Best Colleges for Transfer Students: A Comprehensive Guide

Transferring schools is a big decision. However, choosing a university that supports transfer students can make the process smoother. We created this list of top transfer-friendly universities to help you find a school with the programs and resources you need to succeed.  

University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)

• Transfer Acceptance Rate: Approximately 24.4%​.​
• Minimum GPA Requirement: Competitive applicants typically have a GPA of 3.5 or higher.
• Financial Aid: This university offers need-based financial aid; however, out-of-state students are not eligible for this specific financial aid.
• Credit Transfer Policy: UC system-wide policy allows up to 70 semester (105 quarter) units of transferable coursework; participates in IGETC for general education completion. ​
• Housing: Limited on-campus housing for transfer students; priority given to those from outside California.​
• Social & Career Support: The Transfer Student Center provides resources such as peer mentoring, academic advising, and social events to help transfer students integrate into campus life​.

University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley)

• Transfer Acceptance Rate: Approximately 24.3%​.​
• Minimum GPA Requirement: Competitive applicants often have a GPA of 3.7 or higher.
• Financial Aid: The school offers need-based financial aid; out-of-state students may have limited options.​
• Credit Transfer Policy: UC system-wide policy allows up to 70 semester (105 quarter) units of transferable coursework; participates in IGETC for general education completion.
• Housing: Transfer-specific housing is available on campus.​
• Social & Career Support: The Transfer, Re-entry, and Student Parent Center offers resources and support tailored to transfer students, including counseling, workshops, and peer mentorship.​

University of Southern California (USC)

• Transfer Acceptance Rate: Approximately 23.5%​.​
• Minimum GPA Requirement: Competitive applicants usually have a GPA of 3.7 or higher.
• Financial Aid: It offers need-based financial aid and merit scholarships; transfer students are eligible for both.​
• Credit Transfer Policy: UC system-wide policy allows up to 70 semester (105 quarter) units of transferable coursework; participates in IGETC for general education completion.
• Housing: On-campus housing is available for transfer students, though not guaranteed.​
• Social & Career Support: The Transfer Student Community (TSC) offers orientation programs, academic advising, and social events to integrate transfer students into the campus community​

University of Michigan, Ann Arbor

• Transfer Acceptance Rate: Approximately 36.6%.
• Minimum GPA Requirement: Competitive applicants typically have a GPA of 3.0 or higher.​
• Financial Aid: Need-blind for in-state students.
• Credit Transfer Policy: The Transfer Credit Equivalency System helps students understand which credits will transfer.​
• Housing: Limited on-campus housing for transfer students; off-campus options are available.​
• Social & Career Support: Offers Transfer Connections and a peer mentorship program to help new transfer students acclimate to campus life.​

Arizona State University (ASU)

• Transfer Acceptance Rate: Approximately 89.1%.​
• Minimum GPA Requirement: 2.5 for most programs.
• Financial Aid: The school offers scholarships specifically for transfer students; need-based financial aid is also available​.
• Credit Transfer Policy: The Transfer Credit Guide provides transparency on transferable credits.​
• Housing: Transfer student housing is available with built-in support programs.​
• Social & Career Support: The Transfer Student Resource Center offers career counseling, academic advising, and social integration programs.​

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC Chapel Hill)

• Transfer Acceptance Rate: Approximately 42.1%.
• Minimum GPA Requirement: Competitive applicants often have a GPA of 3.5 or higher.​
• Financial Aid: The school offers need-based financial aid; in-state students may have full need met.
• Credit Transfer Policy: Utilizes the Transfer Equivalency Tool to assist students in evaluating credits.​
• Housing: On-campus housing is available for transfer students.​
• Social & Career Support: The Transfer Student Association organizes events to help students integrate socially and academically.​

Vanderbilt University

• Transfer Acceptance Rate: Approximately 18.9%.
• Minimum GPA Requirement: Competitive applicants usually have a GPA of 3.5 or higher.​
• Financial Aid: They offer need-based financial aid; transfer students are eligible for assistance.​
• Credit Transfer Policy: Evaluates transfer credits on a course-by-course basis; no set limit on transferable credits.​
• Housing: On-campus housing is guaranteed for transfer students.​
• Social & Career Support: The Transfer Connect mentorship program provides structured guidance and community engagement.​

Cornell University

• Transfer Acceptance Rate: Approximately 17%.
• Minimum GPA Requirement: Competitive applicants usually have a GPA of 3.5 or higher.
• Financial Aid: Transfer students can apply for need-based aid.
• Credit Transfer Policy: Works with community colleges through articulation agreements.
• Housing: Transfer students are given priority for on-campus housing.
• Social & Career Support: The Transfer Center provides academic support, advising, and career networking opportunities.

University of Washington, Seattle (UW)

• Transfer Acceptance Rate: Approximately 45%.
• Minimum GPA Requirement: 2.75 for most programs.
• Financial Aid: Transfer students can apply for scholarships and grants.
• Credit Transfer Policy: Offers the MyPlan transfer tool to help students evaluate transferable credits.
• Housing: Transfer students can apply for on-campus housing; priority is given based on availability.
• Social & Career Support: The Transfer and Returning Student Resource Center provides workshops, advising, and mentorship programs.

Northwestern University

• Transfer Acceptance Rate: Approximately 15%.
• Minimum GPA Requirement: Competitive applicants typically have a GPA of 3.5 or higher.
• Financial Aid: Need-based financial aid is available for transfer students.
• Credit Transfer Policy: Evaluates transfer credits case by case; articulation agreements available with select schools.
• Housing: On-campus housing is available but limited for transfer students.
• Social & Career Support: The Transfer Student Organization (TSO) helps students build connections and navigate campus resources.

Tips for choosing your transfer school

• Acceptance rates and GPA requirements change, so check your target school's latest criteria.
• Many schools offer financial aid and scholarships for transfer students—check their websites for details.
• Credit transfer policies differ by institution. Many schools offer online tools to help students check credit equivalencies.
• Housing options for transfer students range from guaranteed spots to competitive applications, so plan accordingly.
• Support programs like transfer mentorship, career counseling, and social organizations can help your transition experience.

Paying for college as a transfer student can be challenging, but plenty of scholarships are available to help make your education more affordable. At Appily, we make it easy to find and apply for scholarships tailored to your needs. 

Whether you're transferring from a community college or another four-year university, our database is filled with opportunities designed for students like you. Just click the button below to start exploring today.