Your Guide to Scholarships for Transfer Students

Transfer students can receive scholarships depending on the institution and their qualifications. Many universities offer merit-based, need-based, or transfer-specific scholarships. Eligibility often depends on academic achievements, financial need, or unique transfer agreements between schools. Check with your prospective institution for specific opportunities and requirements.

There are a lot of big question marks around transferring between colleges. What grades do you need to get into your dream school? How many of your hard-earned credits will transfer over with you? Will your new roommate help you keep your dorm tidy, or will they be as useless as the “g” in lasagna?

Even more stressful, though, is figuring out how you’re going to pay for your education. After all, there is no guarantee that your college scholarships will transfer with you to your new school. 

So, what’s a transfer student to do?

Fortunately, scholarships for transfer students are a thing. In this guide, we’ll explain the ins and outs of applying for college scholarships as a transfer student — plus, how to find college scholarships to help fund your education at your new school.

Understanding Scholarships for Transfer Students

It’s not uncommon for transfer students to lose some of their financial aid when they switch schools. To make matters worse, transfer students are often ineligible for scholarship awards that are usually offered to incoming freshmen.

This is a huge bummer (obvi), but there is some good news. Because many colleges and universities seek out transfer students for diversity reasons, there are plenty of scholarships for transfer students available. And don’t forget: You can also apply for any scholarships that you might be eligible for based on things like your GPA, age, race, ethnicity, career choice, etc. 

scholarships for transfer students

Of course, just because there are lots of scholarships for transfer students available doesn’t mean that you’ll have an easy time winning them. Given that roughly one-third of students transfer before graduating, you may have some fierce competition for the high-dollar, national scholarships. For this reason, we recommend applying for a mix of large and small scholarships. 

How to Find College Scholarships for Transfer Students

So, how do you find scholarships for transfer students? First, check out the school’s website. While not every college and university has college scholarships for transfer students, those that do could potentially end up paying for a big chunk of your education. Also, don’t forget to check out the department/program you’re considering for scholarships that are relevant to your major.

And we may be totally biased (OK, we’re definitely biased), but Tallo is another great place to look for college scholarships. Simply create a profile and start looking!

When Should You Apply for Transfer Scholarships?

Students often underestimate how much time it takes to apply for college scholarships. First, you need to identify scholarships that you’re eligible for. Then, you need to carefully read through the requirements and put together a thoughtful application, which may or may not require you to write a time-consuming essay.

To increase your chances of winning scholarship dough, you should start the application process early. Additionally, don’t forget to fill out the FAFSA, which may be required to apply for certain scholarships.

Related: When to Apply for College Scholarships

some transfer scholarships

The Best Scholarships for Transfer Students

We’ve rounded up a list of the top scholarships for transfer students. However, keep in mind that some transfer scholarships are specifically for students who are transferring from community college to a university. If you’re not transferring from community college, don’t worry! You can still apply for general scholarships. 

1. Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship

Eligibility: Students must be enrolled at community college with plans to enroll at a four-year college or university. Students must have a 3.5 GPA or higher to apply.

Amount: Up to $40,000 per year

2. Tau Sigma National Honor Society Scholarship

Eligibility: (Eligibility for Tau Sigma membership) Students must be enrolled as a full-time student at a community college with plans to enroll at a four-year college or university and hold a minimum 3.5 GPA.

Amount: Up to $5,000

3. Hispanic Scholarship Fund

Eligibility: Must be a Hispanic student transferring from a community college to a four-year university. Applicants must have a 2.5 minimum GPA or higher.

Amount: $500 – $5,000

4. Pearson Scholarship for Higher Education

Eligibility: Must be a member of Phi Theta Kappa and have a minimum 3.5 GPA. Applicants must have completed 12 to 36 semester hours of college-level coursework before applying.

Amount: $5,000

5. The Community College Scholarship Program

Eligibility: Must be an “out” member of the LGBTQ community who is enrolled or intending to enroll at a community college with plans to transfer to a four-year college or university.

Amount: $2,400 per semester or $4,800 for academic year

Ready, Set, Apply!

Remember, these are just a handful of scholarships that are available to transfer students. You can find more scholarships on Tallo

Ready to get started? 

Common Questions

Below are common questions we get asked about this topic.

Can transfer students apply for scholarships if they have gaps in their education?

Yes, transfer students with gaps in their education can still apply for scholarships. Many institutions focus on the most recent academic performance and transferable credits. For example, Thomas More University considers academic performance at the most recent institution attended where the student has earned at least 12 transferable credit hours. 

If you have gaps in your education, focus on highlighting your recent academic achievements and explaining any circumstances that led to the gaps in your application.

Are transfer scholarships available for students changing majors?

Generally, transfer scholarships are not restricted based on a student’s major. However, some scholarships may be specific to certain fields of study. When changing majors, it’s essential to check with the new department or college within the university for any major-specific scholarships. Additionally, ensure that your transfer credits still apply to your new major to maintain eligibility for general transfer scholarships.

How do transfer scholarships affect financial aid packages?

Transfer scholarships are typically considered part of your overall financial aid package. While they can significantly reduce your tuition costs, they may impact other forms of financial aid. Some universities, like the University of Texas at Dallas, allow transfer scholarships to be used in addition to other grants, scholarships, or loans. However, it’s important to consult with the financial aid office of your prospective university to understand how a transfer scholarship might affect your overall aid package.

Can transfer students reapply for scholarships in subsequent years?

Many transfer scholarships are renewable for a specific period, usually up to three years, as long as students maintain the required GPA and full-time enrollment status. However, if you didn’t receive a scholarship upon transfer or if you’re interested in additional funding, you may be able to apply for other scholarships in subsequent years.

Check with your university’s financial aid office for opportunities to apply for new scholarships as a continuing student.

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