How to Transfer from Community College

Continue your educational journey at the University of Arizona: your options, questions, and expert answers!

Hey, future Wildcat! Transferring to the University of Arizona after attending community college is a smart decision – you’ve got some experience under your belt, and you have a better idea of what you’d like to do after you graduate. It’s an amazing opportunity to earn a world-class degree – and earn more after you graduate. 

With its prestigious programs, vibrant campus culture, and flexible transfer options, UArizona is the perfect destination for your academic journey. In this guide, we'll walk you through the transfer process, address common pain points, and explore why becoming a Wildcat is the right choice for you.

“I chose the University of Arizona because I felt like they could offer me the most accessible and beneficial opportunities in my education. I also knew they had a great reputation and I was excited to become a Wildcat!” – Madissen, Near You Network Transfer Student, Nursing

The Transfer Process Made Easy

Transferring from a community college to a university can seem overwhelming, but fear not! The University of Arizona has streamlined the transfer process to ensure a seamless transition. Here's five steps to take to make it happen:

1. Plan Ahead

   Start by researching UArizona's transfer requirements and deadlines. Meet with your community college advisor to map out a transfer plan and ensure you're taking the necessary courses (read more below!).

2. Gather Your Documents

   Request official transcripts from your community college and any other institutions you've attended. Make sure to submit them to UArizona along with your transfer application.

3. Explore Transfer Locations

   Every Wildcat is different. So, you have options when choosing where to earn your University of Arizona degree – one that suits your unique needs and lifestyle.

   • Arizona Online is ranked in the top 3% for online bachelor programs in the country and offers unmatched flexibility for college transfers: work on your degree anytime, from anywhere. Fun fact: More and more transfer students are choosing Arizona Online than any other pathway.

   • Want to super size your Wildcat experience? Joining the 40,000 students who call Tucson and main campus home is nothing short of having it all. Everywhere you go, you can feel Bear Down spirit. Plus, resources like the Student Success District, Campus Health, and Campus Recreation are close at hand. 

   • And, if location, location, location are your top priorites the Near You Network (NYN) offers close-to-home classes throughout the state of Arizona in Chandler, Douglas, Gilbert, Nogales, and Yuma. In addition, network students save big by completing the first two years of their program at their local community college and the next two at the NYN location nearby.

4. Apply for Financial Aid

   Don't let financial concerns hold you back. UArizona offers scholarships, grants, and other financial aid opportunities specifically for transfer students. Be sure to submit your FAFSA and explore available resources.

5. Stay Informed

   Keep track of important deadlines and stay in touch with UArizona's admissions office. They're there to help answer any questions you may have throughout the transfer process.

Your Questions, Expert Answers

“The top concerns transfer students have are determining how their credits will transfer, connecting with an academic advisor to plan their coursework, and cost.” – Courtney Robinson, Arizona Admissions Transfer Specialist

Who can transfer to the University of Arizona? 

If you have 12 or more transferable community college credits, the University of Arizona considers you a transfer student. That’s the short answer. But there’s much more to it, and since no two students are exactly alike we turned to our admissions expert, to share the questions they hear most and some go-to resources that can help. 

How many of my college credits will the University accept?

Whether you are transferring from a local community college like Cochise, Pima, or Yavapai or an out-of-state school, these resources will help you determine which of your existing credits will transfer and what courses you’ll need to take once you become a Wildcat.

• Degree Search allows students planning to transfer from an Arizona community college to explore our 300+ majors and review four-year coursework requirements. You’ll be able to see which credits transfer and map out a degree plan. Review your plan with your community college advisor to identify courses you should complete before transferring to Arizona. Visit your college’s student services center to locate your advisor.
• Out-of-state students should use the Transfer Credit Guide to determine if and how their credits will transfer. If your school or coursework is not listed in the guide, you can request an evaluation by an academic specialist.
• Next Steps Center is an admitted student’s portal to all things enrollment, including student orientation where you’ll meet with an Arizona academic advisor to review all transferable coursework and determine which classes are needed to complete your degree.

“You got this! It’s gonna be scary at first but the University of Arizona is really welcoming and is just a great school all around for transfer students.” –Cassandra, Transfer Student, Studio Art

How will I pay for college?

Most Wildcats receive some form of financial aid to help pay for school. They also graduate with less debt, and tap into more grant (free) money than peers from other schools do. Check out these show-me-the-money to-dos for managing your costs.

• Incoming transfer students can use the 2024-2025 Net Price Calculator to help estimate their costs and aid, including merit, institutional need-based grants, and self-help aid including Federal Work Study, and student and parent loan options.  
• To qualify for the most financial aid including grants, loans, and federal work-study be sure to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by the early, priority deadline. May 1 is the priority deadline for fall transfers and applications are open.
• Got a good GPA? If so, merit-based Incoming Transfer Awards are another way you can whittle away at costs. Check out the complete list of awards, requirements, and deadlines here.
• Once you are admitted you’ll have access to Scholarship Universe, an innovative search engine that matches Wildcats to millions of dollars in scholarships opportunities based on each students’ unique profile. 

For more on spending less for your Arizona degree read:

• How I’m Graduating Debt-Free. 
• Your Ultimate Guide to the 2024–2025 FAFSA 
• The Best Time to Search for Scholarships, According to an Expert

Do you have questions we didn't cover? Schedule a 20-minute virtual appointment with an admissions expert or, check out our transfer-student specific FAQs and these additional transfer resources and tools.

Ready to make your transfer dreams a reality? Start your journey to becoming a Wildcat today and unlock a world of possibilities at the University of Arizona. 

Finish what you started. Become a Wildcat. 

Transfer to Arizona