Sophia AlexanderConsidering transferring colleges? You’re far from alone—approximately 1.2 million undergrads transfer annually. While transferring allows you to start anew, it also has some tough questions surrounding your credits and GPA.
One of the most pressing concerns? Does your GPA transfer when you transfer colleges?
Does your GPA transfer if you switch colleges?
Nope, your GPA doesn’t transfer when you switch. If you’re transferring from college to college or from a community college to a college, your GPA begins anew at your new institution. Only the grades earned there will contribute to your new GPA.
That said, your academic history still plays a role. Colleges will always review your transcript, and your past GPA can affect transfer admissions, scholarship opportunities, and how your credits are evaluated.
Does your GPA reset when you transfer colleges?
Yes, it does. Your new GPA is calculated only from the classes you take at your new college. If you aced a 4.0 or struggled through a tough semester, your old grades won’t count toward your new GPA.
What appears on your transcript when you transfer?
Although your GPA doesn’t transfer, your transcript does. Your old transcript will still show:
All courses you took
The grades you received
Your cumulative GPA at that school
Your new college will give you a separate transcript for the work that you do there. If you go to grad school or a job in the future, you may need to send transcripts from both institutions.
How is GPA calculated when transferring?
As we said, your GPA does not transfer. Your new college only counts the grades you get after you transfer. So even if you’d previously had an amazing (or terrible) GPA, it will not influence your official GPA at your new college.
But in some situations, your previous GPA may still be important and include:
Honors eligibility: Depending on the schools, your earlier GPA is considered for honors programs or academic recognition.
Admissions & scholarships: Although your GPA is restarted, some institutions may recompute your previous grades when considering transfer applications or scholarship eligibility.
Credit transfer assessments: Although your GPA is not transferred, the grades in your previous coursework may be verified when determining what credits will transfer.
Bottom line? Your GPA is renewed, but your academic record continues to count—particularly when applying to competitive programs or financial aid.
Transferring from university to university?
This is a popular route, but policies on credit transfer are not all the same. Here’s what to look before making the switch:
Course articulation agreements: Some schools/states have agreements that ensure credit transfers.
Credit limits: Universities tend to limit transfer credits (typically 60–90 for a bachelor’s degree).
Prerequisite requirements: Certain majors need certain courses prior to transferring.
Minimum GPA for transfer: Most universities require a minimum of 2.0–3.0 GPA.
How do college credits transfer?
Your GPA may not carry over, but credits typically do—with some exceptions. Passing a class doesn’t mean your new school will accept it.
The following factors influence credit transfers:
Course equivalency: Your new college requires the same course in order for the credit to transfer.
Grade requirements: Some colleges require a grade of at least a C or better.
Credit limits: Some colleges place a limit on how many credits they accept as transfer credits.
Accreditation: Credits from regionally accredited schools transfer more easily.
Subject matter: STEM courses sometimes expire, while humanities credits transfer more smoothly.
Common credit transfer challenges
Transferring credits isn’t always simple. Here are some hurdles students face:
Slow transcript evaluations: Colleges can take weeks or months to review credits, delaying registration and graduation plans.
Uncertainty about how courses transfer: Some credits may only count as electives, not major requirements.
Confusing transfer agreements: School/state policies differ, making it difficult to determine which credits are applicable.
Lost credits due to policy differences: Certain schools do not accept credits from non-accredited schools, requiring students to repeat classes.
Transfer students lose, on average, a whopping 43% of credits—that’s nearly an entire semester’s worth. Prudent planning can save time and money.
How to transfer credits successfully
Want to ensure your credits don’t get wasted? Here’s what you can do:
Find out about your new school’s transfer policy. Check their website or call the registrar.
Sit down with an advisor. They can help you understand which credits will transfer to your degree.
See if they have articulation agreements. Some schools have partnerships that make credit transfers easier.
Ask for a credit evaluation. Many colleges provide unofficial evaluations before you sign up.
Get your transcript in early. The earlier your credits are assessed, the earlier you can start planning.
Look for transfer scholarships. Your previous GPA may make you eligible for aid.
Are you able to transfer credits from one state to another?
Yes! Just remember:
Regional accreditation makes credits more easily transferable.
State-specific requirements could impact general ed credits.
Residency regulations usually have you complete a minimum number of credits taken at the new institution.
Last-minute tips for a smooth transfer
Begin early. Review policies EARLY to prevent surprises.
Preserve course materials. Hold on to syllabi in case you have to appeal a credit decision.
Don’t lose heart. If credits don’t transfer initially, request a review—sometimes additional details make a difference.
Require scholarships for your new school?
Transferring could involve hidden expenses—application fees, transcript requests, lost credits, and differences in tuition. But scholarships are available!
Numerous schools and organizations provide transfer-specific merit, need-based, major-based, or even GPA-based scholarships. Even colleges award automatic transfer scholarships.
Search for funding through Appily’s scholarship database. With over a thousand possibilities, you can locate awards to make your transition easier and cheaper. Begin searching today!
