Four-year transfer planning
You shouldn’t have to guess how your credits will count.
Use Will My Credits Transfer to preview how prior learning may apply, then save your results in a private Student Passport.
This guide helps you transfer with fewer surprises.
Below are the questions students ask most when transferring from one four-year school to another, or when changing majors. Skim the ones that apply to you, then take the next step when you are ready.
- Compare smarter. Filter by cost, location, and program.
- Reduce uncertainty. Preview how credits may count before you enroll.
- Plan ahead. Save your results so you can share them when needed.
When you’re ready: check your credits, then save your plan for later.
FAQ for transfer students
Questions often asked by four-year transfer students
Expand any question to read more.
How do I decide where to transfer?
Choosing where to transfer depends on what matters most to you. Are you transferring for financial reasons? Do you want to be closer to home? Are you changing your major? You can start by narrowing your options based on things like location, cost, size, and whether the school offers your program of interest and relevant courses. Use our Transfer Profile, Program, and Course searches to compare and find the right fit for you.
How can I better understand how my credits will count?
It is always best to check how your courses will transfer before you enroll, even though some colleges wait to do formal evaluations until after you are admitted. Use our Course and Exam Equivalency searches to check the transferability of your prior learning beforehand.
Will my financial aid transfer?
Financial aid does not automatically move from one college to another. Each school has its own rules for awarding aid, so you will need to work with the financial aid office at your new college to understand what is available. You may qualify for transfer scholarships, grants, loans, or work-study opportunities. Be sure to complete the FAFSA and send it to your new school, since almost all colleges use it to determine your aid options.
Should I transfer to another college?
That really depends on why you want to transfer. Keep in mind some of your credits may not transfer, so it is important to weigh whether moving to a new school will really help you reach your goals.
What if I want to change my major?
Changing your major is quite common. Between 50% to 75% of students do it at least once. If your new major requires transferring to a different college, you can use our Program search to find schools that offer what you are interested in.
What if I only need to take a course at another school that will transfer back?
Taking a class at a community college or another school can be a smart way to save money or get a course you need but is not offered at your school. Before you register, make sure your college will accept the credit. You can use our Course search to find who offers what you need, and our Course Equivalencies search will show you previously evaluated credit.
What is reverse transfer?
Reverse transfer can mean a couple of things. Sometimes it happens when a student leaves a four-year school before finishing their degree and transfers to a community college or two-year school.
Other times, it happens when you transfer from your community college to a four-year school before earning an associate degree and your community college decides that you have earned enough credits between them to award your associate degree retroactively. Some states have special programs to help with this. For example, Tennessee’s Reverse Transfer initiative.