Do GPAs transfer from community college to university?

I've been considering attending a community college first and then transferring to a university. When I do transfer, will my GPA from community college be added to my university GPA, or will they be kept separate? How does that affect my academic record?

When you transfer from a community college to a university, your GPA from the community college does not typically transfer over and become part of your university GPA. Instead, the two GPAs will generally be kept separate. This means that you will start with a clean slate at the university in terms of GPA, and your university GPA will be calculated based on the courses you take there.

That said, the courses and grades you completed at the community college will still matter. They will be included in your overall academic record, as well as on your transcript, which future employers or graduate schools may review. Many universities will also consider your community college GPA when evaluating you for transfer admissions and possibly for certain scholarships or financial aid opportunities.

Although the two GPAs are separate, some universities may calculate a cumulative GPA that combines your community college and university GPAs when determining honors or eligibility for certain programs. This is more likely to happen within a specific university system where the community college and university are affiliated with each other. It is important to consult the guidance or academic advisement office of the university you plan on transferring to in order to inquire about their specific policies regarding GPA transfer and calculation.

In summary, while your community college GPA won't typically transfer directly and become part of your university GPA, it is still an important part of your academic record and can impact various aspects of your future academic and professional opportunities.