Key Takeaway
- Scholarships for transfer students are free money that can lower your financial stress and help you avoid student loans. Plus, there’s no limit to how many you can apply to (as long as you qualify!).
- To find scholarships you’re eligible for, use tools like College Raptor’s Scholarship Search and talk to your financial aid office.
- Start by looking into these five scholarships we’ve listed below to jumpstart your search!
Whether your first school wasn’t the right fit or you’re moving from a two-year to a four-year school, transferring is common. However, the financial aid process can be challenging. Every school has different rules, and surprise fees can add to the total cost of tuition.
Don’t let that deter you though. There are many scholarships for transfer students that can help lighten your financial load. In this guide, we’ll break down the types of scholarships available, who’s eligible, and how to find and apply for them.
Benefits of Scholarships for Transfer Students
When transferring to a new school, finances are a major topic of discussion. Thankfully, there are many types of financial aid available—federal and state grants, student loans, and scholarships.
So, why focus on scholarships?
- No Payment Required: Unlike loans, they do not need to be repaid, so the money is yours to keep.
- No Limit: That’s right—you can apply to however many scholarships you want! Just make sure you’re eligible before you exert the time and energy.
- More Flexibility Than Grants: While grants are also free aid, they do have a limit to how much you can qualify for.
- Less Financial Stress: Loans eventually have to be repaid with interest; scholarships don’t. This means you can spend more time on your studies and less time working extra hours.
With these benefits in mind, it’s worth taking the time to look for and apply to as many scholarships as you can.
Types of Scholarships for Transfer Students and Their Eligibility
Before you start applying to scholarships, it’s helpful to know what’s out there and what you might be eligible for. Here are the most common types:
Need-Based
Need-based scholarships are awarded to students who show financial need. To qualify, you may need to:
- Submit documentation that discloses yours or your family’s income
- Fill out the FAFSA
- Complete a school-specific financial aid form
Tip: Even if you’re unsure about eligibility, apply. Every scholarship has different requirements.
Merit-Based
Merit-based scholarships are awarded based solely on grades, extracurriculars, and leadership skills. You may be eligible if you:
- Have excellent test scores
- Participate and excel in extracurriculars (i.e., have outstanding sports achievements or a talent for the arts)
- Demonstrate strong leadership skills
- Are of a certain ethnicity, gender, or other minority group
Career or Program Specific
Career or program-specific scholarships are awarded to students who plan to pursue a specific field of study. To qualify, you’ll likely need to:
- Be enrolled (or be planning to enroll) in a specific program
- Show how it connects to your future career (e.g., nursing, law, computer science)
Luck-Based
Some scholarships are awarded out of luck. This means they select a winner at random. In this case, your financial need, academics, or extracurriculars don’t matter. While the odds of winning are slimmer due to a higher number of applicants, they’re quick to apply for so they’re worth a shot.
How To Find Scholarships for Transfer Students
There are a couple of ways to search for scholarships:
- Online Search Engines: Use a scholarship search engine like College Raptor’s Scholarship Search tool to get matched with scholarships based on your academic achievements, extracurriculars, and financial need. You’ll see deadlines, eligibility, and application steps all in one place.
- Financial Aid Office: Check with your new college’s financial aid office to see if they offer any scholarships for incoming transfers. They will also be able to answer your questions regarding other financial aid—including grants, loans, and work-study programs.
5 Transfer Scholarships You Can Apply For
Don’t wait to start applying for scholarships. As soon as you know you are transferring, start your search early. Here are five scholarships for transfer students to get you started:
1. MAKING THE LEAP SCHOLARSHIP
- Award Amount: $1,000
- Deadline: January
Who Is Eligible: Any undergraduate student who is looking to “make the leap” to another college or university.
How to Apply: You must be transferring or planning to transfer, create a Scholarships360 account, and answer the following prompt in 100 words or less: Why are you transferring schools, and what do you intend to accomplish at your new school?
*Note: This scholarship is reviewed based on the quality of your response, and how many scholarships you’ve applied for on the Scholarships360 platform. That means the more you apply for, the higher your chance of winning.
2. $1,000 APPILY EASY COLLEGE MONEY SCHOLARSHIP
- Award Amount: $1,000
- Deadline: Rolling Admissions
Who Is Eligible: Any transfer student at an accredited college who is looking for easy money to pay for college!
How to Apply: It’s easy! All you have to do is create an account on Appily. There is no essay, no minimum GPA requirements, and you can add up to 10 schools you’re considering.
*Note: The winner must complete a payment form stating which college they will be attending and where to send the payment.
3. HERBERT LEHMAN EDUCATION FUND
- Award Amount: $3,000 per year for four years
- Deadline: April
Who Is Eligible: This scholarship is for transfer law students who demonstrate financial need (a combined family income of $70,000 or less) and have a strong academic background.
How to Apply: Applicants must submit the following documents:
- A personal essay
- Proof of enrollment
- Proof of financial need
- Resume
- Two letters of recommendation
- SAT or ACT score
- FAFSA form
The winner will be chosen based on a combination of the above factors. The award is renewable for four years—on condition that the recipient fulfills all program requirements.
4. COOKE UNDERGRADUATE TRANSFER SCHOLARSHIP
- Award Amount: Up to $55,000 per year up to three years (varies by need and expenses)
- Deadline: January
Who Is Eligible: This scholarship is for top community college students seeking to transfer to a four-year college or university in the U.S. Applicants must:
- Have sophomore status (or be recent graduates)
- Plan to enroll full-time in the upcoming fall semester
- Have a 3.50 or higher GPA
- Demonstrate unmet financial need (adjusted gross income up to $95,000).
- NOT have enrolled previously in a four-year institution.
How to Apply: Applicants must submit an online application including:
- Academic records
- Family financial information
- A personal essay
- Letters of recommendation
- Documentation of awards/honors
- Evidence of leadership and service activities
Approximately 45 scholarships are awarded each year, covering tuition, living expenses, books, and required fees for two to three years, depending on the degree path.
5. JWU TRANSFER SCHOLARSHIP
- Award Amount: Up to $20,000 per year, up to four years
- Deadline: Rolling admissions
Who Is Eligible: Transfer students who have completed at least 45 quarter-credit hours at a previous college.
How to Apply: Apply for admission to Johnson & Wales University—no separate scholarship application needed. Awards are based on your achievements and how many credits you transfer.
*Note: This scholarship is renewable for up to four years if renewal requirements are met.
Want to apply for even more scholarships?
Sign up for College Raptor’s Scholarship Search tool to explore more scholarships for transfer students. By filling out your test scores, grades, and intended new college, the tool will find scholarships that you are eligible for.
Tips for Standing Out on Your Scholarship Applications
Scholarships tend to be highly competitive with hundreds of transfer students applying for every opportunity. The key to beating the competition is to make sure your application stands out. Here are a few tips that can help:
- Only apply to the scholarships that are a good fit for you. For example, if you’re not an avid book reader, you probably shouldn’t spend time applying for a “Book Lovers” scholarship.
- Put effort into your personal essays. Many scholarships will require you to write an essay—don’t rush the process. Share experiences and interests that are unique to you and that will catch the attention of the reader.
- Ask three to four weeks in advance for letters of recommendation. This way, your letter writer has time to write a thoughtful recommendation and get it back to you on time. Remember, a strong recommendation letter can boost your chances of receiving a scholarship.
- Pay close attention to all of the scholarship rules and details. This includes the instructions for submitting, how to format your essay, and specific documents to include. If you fail to follow all of the rules, your application may get thrown out.
- Always proofread—check for grammar and spelling errors. If you’re submitting an essay or resume, have a professor or mentor look over it. Most importantly, make sure the essay is relevant to the prompt!
Other Options for Financial Aid
There are other ways to help pay for college—just make sure you fill out the FAFSA first:
- Grants: This is need-based aid that doesn’t need to be repaid. There are four grants including, Federal Pell Grants, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG), Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grants, and Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grants.
- Work-Study Programs: These programs allow you to work a part-time job—usually on campus—to earn money to pay for college expenses.
- Federal Student Loans: This is money you borrow from the government but must pay back with interest.
- Private Student Loans: This is money you borrow from private lenders or banks to help pay for college expenses. Tip: If you apply with a cosigner, you can often get lower interest rates!
Applying for scholarships allows you to breathe easier and focus your energy on what truly matters—your education. Whatever your reason for transferring schools, know that you are still eligible for scholarships. It’s never too early to start your search and see what you may qualify for. Good luck!
Transferring schools can help you find your perfect fit! Use College Raptor’s College Match tool to find the best college for you based on your grades, test scores, major, location, and financial status!
