Can I Go To a 4 year college after a 2 year college?

Question

I had my IGP meeting today and I chose to not get the credit that will get me to 4 year college so that I can go to a 4 year college. I wonder if I change my mind, can I, after the 2 years of community college, decide to go to the 4 year college? Will that result in my having 6 years of college total?

Answer 1

The completion rate for a four year degree of transfer students from a two year college in my state is higher than the completion rate for college students at four year institutions that come straight from high school.

Yes! You should seek out a transfer coach/staff person at the two year college. Many have them, as it is a great statistic the two years colleges like to brag about.

Good luck!

Answer 2

Hi Alex! The short answer to your question is, yes! You can transfer from a two-year college to a four-year college, although you will not have six years of college total. 

You will not start a new four years after your first two years at community college. Some course credits you receive during the two years at community college will be applied to your credits at the four-year college. However, keep in mind that depending on the course work you take at the community college, some credits may not transfer to the four-year college. This means that you may need to re-take a few classes again in order to get credit for them. 

For example:

If you earn 60 credits in community college, and all of them transfer (meaning they’re accepted by the four-year college), then you will start at the four year college as a Junior with an existing 60 credits towards your degree.

If you earn 60 credits in community college, but only 45 credits transfer (are accepted), then you will need to re-take those courses that were not accepted in order to get the 15 credits. This may add some additional time to your schooling.

Here are some things you will want to consider to help make the transition smoother for you in the long run. 

1. HAVE A PLAN: Even if you’re not sure what you want to study when you start school, begin taking classes in the areas you are interested in right away so that you can begin to narrow your interests and focus. Having some idea of what you want to study will help you gain course credits that are more likely to be applied to your general education when you transfer later.

*Remember, not all credits may transfer to the four-year college. Find out which ones will transfer so that you minimize your chances of having to re-take classes when you start at the four-year college. 

2.SEEK GUIDANCE AND ASK QUESTIONS: Get to know the academic and/or guidance counselors at your two-year college and seek their assistance regularly. They are there as a free resource for you and can help you with questions about your transfer school options, how your credits will transfer, and can help you develop an academic plan for the two years you are there in order to earn course credits before you transfer and even advise you on four-year college options. Throughout your two years there, get as much information as you can so that you are adequately prepared to make the best decisions for your situation.

Here are some questions you may ask:

1. Does the two-year college have a special transfer relationship (often called an articulation agreement) with any four-year colleges?
2. Will the credits I earn be accepted at the four-year colleges I’m considering?
3. What grades do I need to earn in my classes to get credit at the four-year colleges?
4. What’s the minimum GPA I need to maintain to get into the four-year colleges?
5. What general education courses are best to take for transfer if I do not know exactly what I want to do yet?
6. How will I finance my education after transferring to a four-year college?

Additionally, it is a good idea to reach out to the transfer advisers in the administration office of the four-year college you are considering.  Remember, it is possible that not all credits will transfer so you will want to inquire about accepted transfer credits. Doing the research early on will help you better plan your two years and could save you time and money once your transfer.

3. WORK HARD: Four-year colleges will be interested in your performance as a student when they are considering applications, so even if you are not sure what you want to study and are taking a mix of classes, be sure to work hard and focus on getting the best grades you can in every class. This will increase your chances of being accepted to a four-year college.

I hope this helps! I wish you the best of luck in your process!

~Kimberly