How do grades transfer from college to university?

When transferring from a college to a university, how are grades transferred? Do the actual grades show up on the new transcript, or is it more about the credits? Trying to figure out how my GPA will be affected.

When transferring from a college to a university, it's common that your credits from completed coursework will be transferred rather than your exact grades. However, the way your GPA is calculated at your new institution can vary. Some institutions will calculate your GPA based only on the courses you take at the new institution, starting you off with a clean slate. Others may calculate a cumulative GPA, which factors in both your grades from your previous institution and your new one.

One important thing to note is that while your grades from your previous institution might not factor into your GPA at your new school, they will still matter for graduate school applications, jobs, and internships. Many graduate schools and employers will ask for all of your post-secondary transcripts and will calculate your cumulative GPA themselves.

The transfer process can differ quite a bit from one institution to another. It's always best to speak with an academic advisor or a transfer admissions officer at the university you're planning to transfer to. They can help you better understand how your grades and credits will transfer, and how it'll impact your GPA. Having a conversation with the relevant person from the university can help you plan your courses appropriately and ensure that you meet all graduation requirements.