Many students transfer to different colleges in the U.S. each year. In fact, according to the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center, more than one-third of college students will move to another college.
Whether students are transferring to advance their education, change degree programs, or save on college costs, one of the first steps they will take in the transfer process is researching scholarships. Before making the decision to transfer schools, they will look for scholarship opportunities to help supplement tuition expenses. However, many ask the question:
Are transfer students eligible for scholarships?
The good news? Yes! There are many scholarships designed and designated for transfer students specifically.
Let’s discuss the scholarships available to transfer students and the policies and requirements surrounding them.
What colleges offer scholarships for transfer students?
Many four-year U.S. colleges and universities offer specific scholarships for transfer students who are transitioning to their schools.
For example, the University of Bridgeport (UB) provides merit-based scholarships for transfer students up to $23,000.
Prospective transfer students should check with the schools they are considering to see whether any transfer student scholarships are available and how to apply.
How do transfer scholarships work?
Transfer students are often subject to scholarship applications upon acceptance to their new schools, but the amount of scholarship available varies from institution to institution.
Additionally, some states have special scholarships for community college students transferring to an in-state institution or university. Be sure you check with the financial aid office to learn about the resources and scholarships available to you as a transfer student.
What types of transfer scholarships are available to transfer students?
Transfer student scholarships take various forms and accommodate all types of applicants, including merit scholarships, athletic scholarships, scholarships for academic excellence, scholarships for students at community colleges, and many more.
As explained by the Honor Society, scholarship types include:
1. Merit Scholarships
Merit scholarships are offered for academic excellence, and some four-year schools provide full tuition coverage making a merit scholarship a student’s best option to excel further. These scholarships also extend to co-curricular activities and are a great way to grow your skills.
2. External Scholarships
External scholarships are typically awarded to students by independent scholarship organizations and target specific skills in determining a student’s eligibility. Students should research and understand the eligibility criteria for these scholarships to save time and resources.
3. Identity-Based Scholarships
The U.S. has many excelling students from underrepresented communities in need of aid. Thus, there has been a rise in scholarship programs aiming to reach these communities and make higher education financially accessible. Stating your ethnicity on scholarship applications can increase the likelihood of students receiving financial support.
4. Department-Sponsored Scholarships
Much like merit-based scholarships, many colleges and universities offer department-based scholarships to qualifying students. As you apply to the institution of your choice, ask your prospective department about the scholarships available.
Though this is not an exhaustive list of the type of transfer scholarships available, it does give you an idea of the variety of scholarships available to you as a transfer student.
Other transfer student scholarships can be found here and here.
Scholarship Guidelines at UB
As previously mentioned, UB offers transfer students up to $23,000 in merit-based scholarships.
Scholarship recipients are eligible to receive scholarships for the duration of their academic program, provided the following conditions are met:
- Students must be enrolled as official full-time students for each semester they receive the scholarship.
- Students must maintain a 3.0 cumulative GPA.
- The scholarship covers tuition only. This scholarship does not cover mandatory fees and room and board charges.
- Scholarship recipients must remain active participants in their area’s professional student organization.
- Student conduct must be consistent with standards outlined in the “Key to UB” and the respective academic program.
Transfer students are eligible for various scholarships at most colleges and universities. Thus, transfer students can rest easy knowing they do not have to give up their academic and career goals due to financial constraints.
However, it is up to each student to research their chosen school, department, and scholarship to ensure they meet the criteria for that specific scholarship.
Request more information to learn about the transfer scholarships available, as well as loans, verification, FAFSA inquiries, and more. Financial counselors are available via telephone or video Monday – Friday, 9 A.M. – 5 P.M. EST. Don’t wait to start your future today!