There are many factors to consider when deciding whether to transfer to a new institution, from finances to housing to academic opportunities. Review the frequently asked questions below to learn more about CU Boulder’s resources and help ensure it is a good fit for you.
Academics
- Do I need an associate's degree to be eligible to transfer to CU Boulder? Is there a minimum/maximum amount of credits I must earn?
- I am planning to transfer to CU Boulder in a future semester. What classes should I take at my current institution?
- Does CU Boulder participate in the Bridge to Bachelor’s Degree Program?
- What degree programs are available to students?
- I don’t know what I want to major in. Do you have resources to help me explore my options?
- How will my transfer credits apply to my intended major?
- What research opportunities are available?
- Is study abroad an option for transfer students?
You do not need to earn an associate's degree in order to transfer to CU Boulder. Additionally, CU Boulder does not have a minimum or maximum transfer credit hour requirement. Please visit the Transfer Admissions website for information about how students are evaluated based on the number of post high school credits they are transferring.
Be sure to review the transfer admissions requirements (courses, GPA, grades, etc.) for each school/college/program.
Transferology is a great tool to help you understand your transfer credit. Visit our Transfer Admissions website for step by step instructions and helpful videos on how to navigate Transferology.
If you are currently attending a Colorado community college, transfer guides are a great resource to ensure the classes you are taking will allow you to make progress toward your intended CU Boulder degree.
- College of Arts & Sciences Transfer Guides
- College of Engineering & Applied Science Transfer Guides
- Statewide Articulation Agreements
You can also schedule a Pre-Transfer Advising appointment to discuss coursework you should take at your current institution to plan for a future transfer to CU Boulder.
Yes! If you are a new, first-time student at any CCCS college you can indicate that you want to participate in Bridge to Bachelor’s Degree program when filling out your CCCS college application. While at your CCCS college, will receive personalized student advising and guidance from CU Boulder staff. Upon the completion of an Associate’s, students who participated in Bridge to Bachelor’s, and indicated an interest in CU Boulder, will have a no-hassle transfer process to CU Boulder including an application fee waiver!
To be eligible for admission into CU Boulder, students who participate in Bridge to Bachelor’s must earn a 2.0 GPA or higher and complete an Associate of Arts or Associate of Science degree to be admissible into Program in Exploratory Studies or College of Arts & Sciences. Students interested in admission to all other schools/colleges/programs at CU Boulder will require students to complete additional admission criteria, including GPA and prerequisite coursework.
Learn more about the Bridge to Bachelor’s Degree Program or email any questions to pretransfer@colorado.edu.
Ensuring that CU Boulder offers the program you are interested in is essential in your transfer decision. Review the list of our schools and colleges to find the program to find your best fit program.
Can’t find the program you’re interested in? Perhaps a combination of majors, minors or certificates can set you on a similar academic or career path. Schedule a Pre-Transfer Advising appointment to talk about your options at CU Boulder and beyond.
There are many ways to explore your academic and career interests. The “I Want to…” series offers insight into various major options and co-curricular opportunities students can engage in if they are interested in a particular career path. Similarly, Programs from a Different Lens provides suggestions of major and minor/certificate combinations in the Business and Engineering fields.
CU Boulder’s Career Services office provides a host of online resources, assessments and advising to help students discover their interests. If you are currently attending an institution, be sure to check out your Career Services office and utilize the services and resources they offer. Additionally, students not yet enrolled at the University can meet with a Continuing Education Career Advisor.
Transferology is a great tool to help you understand your transfer credit. Visit our Transfer Admissions website for step by step instructions and helpful videos on how to navigate Transferology. If/when you are admitted to CU Boulder, you will receive an official transfer credit evaluation and have access to your degree audit where you can see how your transfer credits transfer/apply and what requirements you have left to complete. We also encourage you to schedule a Pre-Transfer Advising appointment to learn more about your transfer credit, degree requirements and more.
Research plays an integral role at CU Boulder and there are a variety of research opportunities available to CU Boulder undergraduate students in numerous disciplines from STEM to humanities and social sciences. In particular, the Undergraduate Research Opportunities program (UROP) offers funding and support to students and faculty partnering for research and creative projects. Students can also participate in research with their academic department and faculty with or without credit. Visit your program’s website for more information.
With the variety of programs offered by Education Abroad, studying abroad is an opportunity that transfer students can take advantage of. There are Global Intensives including a 10-12 day Spring Break international trip to traditional semester or year long experiences. The Education Abroad office and your academic advisor can help you find a program that will be a good fit for you and your academic plans. Many programs are financially comparable to what you pay to attend CU Boulder and there are scholarships and financial support available.
Finances
There are several criteria students need to meet in order to be considered a Colorado resident for tuition purposes at CU Boulder. Be sure to carefully read the Residency Guidelines to understand whether you qualify for in-state tuition.
The cost of living in Boulder is higher than other areas in Colorado and the United States.
Fortunately, there are resources available to help ease these costs for CU Boulder students including:
- Scholarships
- Financial Aid
- Campus Housing
- Off Campus Housing resources
- Transportation options
- Feed the Stampede
- Other free or reduced cost programs and services.
The first step is completing your FAFSA as soon as possible to ensure you get full consideration for available grants, loans and work-study awards. The Office of Financial Aid has a host of resources to help you navigate the financial aid process.
Transfer students are automatically considered for the CU Boulder Transfer Excellence Scholarship and you can apply to many others through the CU Boulder Scholarship Application.
Transfer-specific scholarships include:
- Sharer Scholars
- New Student & Family Programs Scholarship for Transfer Students
- Rothberg Family Community College Opportunity Scholarship
Transfer students are eligible for several additional scholarships including:
Check out these tips and resources for private scholarships as well!
Housing
If you are a first year transfer student who graduated from high school within one year of enrolling at CU Boulder you are required to live on campus. Explore the housing experiences available to you!
Most transfer students who live on campus live in apartment style living. This is a great combination of independence with community staff support and a community of transfer and upperclass students.
We also have family housing options available for students who qualify.
Housing in the Boulder area is competitive and fortunately we have resources to help. Off-Campus Housing & Neighborhood Relations offers support to students searching for and living off campus. They host Ralphie’s List, where you can find roommates and available housing options, as well as a Housing Fair, legal support and more.
Community
The Center for Inclusion and Social Change provides community building and educational programs to the CU Boulder community with a focus on diversity, equity and social justice. The Center includes:
- First Generation Programs & Enrichment Office
- Intercultural Engagement Office
- Pride Office
- DACA/ASSET Resources.
CU LEAD Alliance programs housed in each school/college along with campus wide initiatives offer scholarships, academic enrichment and community events. For example, the Summer Transfer Excellence Program (STEP) is a summer bridge program available to incoming College of Arts & Sciences underrepresented and/or first generation college transfer students.
Students also find community through involvement in student organizations (click the “Cultural and International” category), Multicultural Greek Council fraternities and sororities, and leadership opportunities like Cultural Events Board and the Dennis Small Cultural Center.
For adult learners the Non-Traditional Student Organization (NTSO) can be a great way connect with other students in a similar life stage as yourself and the parenting & childcare resources can be helpful for parent students.
Veterans and veteran dependents are encouraged to connect with Veteran and Military Affairs for assistance with pay, programs, policy, information and support. They offer an outstanding Veteran Bridge program, tutoring support, lounge space and more.
Connecting with fellow transfer students can be a wonderful way to find your place at a new institution. CU Boulder celebrates National Transfer Student Week each October and hosts several transfer events throughout the semester, including game nights, career development workshops, study sessions and more. We also offer two 1-credit upper division courses, FYXP 3000: Transfer Success Seminar and COEN 3100: Engineering Transfer Student Success Seminar to support students through their transition to CU Boulder. The courses cover topics including campus resources, community building, career development and more.
Our Transfer Peer Mentors are a valuable resource as you transition to CU Boulder and can answer questions about campus resources and student life. You can join Discord to meet fellow Transfer Buffs and grow your CU community. By joining CU Boulder’s chapter of Tau Sigma, the National Honor Society for Transfer Students, you can be recognized for your academic achievements and take advantage of leadership and scholarship opportunities.