If you’re planning to transfer to Northeastern University from a community college, you’re in good company. In fact, 84% of Northeastern’s bachelor’s completion students arrive with some credits completed or with their associate degree, ready to transfer what they’ve learned into the classroom. Those credits can be an important tool in receiving your bachelor’s degree sooner than you expect and at a reduced cost.
Is transferring colleges worth it?
Depending on your academic and career goals, there are various benefits of transferring from community college to a university. For many, it offers a pathway to find more suitable programs and better facilities that align with their long-term goals. It allows them to reassess their educational journey and align it with interests or career aspirations they might have not considered previously.
However, your success during the university transfer process also depends on your ability to adapt to new academic environments. For those who carefully consider their options and choose a school that better suits their academic goals, transferring colleges can be beneficial.
How to know if you should transfer colleges
Whether or not to transfer colleges involves carefully evaluating your current academic experience and future goals. Here are some considerations to think about if you want to transfer from a community college to a university.
Limited academic opportunities
You should consider transferring if your current institution does not align with your academic needs and goals. This means your school may lack the specific majors or courses required to fulfill your career aspirations. Or your current institution may have insufficient academic resources such as laboratories or experienced faculty that are crucial for your field of study. In these cases, you might find that a transfer is necessary to increase your knowledge and skills.
Financial factors
Financial reasons often play a crucial role in the decision to transfer colleges. The opportunity to receive more substantial scholarships for transfer students, or grants at a different school can significantly reduce your financial burden and enhance your ability to focus on your studies.
Personal circumstances
Sometimes, personal factors significantly influence the decision to transfer colleges. If you need to be closer to home due to personal obligations or preferences, finding a college that accommodates this need can improve your overall well-being and academic success. This is why flexible learning options at a university are particularly attractive to working professionals.
Once you have decided to transfer from a community college to a university, it is time to choose the right university. There are many options to consider and many things to keep in mind as you make that transition. Here are some reasons why Northeastern is a great fit for those coming from a community college.
Download our guide to transferring from community college to a four-year university
Leverage our expert tips to navigate the transfer process and make a smooth transition.
Why transfer from community college to Northeastern?
Flexible learning environment
Northeastern’s College of Professional Studies recognizes that students are coming from many different backgrounds, experiences, and educational levels. Your needs may not fit within a traditional day-school format, which is why our classes are structured to best meet your schedule and your preferences. This includes evening, weekend, and 24/7 online classes so that you can choose what works best for you. Additionally, our courses can be completed in a variety of formats, including 100 percent online, on-ground, or a hybrid of the two.
(Read about one of our students, Dumazo Ngesina, to learn how he effectively manages attending classes alongside balancing two full-time jobs.)
Transfer credit benefits
A great benefit in transferring from a community college to Northeastern University is the transfer credits you will receive. In general, Northeastern accepts up to 60 transfer credits coming from another regionally accredited institution (exceptions include: 90 credits for active duty military, 63 for engineering majors, and 66 credits for biotechnology majors).
We typically look for transfer courses that are more than two credits each, classes where you received a grade of C or higher, and we can also assess credits you’ve received for CLEP, Dante, AP, or IB coursework. Any developmental courses you took, such as a keyboarding class or study abroad preparation course, will be not eligible to transfer.
We have seen immediate savings for students transferring credits. For example, 30 transfer credits are equivalent to approximately $16,000 in tuition, meaning 60 transfer credits could save you over $31,000 in tuition costs.
Easy transfer process
Northeastern has dedicated transfer agreements with 25 schools in seven states, making for a seamless transfer process for many students.
“The whole transfer process was easy; all I had to do was submit a transcript to Northeastern University and in a couple of weeks I received notification of which courses they would transfer over to their school,” says Jacqueline Mena, a student at Northeastern University. “Luckily, 60 credits were transferred, and I was even granted the Professional Advancement Scholarship which covered two courses per semester.”
No matter which school you are transferring from, Northeastern’s admissions team is here to help you achieve your goals. We recommend looking at the curricula at your community college and your prospective program at Northeastern before beginning the transfer process so you know what to expect. We also advise students to speak with our transfer counselors so you can talk through your goals and degree plans.
(Learn more about transferring your credits to one of Northeastern’s programs.)
Experiential learning opportunities
Consistently, one of the top reasons many students choose to enroll at Northeastern University is our extensive experiential learning network and numerous opportunities to enhance your in-classroom learning with work-based projects. Whether you choose an online project or something close to home, there is an experiential learning opportunity for everyone.
Because many bachelor’s completion students are working full-time or part-time and have additional daytime commitments, many opt for XN projects, which allow students to participate in six-week virtual projects that are impactful both on the learner and the employer. In Northeastern’s health management program, for example, faculty works closely with students’ current employers to allow working professionals to perform a project at their current job to count toward their course credits.
These projects offer an ideal opportunity for students to gain real-world experience, enhance their resume, and build their professional networks—all while completing their degree.
Scholarships and financial aid
Northeastern’s College of Professional Studies is dedicated to ensuring that our degrees are not only flexible but affordable. In order to do so, we offer various scholarship and aid opportunities that you may qualify for. Some of our featured scholarships include:
- Community college scholarships: These scholarships are awarded to students coming from one of our partner colleges with a conferred associate degree. These students may be eligible for a scholarship of up to $10,000. Applicants must have maintained at least a 2.0 GPA and submitted a complete FAFSA form with our financial aid office.
- Northeastern’s Biotech A2M Scholars program: Offered in conjunction with Middlesex Community College, this partnership provides students an accelerated pathway from their associate to master’s degree in biotechnology. Qualifying students receive a variety of benefits including scholarships of up to $10,000 per student per year, a dedicated A2M support team, assistance with transportation and textbook costs for qualifying students.
- Lowell Institute scholarship: This scholarship is awarded to students admitted into certain STEM degree programs, such as the BS in biotechnology, BS in health management, BS in IT, and BS in advanced manufacturing programs. This scholarship, which is generally awarded to every student who meets the pre-set criteria, ranges from $2,000-$25,000 per student.
There are also additional scholarship opportunities for students who are nominated by a mentor, employer, or faculty member, and for eligible servicemembers and veterans.
Keep in mind that, for many of these scholarships, you first have to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). It’s also a good idea to apply each year to see what other benefits you may qualify for.
Making an informed transfer decision
Northeastern’s College of Professional Studies offers flexibility, resources and support, scholarship and transfer credit opportunities, and experiential learning projects that are tailored to your needs. We would love to see you continue your studies with us and hope to see you apply.
To feel confident about your educational journey, carefully evaluate whether transferring to a university is the right next step for you. Understanding the transfer requirements and speaking to an academic advisor ensures a smooth shift that aligns with your goals.
Transferring colleges is a significant step that can impact your future career and personal development. This is why a thoughtful and comprehensive approach to this decision will help you choose a path that best suits your aspirations for continued success in your academic and professional journey.
Want to learn more about transferring to Northeastern (or any four-year university) from a community college? Download our free guide below.
