Introduction
Transferring to a new college can be an exciting turning point—but it can also come with added financial pressure. Whether you’re making the switch for academic growth, affordability, or a better campus culture, you’ll still need a plan to cover tuition and related costs. The good news? There are dozens of scholarships created specifically for transfer students, and 2025 is shaping up to offer some of the most competitive and generous options yet.
From national awards to university-specific grants, transfer scholarships are designed to support your next chapter and ease the financial burden of switching schools. This guide walks you through what’s available, how to find them, and how to give yourself the best shot at winning.
Why Students Transfer—and Why Scholarships Matter
A Fresh Start with Financial Considerations
College students transfer for a range of reasons—academic fit, cost savings, location, or personal well-being. No matter the reason, one constant remains: you’ll likely need financial aid to help with the transition. Scholarships for transfer students offer targeted support, allowing you to continue your education without being set back by tuition increases or lost financial aid.
And while many believe scholarships are just for high school seniors, that’s far from true. In fact, as long as you maintain strong grades and show promise, you’re eligible for a wide range of merit- and need-based scholarships just for transfers.
Example: The Jack Kent Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship offers up to $55,000 per year for high-achieving students moving from a community college to a four-year university.
How to Find Scholarships for Transfer Students
Use the Right Search Tools and Resources
Start with your target school’s financial aid office—they often offer exclusive scholarships for incoming transfers based on GPA, program of study, or community involvement.
Beyond that, explore reliable scholarship search engines like:
Scholarships.com
Fastweb
Bold.org
Appily
Filter your results by “transfer student” to narrow your options quickly.
25 Noteworthy Transfer Scholarships for 2025
While opportunities vary by school and scholarship provider, here are some standout programs worth exploring this year:
Jack Kent Cooke Transfer Scholarship – Up to $55,000/year for community college students
Voyager Scholarship – Up to $25,000 for rising juniors in public service
eQuality Scholarship – $6,000 for LGBTQ+ students in Northern/Central California
AICPA Transfer Award – $5,000 for accounting majors transferring from 2-year to 4-year schools
Montana 2+2 Honor Scholarship – Full in-state tuition waiver
BigFuture Scholarship (Class of 2026) – Up to $40,000, open to all U.S. students
Irving K. Barber Society Scholarship – $5,000 for students with strong community involvement
Tip: Deadlines vary, but many major transfer scholarships fall between January and April, so start early.
How to Win Scholarships as a Transfer Student
Focus on What You’re Gaining
When applying for scholarships, emphasize the opportunities ahead, not the shortcomings of your past school. Scholarship committees want to see motivation and purpose. Share what excites you about your new college—programs, professors, or resources—and how the scholarship will support your success.
Tailor Each Application
Before you hit “submit,” research the scholarship provider. Learn what values they prioritize—whether it’s academic achievement, leadership, or community service—and reflect those values in your application.
Write Thoughtful Essays
Strong writing makes all the difference. Keep your responses clear, focused, and within the word limit. Highlight your growth, goals, and what you’ll contribute at your new school.
Also, don’t overlook essentials like:
A sharp, well-organized resume
Polished answers to common prompts (e.g., why you’re transferring, your career goals)
Letters of recommendation from recent professors or mentors
Connect with Your New School
Contact the admissions or financial aid office at your new college to ask about internal transfer scholarships. Many colleges don’t promote these widely online, so a direct ask could uncover more opportunities.
Common Questions About Transfer Scholarships
Is It Harder to Get Scholarships as a Transfer?
Not at all. Transfer students are eligible for both general scholarships and those specifically designed for transfers. The process is nearly identical to applying as a freshman—just with new eligibility criteria.
What Happens to My Old Scholarships?
Scholarships from your previous school typically end when you transfer. However, you can apply for federal aid, institutional grants, and transfer-specific scholarships at your new college.
Do You Need SAT Scores to Transfer?
Most colleges don’t require SAT scores from transfer students, especially if you’ve completed a certain number of college credits. However, each school is different, so always check their specific admissions policies.
Tip: High GPA and strong college performance often weigh more than test scores in the transfer process.