Scholarships for Transfer Students

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Are There Scholarships for Transfer Students?

There are some great college scholarships for eligible students who plan to transfer. Many accredited four year colleges offer them so it’s easier for students to make a change. Some schools may award scholarships for community college transfer students and even out of state admitted students. In addition, many promising students receive scholarships from other sources. These may include university departments, nonprofits, honor societies and private companies. 

University of Denver says 70% of undergraduate students who transfer in get some type of merit financial aid. Transfer college students may receive a merit scholarship ranging from $5,000 to $21,000. If you keep up good standing, the amount you receive is renewable for all 4 years. Eligibility is based on your high school GPA and test scores.

Students transferring from a community college may also find scholarship opportunities. University of North Florida offers several Community College Transfer Scholarships. It is open to accepted state residents who have an associate’s degree from an accredited two year college in Florida. Eligible applicants must also have a 2.5 GPA or higher.

How Do You Qualify for a College Transfer Scholarship? 

As a college transfer student, you may qualify for college scholarships based on financial need or merit. For need based awards, you must file a FAFSA. You must apply by a priority deadline. Merit scholarships are about academic excellence. For these, you must meet the school’s grade point average and test score range.

Eligible applicants may also need a certain number of completed college credit hours, earned at an accredited institution. Criteria might also include full time enrollment. This may equal from 12 to 15 semester hours per academic year, depending on the school.

Some scholarship application might also ask for the following info:

  • Letter of acceptance
  • School Transcripts
  • Letters of recommendation
  • Copy of visa if you’re a non U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident card
  • Essay

10 Transfer Student Scholarships You Should Apply for in 2021

Here are 10 scholarships for transfer students who plan to switch schools. If you meet eligibility rules, apply soon before the deadline.

  1. University of Denver Merit Scholarships for Transfer Students
  2. McMurry University Transfer Scholarship
  3. DePaul University Transfer Scholarship 
  4. Aquinas College Transfer Scholarship
  5. Concordia College of New York Fortress Grant for Transfer Students
  6. Concordia College of New York Scholarship for Transfer Students
  7. North Park University Academic Scholarship for International Transfer Students
  8. University of Louisiana at Lafayette Associate Degree Academic Transfer
  9. Stevenson University Honors Scholarship for Transfer Students
  10. Drury University Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Scholarship

Which Colleges Offer Transfer Scholarships?

Many accredited colleges like University of Maryland and University of Miami offer scholarships to students transferring in. Some awards may cover partial or full tuition and fees. You may also receive full ride scholarship awards. They typically pay tuition, fees, housing and a monthly sum for living costs or travel.

The Maryland Transfer Scholarship provides partial tuition awards ranging from $5,000 to $10,000. It is granted equally over four consecutive semesters. Only in state students transferring to the University of Maryland from a two year or four year college are eligible.

All transfer applicants are automatically considered for the President’s Scholarship at University of Miami. Award amounts range from $10,000 to $15,000 annually if you have a competitive GPA of 3.5 or higher. The school also strives to maximize need based financial aid for eligible students making the move. Their goal is to meet 100% of unmet need. 

Can You Transfer Your Scholarship to a Different College?

Scholarships don’t usually transfer from one college to the next. So if you received a scholarship from college A, it won’t transfer to college B. The new school you transfer to may calculate financial aid from scratch. However, if the scholarship for transfer students comes from a nonprofit or outside source, you may be able to transfer the award as long as you continue to meet their terms. 

Why Do College Students Transfer Between Schools?

Students transfer colleges for a variety of reasons and it’s more common than you might think. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, there were over 1.3 million transfer in students at some 3,420 schools in the U.S. as of 2019. One of the main motivators is to save money. The average cost of a public two year college, cites the NCES, was $9,400 vs $14,600 at a four year school. 

As a result, many students start by enrolling in an associate’s degree program. This gets some of the general college coursework out of the way. The transferable credit hours then reduce the time and cost of a bachelor’s degree from a four year college. For others, the reasons may be less about finances and more about school fit or switching majors. Many students may also transfer due to life and academic challenges because of COVID.  

List of Scholarships for Transfer Students

Check out our list of 7,304 scholarships worth $33M below.

Legal Excellence

Calling all aspiring legal eagles! Whether you’re a high school senior with law school dreams in your head or a current college student navigating the exciting (and sometimes daunting) world of legal studies, the Lyons & Snyder Legal Excellence Scholarship could be the wind beneath your wings. Why Apply for a Scholarship from Lyons & Snyder? The Lyons & Snyder dedicated team of personal injury lawyers in Plantation, Delray Beach, Key West, and Parkland has secured life-changing settlements for countless South Floridians. Now, the firm is proud to launch the inaugural year of the Legal Excellence Scholarship to nurture the next generation of legal champions. This $500 scholarship isn’t just about financial aid, it’s about passion, potential, and a shared belief in the power of justice. We’re looking for students who embody the tenacity, critical thinking, and unwavering dedication that define a stellar legal career. Think you have what it takes? The Lyons & Snyder team will be impressed by your strong academic performance, demonstrated leadership qualities, commitment to community service, and a compelling essay showcasing your passion for the legal field and vision for the future. The Lyons & Snyder Legal Excellence Scholarship is a recognition of your talent, an investment in your future, and a handshake from a team that believes in your ability to make a difference. Ready to soar? Apply now and unleash your inner legal eagle! Lyons & Snyder Legal Excellence Scholarship Eligibility The eligibility requirements for the Lyons & Snyder Legal Excellence Scholarship are as follows: Applicants must be currently enrolled in or about to attend an accredited community college, undergraduate, or graduate program within the United States of America. Applicants must have teaching, leading, or counseling experience Applicants should have a 2.5 or greater GPA To apply for this scholarship, please include: Your resume with current contact information A current academic transcript (clearly showing your Cumulative GPA) from your high school and college (if applicable) A 500-word essay discussing how a coach or leader has inspired you or how coaching can inspire you to become a leader.
Award Amount

Total: $500

Awards: 1

Deadline

Deadline: July 30, 2024

Overcoming Adversity Scholarship

At Kopfler & Hermann, we are pleased to continue our annual scholarship for 2023! This $1,000 award will be given to a student who has overcome adversity and emerged stronger. With over 40 years of legal experience, Kopfler & Hermann law firm has served the Gulf Coast since 1992. As personal injury attorneys, we are committed to serving justice and ensuring injured workers and accident victims receive full compensation for their injuries and damages. Following this mission, the attorneys at Kopfler & Hermann established the Overcoming Adversity Scholarship and are offering it for the fifth year in a row. Kopfler & Hermann, a personal injury law firm based in Houma, Louisiana, is excited to bring back to announce our annual scholarship for 2024. This $1,000 award will be given to a student who has overcome adversity and emerged stronger. With over 40 years of legal experience, Kopfler & Hermann law firm has served the Gulf Coast since 1992. As personal injury attorneys, we are committed to serving justice and ensuring injured workers and accident victims receive full compensation for their injuries and damages. Following this mission, attorneys Kopfler & Hermann established the Overcoming Adversity Scholarship and offered it for the sixth year!
Award Amount

Total: $1000

Awards: 1

Deadline

Deadline: November 30, 2024

Cedar Crest College Transfer Student Scholarship

U.S. undergraduate female students who have completed 24 or more credit hours at an accredited institution with a grade point average of 3.0 or higher are eligible for this award. Students must transfer to Cedar Crest College in Pennsylvania.
Award Amount

Total: $30000

Awards: 10

Deadline

Deadline: January 03

Cedar Crest College Transfer Student Scholarship for Freshmen

U.S. students who have completed one semester of college with an SAT score of 1150 and in the top 20 percent of their class are eligible for this award. Students must transfer to Cedar Crest College in Pennsylvania.
Award Amount

Total: $60000

Awards: 5

Deadline

Deadline: January 03

Grace College Transfer Student Scholarship

This award is for U.S. undergraduate students who are planning to transfer to Grace College of Indiana. Students must have completed at least 24 college credit hours prior to enrollment at Grace College; and must have a grade point average of 3.2 or higher, or an SAT score of 1170 or higher, or an ACT score of 24 or higher, or a class rank in the top 10 percent.
Award Amount

Total: $11125

Awards: 100

Deadline

Deadline: March 01

Grace College Transfer Student Grant

This award is for U.S. undergraduate students who are planning to transfer to Grace College of Indiana. Students must demonstrate financial need to be considered for this award.
Award Amount

Total: $16000

Awards: 20

Deadline

Deadline: March 01

Grace College Clergy Children’s Transfer Student Award

This award is for U.S. undergraduate students who are planning to transfer to Grace College of Indiana. The student must be a dependent, unmarried child of a full-time pastor or missionary, and must also demonstrate financial need.
Award Amount

Total: $5000

Awards: 10

Deadline

Deadline: March 01

Grace College FGBC Transfer Student Scholarship

This award is for U.S. undergraduate students who are planning to transfer to Grace College of Indiana. Students must demonstrate participation in a Fellowship of Grace Brethren Church (FGBC).
Award Amount

Total: $5000

Awards: 10

Deadline

Deadline: March 01

OBU Transfer Scholarship Program

This award is available to U.S. undergraduate students who are planning to transfer to Ouachita Baptist University. Students must have a cumulative college grade point average of 2.0 or higher.
Award Amount

Total: $32000

Awards: 110

Deadline

Deadline: March 01

AICPA Foundation Two-Year Transfer Scholarship Award

This scholarship is open to U.S. students who are currently completing courses at a two-year college/university with a declared intent to major in accounting or a related field at a four-year institution. Students must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher and demonstrate some financial need (i.e., not already have educational expenses covered).
Award Amount

Total: $5000

Awards: 24

Deadline

Deadline: March 01