How to Transfer College Credits (& What Happens to Your GPA?)

Thinking about transferring colleges? You’re not alone—around 1.2 million undergraduate students transfer every year. While switching schools can give you a fresh start, the process also comes with big questions, especially about your credits and GPA.

One of the most common concerns? Does your GPA transfer when you switch colleges?

Does your GPA transfer when you change colleges?

No, your GPA does not transfer when you switch schools. Whether you're moving from one college to another or from a community college to a university, your GPA resets at your new institution. Only the grades you earn there will count toward your new GPA.

However, your academic history still matters. Colleges will always review your transcript, and your past GPA can influence transfer admissions, scholarship eligibility, and credit evaluations.

Does your GPA reset when you transfer colleges?

Yes, your GPA resets when you transfer. Your new GPA is based only on the courses you take at your new college or university. Whether you crushed it with a 4.0 or struggled through some challenging semesters, your new college won’t factor in those past grades when calculating your GPA.

What shows on your transcript when you transfer colleges?

Even though your GPA doesn’t transfer, your transcript does. Your previous transcript will still show:

• Every course you completed
• The grades you earned
• Your cumulative GPA at that college

Your new school will create a fresh transcript based on the coursework you complete there. If you ever apply to grad school or for a job, you might need to submit transcripts from both schools.

How is GPA calculated when transferring?

As we explained, your GPA does not carry over when you transfer. Instead, your new school calculates your GPA based only on the grades you earn after transferring. This means that even if you had a high (or low) GPA at your previous institution, it won’t impact your official GPA at your new school.

However, your past GPA may still play a role in certain situations, including:

• Honors eligibility: Some schools consider your previous GPA when evaluating applications for honors programs or academic distinctions.
• Admissions and scholarships: While your GPA resets, some universities internally recalculate your past grades to assess your academic strength for transfer admissions or scholarship decisions.
• Credit transfer evaluations: Although your GPA doesn’t transfer, the grades associated with your previous coursework might be reviewed when determining how many of your credits will be accepted.

Even though your GPA starts fresh, your academic history still matters—especially when applying for competitive programs or financial aid opportunities.

Transfer policies from community college to university

Transferring from a community college to a university is a common path, but policies for handling your credits vary. Here’s what to check before making the move:

• Course articulation agreements: Some states and schools have agreements that guarantee credit transfers.
• Credit limits: Universities often cap the number of transfer credits (typically 60–90 for a bachelor’s degree).
• Prerequisite requirements: Some majors require specific courses before transfer.
• Minimum GPA for transfer admissions: Many universities require at least a 2.0–3.0 GPA for transfer students.

How do college credits transfer?

Your GPA might not transfer, but your credits (mostly) do—with a few catches. Just because you passed a class doesn’t mean your new school will accept it.

Here’s what affects whether your credits transfer:

• Course equivalency: Your new college must offer a similar course for the credit to count.
• Grade requirements: Many colleges require at least a C or higher for a credit to transfer.
• Credit limits: Some schools cap the number of transfer credits they accept.
• Accreditation: Credits from regionally accredited schools are more likely to transfer.
• Subject matter: Courses in fast-changing fields (like STEM) may have expiration dates, while humanities courses transfer more easily.

Common challenges in the credit transfer process

Transferring credits isn’t always straightforward, and many students encounter obstacles along the way. Understanding these challenges can help you plan ahead to minimize potential setbacks. Here are some of the biggest hurdles students face:

• Long waits for transcript and credit evaluations: Colleges often take weeks or months to review transcripts and determine which credits will transfer. Delays can impact course registration and graduation timelines, leaving students uncertain about their academic standing.
• Uncertainty about whether courses will transfer—and how they’ll count: Not all courses transfer equally. Some may count as electives rather than fulfilling major requirements, while others may not be accepted at all. Students often need to consult with advisors to understand how their credits will apply to their degree plan.
• Confusion about transfer agreements, requirements, and eligibility: Many states and institutions have articulation agreements that guarantee credit transfer between specific schools, but these agreements can be complex and vary widely. Without clear guidance, students may struggle determining which courses will count toward their intended major.
• Losing credits due to differences in institutional policies: Some colleges have stricter policies on transfer credits, limiting the number of credits accepted or rejecting coursework from non-accredited institutions. Students may sometimes need to retake courses, adding extra time and cost to their degree.

On average, transfer students lose about 43% of their credits—roughly a semester’s worth of work. That’s why planning ahead and researching your transfer options is crucial to avoid losing time and money.

How to transfer credits successfully

Want to make sure your hard work doesn’t go to waste? Follow these steps:

1. Research your new school’s transfer policies: Check their website or contact the registrar to understand their credit transfer rules.
2. Meet with an academic advisor: They can help you determine which of your credits will apply to your degree.
3. Look for articulation agreements: Some schools have partnerships that make credit transfers easier.
4. Request a credit evaluation: Many colleges offer unofficial evaluations before you enroll.
5. Submit your transcript early: The sooner your credits are evaluated, the better you can plan your remaining coursework.
6. Check for transfer scholarships: Your previous GPA might qualify you for financial aid opportunities at your new school.

Can you transfer college credits between states?

Absolutely! You can transfer credits across state lines, but keep these factors in mind:

• Regional accreditation: Credits from regionally accredited schools are more likely to be accepted.
• State-specific requirements: Some states have unique general education requirements.
• Residency rules: Many colleges require you to complete a certain number of credits at their institution before being awarded a degree.

Final tips for a smooth credit transfer

• Plan early: The earlier you start researching transfer policies, the fewer surprises you’ll face.
• Save course materials: Keep syllabi and course descriptions in case you need to appeal transfer credit decisions.
• Don’t give up: If some credits don’t transfer initially, ask for a review—sometimes providing more details can help.

Ready to find scholarships for your new college?

Transferring to a new college can come with unexpected costs, including application fees, transcript requests, lost credits, and differences in tuition rates. But don’t let financial concerns hold you back—scholarships can help ease the burden.

Many schools and organizations offer scholarships specifically for transfer students. These awards can be based on merit, financial need, academic achievements, or even your intended major. Some universities also provide automatic transfer scholarships based on your GPA.

To find funding opportunities that fit your needs, check out Appily’s scholarship database. With thousands of scholarships available, you can discover scholarships to make your transition smoother and more affordable. Start your search today!