Scholarships for Transfer Students
Many students transfer colleges in the U.S. each year. According to a report from the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center, around 2 in 5 first-time undergraduates in the fall 2011 cohort transferred colleges within the first six years.
But college — and transferring colleges — can get pretty expensive. So can transfer students get scholarships? The answer is yes!
Many scholarships specifically target transfer students, especially those looking to transfer from a two-year college to a four-year university.
Keep reading to learn how to apply for transfer scholarships, what kinds of scholarships are available, and how institutional transfer scholarships work.
What Do You Need to Apply for a Transfer Scholarship?
Most transfer scholarship applications are similar to regular college scholarship applications.
Common application materials include a personal essay and official college transcripts. Some scholarship programs may require you to demonstrate financial need, while others may ask you to highlight your achievements in things like art, sports, leadership, and public service.
Many scholarships for transfer students require a letter of recommendation from an advisor or mentor as well.
Popular Scholarships for Transfer Students
The list below introduces some popular scholarships for college transfer students. All aim to offer financial assistance to students transferring from two-year colleges to four-year institutions.
You can find more scholarships by searching online, reaching out to local organizations, and checking schools’ official websites.
What Colleges Offer Scholarships for Transfer Students?
Many four-year U.S. colleges and universities offer special scholarships for students transferring into the school.
For example, Appalachian State University offers several scholarships for transfer students with various award amounts. Last year, the University of South Florida provided transfer scholarships to more than 5,000 students, with an average award amount of $2,646.
Before you apply somewhere as a transfer student, check with the schools you’re considering to see whether they offer any transfer student scholarships and how to qualify for them.
Note that many schools automatically consider you for a transfer scholarship when you apply for admission.
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