8 Reasons Students Transfer Colleges

One of the most common reasons students transfer colleges is to pursue a different major. You might have started your college journey unsure of your long-term goals, only to discover a new direction after taking electives that sparked your interest. If your current school doesn’t offer the program you’re looking for, transferring to a school that does can be the next step.

You may also find yourself looking for a program that aligns better with the job market. Exploring areas like technology or business, or emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, can help you connect what you’re learning to modern roles and move forward with a stronger sense of direction.

Choosing a school that offers career support, such as the option to work one-on-one with a career advisor, can help you discover educational programs that align with your interests, skills, and the types of roles you want to pursue after graduation.

Your college journey doesn’t always follow a typical path. You may have taken time away from college for work, family responsibilities, military service, or other life circumstances.

Now that you’re ready to come back, your priorities might even be different. You may need a program that fits around your schedule, offers online learning, or can help you accelerate your path toward graduation.

As you explore your options, it helps to look for a school that supports transfer and returning students. From evaluating your previously earned credits to offering academic guidance, the right support can make it easier to pick up where you left off and keep moving forward.

Starting at a community college can be a smart way to begin your education, whether you’re looking to save on tuition, stay close to home, or take time to figure out what you want to study. According to the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center’s Fall 2024 Transfer Enrollment and Pathways Report, 2-year to 4-year transfer students account for more than 41% of transfer enrollments.

If community college is where you started, transferring to a 4-year school may be the logical next step. Important things to consider when transferring from a community college include:

Sometimes the issue isn’t what you’re studying — it’s where you’re studying it. You may be looking for smaller class sizes, better access to faculty and staff, or a campus culture that feels like a better fit for your college experience.

Finding a better college fit can include:

Your schedule can play a big role in continuing your education. If your classes don’t fit around work, family responsibilities, or other commitments, it may be time to look for a program that offers more flexibility.

When you’re comparing transfer schools, look for:

You’ve moved, or your circumstances have changed, and your current school no longer fits your needs. For some students, being on campus makes sense for commuting, in-person connection, and structured attendance. For others, earning a degree online offers the flexibility to learn from anywhere, even if life takes you somewhere new.

At DeVry, you’re not limited by geography. All of our degree and certificate programs can be completed 100% online. If you’re learning online and move near a campus, you may have the option to take in-person classes, depending on your program.¹ If you’re attending on campus and need to relocate at the end of an 8-week session, you can typically continue your program online.

Cost is often a major factor in deciding whether to stay at your current school or transfer. If your financial situation has changed, you may be looking for more affordable options or additional support.

As you compare schools, look beyond tuition to consider how transferring impacts your financial aid. You may be eligible for transfer-specific scholarships² that can make completing your degree more manageable. Understanding your transfer scholarship¹ opportunities can help you make a more informed decision about where to transfer to complete your degree.

You may also decide it’s time to transfer colleges when you want your education to align more closely with your career goals. This can include:

Your situation is unique, and your decision to transfer may be shaped by a combination of factors rather than a single reason. Deciding whether to transfer colleges, and where, comes down to what you need to reach your goals. Look for a program that fits your interests, offers a schedule that works with your life, and has the support you need to keep moving forward.

Taking time to carefully evaluate what matters to you, and how a new school aligns with those priorities, can help you make a more confident decision. What is most important is finding a school that helps you feel engaged, supported, and focused on completing your degree.