Traditional Transfer

The UNC System defines the traditional transfer student as one who has attended a non-community college post-secondary institution, is ‘under’ the age of 21, and has not earned a bachelor’s degree. Any student who has earned a bachelor’s degree and would like to earn a second bachelor’s degree is classified as a second degree student and not a transfer student.

If you have only taken courses at a community college, we encourage you to visit the NC Community College Transfer page, where you will find information more applicable to your unique circumstances.

Special Considerations for Traditional Transfer Students

• Many institutions have “pathways” to help facilitate the transition into a major. These plans differ from institution to institution. For this reason, transfer students should contact the transfer advisor and consult the registrar’s website at their chosen institution. These resources will provide detailed information about degree plans and transfer policies. Plan to do as much preparation for your major as possible prior to transfer.

• Campuses will complete a course-by-course evaluation of prior college courses to determine transfer credit at the time of admission. Students who start their studies at one institution knowing in advance they will finish their degree at a second institution will find it advantageous to research which courses will transfer. Careful planning will ensure that courses you take at one institution count toward your degree requirements as articulated by the institution where you complete your studies. Typically, this involves asking the following questions: Which courses will satisfy the general education requirements at the institution from which you intend to graduate? Which classes will satisfy the prerequisites for the upper-level coursework you will need to complete? Will any courses at the first institution count toward the degree requirements at the second institution?

• Courses at two different institutions sharing the same title will not necessarily count as a course equivalency.

• Transfer students do not have to come from within the UNC System, but course equivalencies will vary.

• Prior to starting the application process, second degree seeking students are advised to talk with a transfer counselor. In some cases, programs will not accept students who have already completed a bachelor’s degree. In other cases, some of the work completed toward the first degree might count toward the second degree, or it can satisfy prerequisites. Consulting with an advisor can help students determine whether the pursuit of a second degree (as opposed to a master’s degree or a learning certificate) is worth the effort.

How do I transfer to a UNC campus?

1. Compare and contrast the 16 universities within the UNC System, focusing your attention on finding the institutions that offer the major you want to pursue. Contact the transfer counselor at the campus of your choice. We strongly encourage you to speak with a transfer counselor and/or attend a transfer event at your chosen campus.
2. After choosing a university, review its admission requirements.
3. Use the table below to find and contact the transfer counselor at the institution of your choice. We strongly encourage you to speak with a transfer counselor and/or attend a transfer event at your chosen institution.
4. Fill out a free application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and visit the financial aid office at the institution of your choice.
5. Review course equivalencies at the institution of your choice.

Transfer Counselors