SammyNewton

Hi everyone, first post here.

Basically this is my situation; after two years at a State University I've acquired at 3.93 GPA and I'm now deciding to transfer schools. The problem is, I come from a pretty low income family, I mean REAL low income, so I would need major aid wherever I do decide to go.

My question is, what is the outlook for Aid or Scholarships for TRANSFER students? And which Universities grant the greatest amount? I'm in Massachusetts and I hoped to stay in state. I've just sent an application to Northeastern University but they hardly offer any "free" money, regardless of merit or financial situation.

It seems like most schools give the greatest aid to incoming freshman. My HS grades and SAT's weren't exactly the greatest, so it would be ideal to transfer into a University that doesn't require either when applying.

Thank you for any input!

4kidsdad

What is your major?
Why you want to transfer?
Which state do you consider as in-state?
What is your EFC?

In general, most schools don't award scholarships to transfer student.

cptofthehouse

It is more difficult for a transfer student to find good financial aid and good merit awards, or any, for that matter. You have it exactly right about colleges putting their resources towards incoming freshmen. Even the most generous school that guarantee to meet 100% need, often do not include transfers in that guarantee.

The most important thing for transfer students is a good GPA and you have that. High school transcripts and test scores take a much lesser significance in evaluation process for transfers. The other thing that is important is that you have a clear reason for wanting to transfer and that the school can use more students in the upperclass division of what your major is.

There is an old thread that a member, Momfromtexas wrote, now in the archives. I would bring up that thread and check out her search methods for scholarhships adding your criteria. Look at some schools that are generous in aid and ask if they meet need for transfer students, and see if the courses you took mesh well for what they require in the major you are pursuing. With your current gpa and track record, you are now a candidate for schools that may not have made your list as a high schooler. Do look for ones that give a lot of aid and if they extend that policy for transfer students, you may do well that way.

Erin's Dad

I believe there may be some scholarship listings in the Transfer Student Forum. Transfer Students - College Confidential