Transfer students

A third of UC undergraduates start at community college. They’re a huge part of what makes us great.

Scholars with wisdom to share

Parents, veterans, seasoned learners, those seeking a fresh start: our transfer students come from every background imaginable. They bring perspectives and life experiences that enrich our campuses in immeasurable ways.

Explore your path

Brian and Monica Vargas with their dog in front of Berkeley's Hearst Mining building.
“I can’t be on the battlefield running and protecting people anymore, but the strong pull I feel now is social work, to work with veterans face-to-face. I know I can help in that role. I can be of value and save lives in the process.”

Brian Vargas
Diablo Valley College, UC Berkeley, ’16
Iraq war veteran Founder, the Warrior Code

Deirdre Reyes proudly sports her UC Riverside t-shirt.
“I feel so blessed and honored to be able to go to UC. I’ve learned and grown so much. The warmth and support and sense of belonging I’ve gotten here has lived up to my every dream.”

Deidre Reyes
Mt. San Jacinto College
UC Riverside '21

Read Deidre’s story

Bar chart showing national graduation rates for students

An education that opens doors

UC welcomes more transfer students than any other institution of its caliber. Once here, they thrive – graduating at high rates and going on to rewarding, productive futures.

Explore transfer success by the numbers (PDF)

A great deal on a world-class education

Our transfer students are supported with some of the most generous aid in the country. In fact, more than three quarters get grants and scholarships – money they don’t have to pay back – to assist with their tuition, and well over half have their tuition and fees fully covered.

A community that supports transfer students

With dedicated orientations and summer bridge programs, living communities designed just for transfer students and centers where students can relax and hang out, UC provides a vast array of people and programs to help transfer students have an amazing experience.

Check out all that’s available

Group of students walking on campus