Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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What is a transfer student?
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Quick answer: A transfer student is someone who completes coursework at a community college, submits an application to transfer to a 4-year university (UC or CSU, for example), and then continues their education at the 4-year university.
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Additional details: Over 50,000 California Community College students transfer every year. Some students begin their education at a community college to save thousands of dollars on tuition, while others opt to attend community college to determine which major interests them the most. Regardless of why you choose to attend community college, with proper planning, you can transfer to a university and complete a major that is right for you! Work with your academic counselor to create a transfer-focused degree plan to ensure that your coursework will transfer. Once you transfer to a 4-year university, you will enter the university with Junior standing and will need only approximately 2-years worth of coursework to complete your bachelors degree!
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How long does it take to transfer?
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Quick answer: A full-time student can typically transfer after 2 years at a community college. Work with an academic counselor to build your Starfish Educational Plan to determine where you are in the transfer timeline and which specific classes you should take.
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Additional details: In order to transfer to a UC or CSU, students are typically required to complete 60 units of university transferable coursework (exceptions exist!). Additionally, private/independent universities may accept students with less than 60 units. If you successfully passed AP tests in high school, those exams can potentially count as college credit/units! If a student completes 15 units per year, it will take approximately 4 years to transfer. If a student completes 30 units per year, they can typically transfer after 2 years.
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Is transfer affordable?
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Quick answer: Yes! In many cases, your financial aid will cover the cost of tuition at the 4-year university! In some cases, financial aid will also cover housing, transportation costs, food, and supplies.
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Additional details:
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The UC’s and CSU’s have created “cost calculators” that allow you to estimate the financial aid you will receive by entering your age, family size, income and a few additional criteria.
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The UCs provide cost calculators to estimate your cost of attendance.
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The CSUs provide cost calculators to estimate your cost of attendance.
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If you are considering a private/independent university, each university will provide detailed information about their cost of attendance and financial aid. Here is one example for Chapman University.
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Can I complete my bachelors degree online?
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Quick answer: Yes, many universities offer an online bachelors degree! The availability of online bachelors degree programs can vary depending on the major.
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Additional details: The California State Universities, in particular, have increased the number of online - and hybrid - degrees available. Check out this website to search for online degree programs at the CSUs.
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Many private/independent universities also offer online degrees. The "Best Colleges" website highlights a listing of various online degree options (including private/independent and out-of-state university). We recommend you work with a Columbia College counselor to assist in researching and evaluating these options.
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How can I start preparing to transfer?
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Quick answer: Make an appointment with a Columbia College academic counselor to create your Degree Plan. Your degree plan will provide a detailed overview of the coursework needed specific to your degree and intended transfer universities). Consider connecting with Transfer Services in the TRiO Department; a program designed to assist students completing a bachelor's degree in a timely manner while achieving the highest GPAs, maximizing all financial aid and scholarship opportunities, and minimizing their student debt. Transfer services are offered free to all students at Columbia College through the TRiO federally-funded grants of Student Support Services & the MEOC- Motherlode Educational Opportunity Center.
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Additional details: The California State University website, the University of California website and the Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) website are great resources to begin researching your options.
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I took classes at another college. Will they transfer?
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Quick answer: Coursework completed at other accredited institutions can be evaluated to determine if they meet any requirements at Columbia College. Connect with an academic counselor or Admissions & Records to determine which of your classes will likely transfer across.
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Additional details: To submit your official transcript to be evaluated at Columbia College follow the steps below:
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Step #1 - Request that your official transcripts from other post-secondary accredited institutions be sent directly to Columbia College.
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Step #2 - Submit this form to have your transcript evaluated. (This can be completed on your own or with the assistance of a counselor).
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Step #3 - Once Admissions & Records completes your evaluation, you will receive an email notification to your student email. The process takes 6-8 weeks depending on the time of year the request is received.
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When do I need to submit my transfer application?
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Quick answer: It depends on various factors including how many units you are transferring with, your major, your desired transfer university, and when the university is accepting applications.
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Additional details: Most CSU campuses accept applications twice a year, in November for the following Fall and August for the following Spring semester. The CalState website lists dates for individual campuses which may vary. Typically, UC campuses accept applications once a year in November, to enroll the following Fall. The University of California website lists specific dates. Some UC campuses accept applications twice a year. Talk with an academic counselor to plan your transfer timeline.
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Private/independent universities, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), online universities and out-of-state universities have varying requirements and timelines.
