Financial Aid for Transfer Students: Paying for your education.

As you prepare to transition from CCBC to a four-year school, be sure to apply for financial aid and seek out transfer scholarship opportunities.

Costs are a crucial factor in the transfer school selection process. Visit each institution's financial aid and/or scholarship webpage to get the most complete information regarding the costs, process, and the respective deadlines.

Financial Aid Applications

FAFSA

Each academic year, all domestic students (U.S. Citizens or Green Card Holders) should complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which opens on October 1. Be sure to include the school code for all the transfer schools you are considering.

Even if you think you will not qualify for Federal Aid, many state and institutional-level scholarships are only awarded to students who filed a current FAFSA.

CSS Profile

While not as widely-used as the FAFSA, many private colleges that provide need-based institutional aid will also ask you to complete a CSS Profile - which is managed by the U.S. College Board.

Approximately 400 colleges, universities, and scholarship programs require financial aid applicants to complete a CSS Profile.

Types of Financial Aid & Scholarships

A variety of aid sources are available from federal, state, institutional, and/or private sources. While not an exhaustive list, this will give you a general idea of what to expect.

Federal Funded Aid

While not specific to transfer students, the U.S. Government offers several forms of financial aid to students who have not yet earned a bachelor’s, graduate, or professional degree.
  • Grants: The need-based Federal Pell Grant is awarded to undergraduate students who have not earned a bachelor's, graduate, or professional degree.
  • Loans: The U.S. Department of Education offers several types of student loans that may or may not be based on financial need.
  • Work Study: The Federal Work Study program provides part-time jobs for students with financial need, allowing them to earn money to help pay education expenses.

MD State Funded Aid & Scholarships

The Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC) offers transfer-specific scholarships to Maryland state residents.

The 2+2 Transfer Scholarship
  • You must have demonstrated financial need, defined as a federally calculated expected family contribution (EFC) of $10,000 or less as reported on the FAFSA.
  • The award is $1,000 for most majors; $2,000 per year for science, teaching, engineering, computer science, mathematics, or nursing majors.
  • The priority deadline is March 1; applications continue to be accepted until May 1 if funds are available.

University System of Maryland Regents Scholars Program
  • Merit and/or need-based.
  • Must have completed 56 credits or earned an associate degree.
  • A limited number of scholarships are awarded for the full cost of in-state tuition and mandatory fees as well as living expenses (comparable to on-campus room and board) and a book stipend for students attending on a full-time basis.
  • There is generally at least one scholarship designated for a part-time student.

Institutional Funded Aid & Scholarships

Many colleges offer grants or scholarships to transfer students who have completed a certain amount of credit hours. These are awarded by merit, need, or academic program.


* offers Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Honor society scholarships.

Private Organizations & Donor Scholarships

Tips for applying for financial aid and scholarships

CCBC student smiling in a classroomReview the cost of attendance, including: tuition, fees, room and board, books, supplies, transportation, and other education related expenses.

Investigate application fee waivers, including the National Association for College Admission Counseling and Common App tuition waivers, or by reaching out directly to the institution.

Develop a strong rapport with faculty and staff that can speak to your accomplishments and write letters of recommendation.

If an essay is required, have it reviewed by the Writing and Literacy Center or someone with a strong writing background.

Stay organized, adhere to deadlines, and follow up as needed.