by.

While it may feel daunting to transfer, the majority of transfer students have a positive experience. And no matter your reason, transferring schools might be exactly what you need to have a rewarding and fulfilling college experience.

If you are looking to transfer, our admissions team at University of Bridgeport is here to help you find the program that is right for you as well as guide you through the application process.