I'm interested in transferring to an HBCU from a California community college. Can someone explain how the transfer guarantee to HBCUs works? I want to know which HBCUs are included and the specific eligibility criteria or agreements involved.
The California Community College Transfer Guarantee to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) is a network of agreements between various HBCUs and the California Community Colleges, to provide guaranteed admission to students who meet certain academic qualifications.
Firstly, the guarantee involves 40+ HBCUs, so there's plenty of choice. Some of these institutions include Howard University, Virginia State University, Tuskegee, Fisk University, and North Carolina A&T State University. The complete list is available on the California Community Colleges' website.
In terms of eligibility, you generally have to:
1. Complete 30 or more UC/CSU transferable units (your college’s counseling office can help identify these).
2. Maintain a minimum GPA, usually around 2.5 but it can be higher for more competitive institutions.
3. Participate in a Transfer Admission Guarantee (TAG) contract with the HBCU of their choice (if one is offered).
4. Complete the Associate Degree for Transfer.
It's essential to note that each HBCU will have slightly different participation requirements, so it's crucial to identify which HBCU you wish to attend and locate their specific requirements.
For example, if you were interested in Howard University, you'd complete your general education and lower-division major requirements at your California Community College, then once you earn your associate degree and maintain a 2.5 GPA, you'd have guaranteed acceptance into Howard University to complete your bachelor's degree.
Also, once students enroll in the HBCU, there's a guarantee that they will start as a junior which is quite unique to this agreement.
In terms of financial aid, students apply the same way anyone would—by submitting the FAFSA to the Federal Student Aid office. The HBCUs may also have specific scholarships, so it's a good idea to review individual school websites and contact their financial aid offices.
Therefore, the transfer guarantee is an excellent path for many students and provides opportunities to further your education at highly respected institutions.
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.