7 Reasons to Transfer Colleges

Published on: August 31, 2023

If you are currently enrolled in college but haven't been thrilled by the experience, you may simply not be at the right school. The good news? It's never too late to transfer colleges. In fact, many students make the switch to a different school each year for numerous reasons, ranging from cost to program quality.  

Wondering if it's time to transfer colleges and enjoy a better college experience? We've outlined the information you should consider to make this important life decision with confidence.  

Why Do Students Transfer? 

There are various reasons students may transfer to a different school, which we’ll dive into more later. Some examples of reasons to consider switching schools include cost, location, class selection and general quality of education.  

Aside from these factors, it's also not uncommon for people to transfer schools when they attend community college. Some students will take their prerequisite courses at a community college as a means of saving money because credit hours tend to be cheaper. Once they have those credits under their belts, students may transfer them to a four-year college or university. 

When You Should Consider Transferring 

If you're at all questioning your college experience and what you're getting out of it, then it never hurts to at least consider exploring your options for transferring to a different school. Remember that you are not obligated to finish your degree or program through your current school; no matter what field of study interests you, you can likely find a comparable program at another school that may better suit your needs and expectations.  

Top Reasons Students Transfer Colleges  

So, what are common reasons college students decide to transfer schools? While this is by no means a comprehensive list, it does cover some of the most popular reasons to make the switch.  

Academic Reasons 

Some students get partway through their college degree programs before realizing they actually want to go into a different field of study. The problem arises when their current school doesn't offer the program they need to pursue their career goals. When this or a similar situation occurs, it may make sense to transfer schools to find a better fit.  

Limited Growth Opportunities 

Another reason many students end up switching schools is because they feel like their growth opportunities are limited at their current school. Perhaps you have dreams of pursuing your master’s degree immediately after completing your bachelor's degree—but your school doesn't offer a graduate degree that complements your undergraduate studies. In this case, if you're feeling limited by your school's options for growth, it may make sense to transfer to a different school now so you have an easier transition to grad school later on.  

Financial Considerations 

Cost is another common factor that comes into play when it comes to transferring schools. If tuition is higher than average at your current school, you might be feeling overwhelmed by your payments or student debt. Therefore, switching to a school with a lower cost per credit hour or more robust financial aid offerings (such as scholarships and grants) may be sensible.  

Location and Environment 

Whether you're attending school online, on campus or through some hybrid of the two, the location of your school matters. Even if attending online, you may be paying more for out-of-state tuition if you don't live nearby. Likewise, if your school is located across the country, you won't have an accessible way of visiting campus for advising appointments or other useful services.  

When you're attending school on campus, location matters for those reasons as well as your overall environment. If your school is located in an area you don't enjoy, this can affect your overall mental health, studies and motivation.  

Personal Health and Well-Being 

Some higher education settings simply don't support your personal health and well-being. This may be the case in a school’s program that is too rigorous or has too many demands to accommodate your schedule. If you feel that your college experience is taking away from your physical and mental health, it's probably time to explore other options. There's no reason you need to suffer for several years just to obtain a degree; your college experience should be a positive one! 

Career and Future Plans 

Perhaps you're enrolled in a school with a degree program that should get you into your chosen field. However, your school doesn't necessarily have a strong reputation in that field. If you want to stand out from your competition in the job market once you graduate, you may be better off transferring to a school that is known for the program in which you are enrolled. You'll be better prepared for the real world once you graduate, and having a degree from a reputable program will look more impressive on your resume.  

Limited Internships or Networking Opportunities 

Not all schools are created equal when it comes to their networking and professional growth opportunities. If your school doesn't have a career services center or offer a similar program to help students transition to the working world after graduation, it may be time to explore other options. Ideally, you'll transfer to a school that is committed to setting you up for career success—not just selling you a degree.  

How Does Transferring Colleges Work?  

Though the thought of transferring colleges may seem daunting, the reality is that it's actually quite simple. The first thing you want to do after deciding you're going to transfer is reach out to the school you wish to attend. You should speak with an admissions counselor and bring a copy of your current transcript to determine which credits are eligible for transfer. This will give you a better feel for where you'll stand once you make the switch as well as which credits will be accepted. 

From there, you'll simply need to get accepted into your new school and program (if you haven't already) and complete your enrollment. Depending on when and how often courses start, you may need to wait for the next semester to begin taking classes. However, the admissions team at your new school should be able to handle all the logistics of getting your credits transferred to make your transition as smooth and seamless as possible.  

Should I Transfer Colleges?  

Ultimately, the decision of whether to transfer colleges is entirely yours to make. If some or all the most common reasons for transferring apply to you, it may be time to look into another school to pursue your college degree or certificate. Most importantly, if you do decide to switch to a new school, be sure to meet with an admissions advisor to make the process as easy as possible. 

At Husson University, we're proud to offer a variety of online degree and certificate programs to meet your needs. No matter if you're new to the college experience or unhappy with your current school, our bachelor's and master’s programs are designed with you in mind. Explore our online program options today and get in touch with our team to request more information. One of our friendly and knowledgeable advisors would be happy to speak with you further about transferring!

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