Plenty of students start their college journey at one school and finish at another, and there’s no shame in that. In fact, some of the nation’s best universities maintain relatively high transfer admission rates compared to their notoriously competitive freshman admissions.
Whether you’re at a community college, state school, or another four-year institution, transferring to a selective university is more achievable than you might think, especially if you know where to apply.
Here are the 10 best schools for transferring, where your chances as a transfer applicant are genuinely promising. Each combines academic prestige with policies and programs designed specifically to help transfer students thrive.
10 Most Transfer-Friendly Colleges: Elite Options for Transfer Applicants
Finding the best college to transfer to can make all the difference in your academic journey. The right school accepts more of your hard-earned credits and provides strong support for transfer students, helping you graduate with honors.
The application process for college transfers is not the same as high school admissions. Selective universities evaluate your college coursework, grade performance at your current institution, and how you’ve grown academically since graduating from high school.
Below, we’ve highlighted the best schools for transferring that combine credit-friendly policies, flexible programs, and welcoming campus environments.
University of Michigan
- National Ranking: 21
- Transfer Acceptance Rate: 36.61%
The University of Michigan, often referred to as UM, is located in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and is a public university with a diverse range of academic programs.
Prospective students will find that the Michigan transfer acceptance rate is notably accessible for a top-tier institution. To support this influx, the university provides a robust transfer process, credit agreements, and dedicated advising to ensure a smooth transition for community college students.
UM’s transfer credit evaluation is particularly generous: most general education courses and major prerequisites count towards degree requirements, meaning you won’t lose progress when you transfer.
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
- National Ranking: 15
- Transfer Acceptance Rate: 24.42%
UCLA, situated in the heart of Los Angeles, is a highly respected college with a strong emphasis on research and a dynamic campus culture. Because UCLA’s transfer acceptance rate is relatively high for such a prestigious institution, it remains a premier destination for ambitious transfer students.
The university’s location in LA allows for an abundance of opportunities for internships, cultural experiences, and networking, making it a welcoming destination for transfer students.
In addition, UCLA is known for its strong academic program across various disciplines, making it one of the top-ranked public schools in the US. Some of the fields that UCLA is particularly renowned for include film and entertainment, business, engineering, medicine, and healthcare.
University of Southern California (USC)
- National Ranking: 28
- Transfer Acceptance Rate: 23.5%
USC, located in the heart of Los Angeles, is a global hub for entertainment, business, and technology. The university offers a wide array of academic programs and a strong focus on innovation and creativity.
Having a 23.5% transfer acceptance rate, it’s an appealing destination for those looking to transfer to a college on the West Coast.
Application requirements for transfers are straightforward: you’ll need at least one semester of college completed, though most successful applicants have finished a full year or more. USC particularly values students who can articulate their reasons for switching institutions in their application essays.
University of California, Berkeley
- National Ranking: 15
- Transfer Acceptance Rate: 24.32%
UC Berkeley is an elite public university known for its outstanding faculty and research opportunities.
Located in the Bay Area, Berkeley boasts a dynamic and culturally diverse campus and community. UC Berkeley has a relatively high transfer acceptance rate, and that makes it a great option for those interested in studying across a wide range of disciplines.
Berkeley is known for its strong programs in engineering, computer science, natural science, and social science.
Emory University
- National Ranking: 24
- Transfer Acceptance Rate: 19.11%
Located in Atlanta, Georgia, Emory is a highly ranked research university with a rich history. While more selective than other schools on this list, Emory’s transfer acceptance rate remains significantly higher than its first-year admission rate, showing the university’s genuine commitment to welcoming transfer students.
Emory is known for its remarkable healthcare and life sciences programs, including the renowned Emory University Hospital, which has made it a hub for medical research.
Additionally, Emory’s diverse student body has provided a welcoming atmosphere for students from all over the country.
University of Notre Dame
- National Ranking: 20
- Transfer Acceptance Rate: 26.70%
Nestled in South Bend, Indiana, Notre Dame University is renowned for its strong Catholic heritage and rigorous academics.
With a 26.70% transfer acceptance rate, it offers a unique blend of tradition and academic excellence, making it an excellent fit for students seeking both academic rigor and a values-driven education.
Notre Dame is known for its academic programs in the fields of business, engineering, and the humanities. The university offers a close-knit community where individuals can gather together and pursue their intellectual passions and Catholic heritage.
Washington University in St. Louis (WashU)
- National Ranking: 24
- Transfer Acceptance Rate: 17.5%
Washington University in St. Louis, often referred to as WashU, is known for its strong emphasis on research.
WashU maintains one of the highest transfer acceptance rates among top colleges in the Midwest. It stands out for its commitment to research and innovations in science, medicine, and the arts.
The campus has a vibrant student life and a strong sense of community, making it a compelling university for students seeking a well-rounded undergraduate experience.
Vanderbilt University
- National Ranking: 18
- Transfer Acceptance Rate: 16.63%
Located in Nashville, Tennessee, Vanderbilt offers a strong combination of academics and a lively campus culture.
With a transfer acceptance rate of 16.63%, Vanderbilt is a great choice for those looking to transfer to a college in the southern US. Vanderbilt is known for its commitment to expert interdisciplinary research, medicine, and engineering programs.
The vibrant and growing city of Nashville offers students the opportunity to experience the best of both worlds: a prestigious institution and the excitement of the music and entertainment industry.
Cornell University
- National Ranking: 12
- Transfer Acceptance Rate: 13.85%
Situated in upstate New York, Cornell is the easiest Ivy League school for transferring, known for its exceptional programs in various fields, including agriculture, software engineering, and hotel management.
Despite being highly selective for high school seniors, Cornell’s transfer acceptance rate makes it an attractive option for ambitious transfer students looking to attend elite schools.
Notably, Cornell has accepted transfer students from institutions like Harvard, Yale, Stanford, Duke, MIT, UNC, UVA (University of Virginia), and Dartmouth, as well as from community college and state school systems nationwide.
Columbia University
- National Ranking: 12
- Transfer Acceptance Rate: 11.24%
Located in the heart of New York City, Columbia University is renowned for its world-class faculty and a vibrant urban campus. The urban campus provides students with access to cultural experiences, internships, and networking opportunities.
Although Columbia’s transfer acceptance rate is slightly lower than the majority of universities we mentioned, this highly selective institution is still above the nation’s average in that sense. Columbia’s application requires thoughtful application essays that demonstrate your personal growth and intellectual development.
While the most competitive of all Ivy League schools, Columbia seeks transfer students who meet the requirements for academic excellence. Most admitted transfers have a minimum GPA of 4.0, good test scores, and can articulate how Columbia specifically fits their academic goals.
Find the Best School to Build Your Future as a Transfer Student
Choosing where to continue your education is one of the most crucial decisions you’ll make during your academic journey. It’s not just about the prestige of the name or a spot on a ranking list. It’s about discovering a better academic environment that matches your goals, values, and learning style.
A supportive faculty, strong student resources, and a welcoming community can make all the difference in how well you adjust and succeed. The right school will recognize the effort you’ve already put into your studies and give you the chance to build on that foundation rather than start from scratch.
