Getting a bachelor's degree is within your reach. Columbia College provides events,
information, and advising to help you explore, plan, and transition to a 4-year university
to continue your education for a bachelor's degree and beyond! Get inspired with the
help of your academic counselor and the tools on this page.
Upcoming Events
2026 Columbia College Transfer Fair: Thursday, November 5!
Meet with representatives from California State Universities, Universities of California,
and private institutions to learn more about their programs and opportunities.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
Additional details:
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.
The UCs providecost calculatorsto estimate your cost of attendance.
The CSUs providecost calculatorsto estimate your cost of attendance.
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 forChapman University.
Quick answer:Yes, many universities offer an online bachelors degree! The availability of online
bachelors degree programs can vary depending on the major.
Additional details:The California State Universities, in particular, have increased the number of online
- and hybrid - degrees available. Check outthis websiteto search for online degree programs at the CSUs.
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.
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 withTransfer Servicesin 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.
Quick answer:No, an associates degree is not required to transfer. However, for certain colleges,
earning anAssociates Degree for Transfer (ADT)has advantages. Please see an academic counselor to learn about transfer requirements
for your desired transfer university.
Quick answer:View thecollege catalogto see which degrees in your major are offered as ADTs vs AA/AS degrees. Thecollege catalogprovides an overview of requirements for different degree options.
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.
Additional details:To submit your official transcript to be evaluated at Columbia College follow the
steps below:
Step #1 - Request that your official transcripts from other post-secondary accredited
institutions be sent directly to Columbia College.
Step #2 - Submitthis formto have your transcript evaluated. (This can be completed on your own or with the
assistance of a counselor).
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.
Quick answer:No. The college’scourse numbering systemwill allow you to know if a course is university transferable or not. Check the individualcourse descriptionsto determine if a course is university transferable; see an academic counselor with
any questions.
Additional details:Different universities have different numbering systems.Click hereto view Modesto’s (MJC’s) course numbering system.
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.
Additional details:Most CSU campuses accept applications twice a year, in November for the following
Fall and August for the following Spring semester. TheCalState websitelists dates for individual campuses which may vary. Typically, UC campuses accept
applications once a year in November, to enroll the following Fall. TheUniversity of California websitelists specific dates. Some UC campuses accept applications twice a year. Talk with
an academic counselor to plan your transfer timeline.
