Do colleges give transfer students scholarships?

I'm thinking of transferring to a new college and was wondering if they offer scholarships specifically for transfer students. Do many colleges provide this, and are they typically merit-based or need-based? Any advice on where to find more info?

Definitely! Many colleges do offer scholarships specifically for transfer students, and they can be either merit-based or need-based—or a combination of both. However, the availability and amount of these scholarships can vary from school to school.

For merit-based scholarships, colleges usually look at your academic record at your previous institution—your collegiate GPA, rigor of your academic program, and sometimes your involvement in extracurricular activities or community service. For need-based scholarships, you'll typically need to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or other financial documents.

While most schools have transfer scholarships, the best way to find detailed information is to check out the financial aid pages on the websites of the colleges you're interested in transferring to. You can also reach out to the financial aid offices or transfer admissions counselors at these schools. They often have the most current information and can help guide you through the application process.

For example, Arizona State University offers merit-based scholarships for transfer students. The amount you receive depends on your own credentials, but can certainly help with tuition.

Remember, scholarships are just one part of the financial aid picture. There's also the possibility of receiving grants, loans, and work-study opportunities, which are awarded by applying for need-based aid.

For example, schools in the Ivy League, like Harvard and Columbia, and other top-tier private institutions like Stanford and MIT, have generous need-based aid policies for all students, including transfers. Smaller liberal arts colleges like Williams, Amherst, Haverford, and Bowdoin could also be good need-based options to consider - these schools may be smaller, but that means they can focus more resources on each individual student. Do be aware that these schools can be even more selective for transfer students than first-year applicants, but there are always students who do successfully transfer each year.

As you plan your transfer, keep track of all the deadlines and requirements. Some scholarship programs require additional applications or essays, so it's a good idea to contact each school's admissions department to get the specifics.

Good luck with your transfer process!