Students choose to transfer to a different college or university for many reasons. For example, it can be a way to save money: Transfer students may earn general education credits at a cost-effective community college, and later transfer to a more prestigious school to complete their degree.
Some students transfer because another college has a better program than their current one provides, or they wish to switch majors completely. Or, unfortunately, a student’s finances might tighten, and thus, they need to transfer to a more affordable degree program.
Furthermore, students often transfer because they do not mesh with the environment of their initial school. Mental health, physical health, and family matters also affect a student’s decision to transfer.
Students should understand that transferring may incur additional time and costs for financial, academic, or personal reasons. But with the right planning, transfer students can complete their degrees on time and minimize the need for extra semesters.
In today’s blog, we’ll answer several questions, including ‘How much does it cost to transfer?’ by explaining the transfer process at University of Bridgeport (UB).
Will transferring schools affect my financial aid?
In regards to financial aid, transfer students are, for the most part, treated the same way as incoming freshmen. Your new college will recalculate your financial aid eligibility based on the information on your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and other financial aid forms.
So, unless your situation has changed, you should receive the same amount of federal aid that you received at your original college and any state aid if you attend a school in-state. Remember that private scholarships may or may not transfer, but many schools and organizations offer scholarships specifically for transfer students.
Federal student aid does not automatically transfer when a student changes schools. Make sure you update your FAFSA and determine what financial aid your new school offers. This will help you understand any differences in pay you will be responsible for and where you stand when borrowing money through federal student loans.
Lastly, federal student loans will automatically go into repayment when students withdraw from their current school. Students should apply for in-school deferment to avoid making payments while attending their new school and stay aware of the requirements to remain eligible for federal student aid.
Always discuss the aid policies and scholarships available to you as a transfer student with the financial aid department at your new college or university.
Will my credits transfer?
No two colleges are the same, and what counts towards credits or requirements at one college might not be the same at another. Typically, at least some of your credits will transfer.
Transfer students can “lose” credits when they transfer to another institution. In these cases, they have to make up the loss by taking more classes and adding extra semesters, which can result in spending more money on tuition, living costs, and other school expenses.
On the other hand, the more credit the college accepts for courses you’ve already taken (especially credits toward your prerequisite and major courses), the less time it will take you to graduate and the more money you will save. This is why it’s important to understand your prospective school’s transfer process and credit equivalencies before finalizing your decision to transfer.
Once you have committed to transferring to University of Bridgeport, ensure you have the credits in your transcript assessed by a transfer advisor to determine the number of credits you can transfer.
It is important to note, however, that some schools cap the number of credits students can transfer or require transfer students to earn a certain number of credits at the transfer college or university.
The transfer credit requirements at UB include the following:
- Students must complete their last thirty semester hours at UB and meet course requirements in each program to be eligible for a degree.
- A maximum of 66 credits may be awarded from two-year colleges and 90 credits from accredited four-year institutions.
- All courses taken at the student’s previous institution must be 100 level or higher, and students must have earned a grade of C or higher to transfer over.
- Students’ acceptance is contingent upon the receipt of all final official transcripts.
What is the cost of transferring to another college?
The cost of transferring colleges will vary depending on the college and university, the desired degree, and the number of credits students can transfer or retain from their previous institution.
Students should consider the following costs when transferring to UB:
1. Costs of Tuition and Fees
The cost per semester/term for on-campus undergraduate programs, unless otherwise noted, is:
- Traditional Full-Time Tuition (12-18 credits) – $16,430
- Student Government Fee – $120
- Part-Time or Per Credit (0-11 credits or over 18) – $1.095
- Part-Time General Fee – $390
- One-Time Orientation Fee (charged the first semester only) – $200
- Semester 2022 Per-Credit – $825
Find out more about the tuition and fees for our online and graduate programs.
2. Miscellaneous Fees and Deposits
- Non-Refundable Deposits:
- All Undergraduate Programs (first semester only) – $350
- Nursing & Dental Hygiene Clinic Deposit – $200
- All Non-Health Sciences Graduate Programs (first semester only) – $350
- Graduate Health Sciences – Deposit (first semester only) – Varies by program
- International Graduate Student Tuition Deposit – $350
- Room Deposit (yearly) – $250
- All Undergraduate Programs (first semester only) – $350
- Health Insurance:
- Health Insurance Fall (Annual) – $2,190
- Health Insurance Spring (New Students Only) – $1,270
3. Room & Board
UB offers a variety of housing options to our undergraduate and graduate students. Learn more about the costs and fees associated with each option here.
Interested transfer students can also use UB’s net price calculator, which provides an estimated cost of attendance — including tuition and required fees, books and supplies, room and board (meals), and other related expenses — minus estimated grant and scholarship funds.
Transferring Colleges is Worth It
Transferring to a new college or university is a big decision, so students should understand all the associated costs. Be sure to apply early and meet all financial aid and admission deadlines. Financial aid is often first come, first served, so the sooner you apply, the better.
No matter what, however, you will find that transferring colleges is worth it. Most students transfer because they have a strong reason to, whether it’s an unhappiness with their current school, or missing pieces in their curriculum. The cost of transferring colleges can be minimal with the right preparation and research done first.
Reach out to Student Financial Services today to learn how much it will cost you to transfer to UB and the financial aid options available. Together, let’s start something great!