Choosing a Transfer School

Is your field of study available? 

• You want to be sure your transfer institution has degree programs that fit your academic and career goals. Once you identify if your program of study is offered, consider the quality of the Academic curriculum, instruction, resources, and opportunities for experiential learning in your field.

Is the institution accredited? 

• Take time to research the transferability of coursework if your long-term goal includes attending graduate school. 
  How well do students perform (retention and graduation rates)? Student success outcomes like retention and graduation rates are an indicator of the quality of education, support services, and career preparation provided by the college or university. 

How much will it cost? 

• Costs vary across institutions. Each school will have information on its website with a breakdown of tuition and fees and the overall cost of attendance. Specifically, you should consider these factors when determining affordability:
  • Tuition and Fees: Compare the cost of tuition and fees at different colleges or universities. Keep in mind that tuition rates can vary widely depending on whether the institution is public or private and whether you qualify for in-state tuition rates. Those qualifying for in-state tuition in Colorado may be eligible for the Colorado Opportunity Fund stipend. 
  • Financial Aid: Explore the financial aid options available, including scholarships, grants, and loans. Consider your eligibility for need-based aid as well as merit-based scholarships.
  • Cost of Living: Factor in the cost of living in the area where the college is located, including housing, food, transportation, and other expenses. Urban areas tend to have higher living costs than rural areas.
  • Work-Study Opportunities: Investigate whether the college offers work-study programs or student employment opportunities that can help offset expenses and provide valuable work experience.
  • Potential Earnings: Consider the potential return on investment for your chosen field of study. Research average starting salaries and job placement rates for graduates in your intended major.
  • Financial Aid Policies: Familiarize yourself with the college's financial aid policies, including deadlines for applying for aid, requirements for maintaining aid eligibility, and any special programs or incentives offered.
  • Loan Repayment Options: Understand the terms and conditions of any student loans you may need to borrow, including repayment plans, interest rates, and options for loan forgiveness or discharge. Consider if entry-level positions in your field of study will enable you to repay any loans you borrow. 

Will my credits transfer to satisfy degree requirements? 

• It depends. The transferability of credits to satisfy degree requirements varies based on factors such as the policies of the receiving institution, the similarity of courses to those in the degree program, and the accreditation status of the previous institution. This is why it’s a great idea to work with a transfer coach at Aims and an admissions counselor at your desired transfer institution to begin this process early. 

Is there an articulation agreement between Aims and my transfer school? 

• All Colorado public colleges and universities accept credits from public Colorado community colleges, including Aims. Click here for more information. Additionally, Aims has created partnerships with several Colorado and out-of-state institutions.

How are my transfer credits evaluated? 

• Each institution has its process for evaluating and accepting transfer credits. Transferology is a great resource for researching course equivalencies across institutions. 

Are you required to live on campus as a transfer student? 

• More often than not, students classified as transfer students are not required to live on campus. A transfer student has completed an HS diploma or GED AND has completed 24 college-level credits). However, each institution has its own requirements for living on- or off-campus. It’s important to check the housing policies of the institution where you’re transferring to confirm their requirements.

What kinds of experiential learning opportunities are available? 

• Experiential learning opportunities provide hands-on, real-world experiences that complement classroom learning, including internships, research projects, study abroad programs, and community service. These experiences will allow you to develop transferable skills and gain valuable insights to enhance your employability upon graduation.

What types of clubs and organizations are on campus? 

• Getting involved in clubs and organizations at your transfer institution allows you to explore interests, develop leadership skills, build networks, and create community. You may be involved in a club or organization at Aims right now, does your transfer institution offer something similar?

What is the faculty-to-student ratio? 

• A lower ratio often indicates increased personalized attention, smaller class sizes, and greater opportunities for mentorship within your program. If transferring as a junior, you're more likely to experience smaller class sizes than in 100 and 200-level general education courses.

Are there students like me attending this school? 

• Who you are matters and attending a college or university where you feel a sense of belonging is important. You can get a pretty good sense of an institution’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion through their advertising, website, social media, mission and diversity statements, as well as their student profile and the experiences of students and alumni. Going on a campus tour or attending an event open to the community or prospective students is a great way to experience the community firsthand before applying.

What services are available for transfer students? 

• Learning more about the resources available for transfer students, such as orientation, academic advising, transfer credit support, and peer mentorship can significantly impact your overall transfer experience.

What resources are available to support my unique needs? 

• As an Aims student, you likely identified campus resources that supported you along the way. Not all institutions offer the same academic and support services. It’s important to identify the resources you need to be successful and research what will be available to you at your transfer institution.