How to Transfer Colleges: The Step-by-Step Guide

By DeVry University

April 30, 2026

11 min read

Transferring colleges can feel like a big move, but it can also be a powerful step toward realigning your education with your goals. If you’re considering a college transfer, you’re not alone. According to the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center (NSCRC), transfer enrollments represented 13.1% of all continuing and returning undergraduate students in the U.S. in 2024, reflecting a growing trend of students seeking programs that align better with their needs.

Whether you’re looking for more flexibility, exploring new career opportunities, or searching for a better overall fit, understanding how to transfer colleges can help you move forward with clarity and confidence.

With a rapidly changing labor market and employer concerns over the growing skills gap, both working adults and traditional students are rethinking their academic paths. In fact, The World Economic Forum predicts that 39% of workers' skill sets will be outdated by 2030, prompting many to adapt through continuous learning and upskilling.

Transferring to a school with programs aligned to evolving fields like AI and cyber security is a strategic way to learn new skills that hiring managers look for. Whatever your personal or professional reasons are, transferring colleges can help you build on what you’ve already started and move closer to your goals.

Also consider how each institution supports transfer students and whether it offers the resources you need to succeed academically and professionally. Creating a simple comparison chart or spreadsheet can help you visualize your findings and stay organized.

Some schools have articulation agreements, which can help simplify the process by outlining how credits transfer. An example of this is a community college having agreements in place with multiple 4-year universities, guaranteeing admission to students who successfully complete the community college’s programs.

Choosing a transfer-friendly degree program can also help you maximize your qualifying credits. Connecting with an adviser can help you evaluate your options, understand transfer credit policies, and identify which programs align best with your career goals.

Be sure to ask your transfer school about portfolio assessment or other processes to evaluate prior learning, and what documentation you need to provide so your experience can be considered for course credit.

At DeVry, submitting your application connects you with a representative who will set up your student portal and help you navigate your next steps for a smoother experience.

Regardless of the school, it’s smart to ask about application deadlines and gather your documents early as transcripts can take a week or more to arrive. Preparation can prevent potential enrollment delays and lay the groundwork for a smooth transition.

Having access to strong student support resources and career services can play a key role in your future success.

Understanding transfer credits and how they apply to your new program can help you better plan your path to graduation.

Choosing the right program can help you position yourself for long-term growth and adaptability.

These programs offer specialization options that can help you build relevant, career-focused skills in areas such as cyber security, analytics, supply chain, healthcare management, and project management.

The information presented here is true and accurate as of the date of publication. DeVry’s programmatic offerings and their accreditations are subject to change. Please refer to the current academic catalog for details.

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²This amount will be determined based on prevailing tuition rates at the time funds are awarded.

³Scholarships are available to those who apply and qualify. Visit our scholarships page to learn about requirements and restrictions. Scholarship and grant terms and eligibility are subject to change.