Missouri College Transfer Guide
2016-2017
2
Missouri College Transfer Guide
For many dierent reasons, community college students choose to transfer to a university to complete a
bachelor’s degree. Choosing to start your educaon by compleng a degree at a community college is a smart
choice for several dierent reasons which include:
Ability to stay at home (or closer to home)
Save money – tuion and fees at a community
college are much less than those at a four-year
university
General educaon requirements – You have the
me to consider where you would like to transfer
(and possibly major in) while compleng general
educaon courses at a community college
Smaller class sizes (compared to a university)
As you have probably noticed, there is a lot of value
to completing attending a community college before transferring to a university. In 2012, research found
that 71 percent of transfer students (from two-year institutions) earned a bachelor degree within four
years of transferring.
It is recommended students work with their academic advisor to create a transfer plan and identify courses
to
take before transferring; this can save you time and money!
This handbook will help you as you prepare to transfer to a four year college or university.
Source: National Student Clearinghouse
Research Center, Transfer Outcomes
3
Missouri College Transfer Guide
Your Resource in Planning for YOUR Future
Student Rights and Responsibilities ……………………………………………… 4
Missouri Colleges and Universities ………………………………………….……. 5
Finding the Right Career ………………………………………………..…....………. 7
Establishing a Budget ………………………………………………………….....…. 9
Choosing a Transfer School ………………………………………………....…….. 11
Utilizing Financial Aid & Scholarships………………………...……......….. 13
Applying to a University ………………………………………………..….…………. 14
Transferring Credit ………………………………………………...……………...... 15
Glossary of Transfer Terminology ………………………………………..………. 16
Picking a Major ………………………………………………...…………..…....………. 8
4
Student Rights and Responsibilies
To ensure you make the most ecient use of your me, eort and money when transferring to another
instuon, take a moment to learn the rights and responsibilies of a transfer student.
Rights
You have the right to be treated the same as “nave” (non-transfer) students on the campus of the
transfer instuon.
You have the right to an ecient and predictable process that is sensive to your needs.
You have the right to appeal a denial of transfer credit at the receiving instuon.
Responsibilies
You are responsible for learning the admissions requirements of the transfer instuon to which you are
applying to.
You are responsible for learning and complying with the specic requirements of any professional pro-
gram to which you apply.
You are responsible for contacng transfer advisors at both instuons to ensure smooth transfer of
credits.
You are subject to the same regulaons regarding credit requirements as nave students.
Transfer Policy
To ensure a fair and ecient transfer process, the statewide Commiee on Transfer and Arculaon (COTA)
adopted principles in 1998. Most colleges and universies around the state entered into arculaon
agreements—standards for course work agreed upon by all instuons. In 2005, the presidents of many two
and four-year instuons signed a joint statement comming to make the transfer process easier and clearer
for students to navigate.
Source: Missouri Department of Higher Education, Transfer Students.
Missouri Department of Higher Educaon
3515 Amazonas Drive
Jeerson City, MO 65109
Phone: (573) 751-3940
Fax: (573) 751-6635
Email: info@dhe.mo.gov
www.dhe.mo.gov
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Missouri Colleges
and Universies
26
5
Two-Year Instuons
1
Crowder College
2
East Central College
3
Jeerson College
4
Metropolitan Community College
(Kansas City area—Five locaons)
5
Mineral Area College
6
Missouri State University—West Plains
7
Moberly Area Community College
8
North Central Missouri College
9
Ozarks Technical Community College
10
St. Charles Community College
11
St. Louis Community College
(St. Louis area—four locaons)
12
State Fair Community College
13
State Technical College of Missouri
14
Three Rivers Community College
Four-Year Instuons
15
Avila University
34
Missouri Western State University
16
Central Methodist University
35
Northwest Missouri State University
17
College of the Ozarks
36
Park University
18
Columbia College
37
Rockhurst University
19
Culver-Stockton College
38
Saint Louis University
20
Drury University
39
Southeast Missouri State University
21
Evangel University
40
Southwest Bapst University
22
Fontbonne University
41
Stephens College
23
Hannibal-LaGrange College
42
Truman State University
24
Harris-Stowe State University
43
University of Central Missouri
25
Kansas City Art Instute
44
University of Missouri—Columbia
26
Lincoln University
45
University of Missouri—Kansas City
27
Lindenwood University
46
University of Missouri—St. Louis
28
Maryville University of St. Louis
47
Washington University in St. Louis
29
Missouri Bapst University
48
Webster University
30
Missouri Southern State University
49
Westminster College
31
Missouri State University
50
William Jewell College
32
Missouri University of Science and
Technology
51
William Woods University
33
Missouri Valley College
6
7
Finding the Right Career
Have you narrowed down the choices of your major? If not, here are some more resources to lter your search.
Career Exploration sites allow you to search specic information regarding careers, training, income, outlook
and location. Career Inventories are free assessments that will help you identify what careers may be aligned
with your skills and personality.
Career Exploraon
About Careers Career Videos Chemistry Careers
College and Degree Search Explore Careers How to Become
Missouri Connections Missouri Economic Research and Information Center
My Next Move O*Net Online Occupational Outlook Handbook
PayScale.com
Career Inventories
ACT Profile Career Cluster Activity ISEEK Career Cluster Interest Survey My Next Move
Some factors to consider:
What environment do I want to work in?
Do I like working in a group or independently?
What projected income will I need to maintain my lifestyle?
What is the job outlook for careers that I am interested in?
Am I willing to relocate for employment?
Will I be ulizing my skills and abilies in the careers that I am interested in?
How much educaon is required for careers that I am interested in? Am I prepared and willing to be in school
for this amount of me?
What are your top five or six career areas of interest?
____________________________________ ____________________________________
____________________________________ ____________________________________
____________________________________ ____________________________________
8
Picking a major can be a daunng task! Many of us have dierent learning styles and preferred sources of
informaon. The strategies below may help to narrow your scope of interest areas and select a major that is the
best fit for you!
Read program information provided in the current Course Catalog at your school.
Discuss possible majors or career paths with faculty, your advisor, current students in the program, transfer
advisors, Career Services and graduates in the career field, which are great sources of information.
Get Experience in the workforce through part
-time employment, student organizations, internships,
observations or volunteer opportunities.
Take Classes in majors or areas of interest if you have unmet elective requirements in your degree program.
While you probably would not want to rule out a major based on your experience in one class, you may get a
better sense of the career path.
Attend workshops! These are great opportunities at all colleges and universities to learn about your personal
values, goals and strategies to reach them.
Source: University
of Buffalo, Student Success and Retention
Major Things to Know—The Choice Checklist
1) What can I do with this major?
2) What specic organizaons have hired graduates of
this program?
3) Are there specic prerequisites for this major or
program?
4) Which courses have I taken apply to this program?
5) Will there be further educaon required aer I
graduate?
Are there any transfer agreements with
universies and my college for this major?
6) Will I have to relocate to gain employment or
connue educaon for this major?
7) What skills will I develop through this major or
program?
8) What might I dislike about this major or career path?
Picking a Major
What are your top three majors/programs of
interest that connect with the career path you
would like to pursue?
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
What are the top colleges or universies you are
considering transferring to aer compleng your
AA?
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
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Establishing a Budget
Once you have declared a major and determined your career path, it is me to start narrowing your transfer
instuons down to three. Some factors to consider are:
Do I need to nd a job?
Will I need to move?
What kinds of expenses do I have? (mortgage, rent, car payments, health insurance, ulies, etc.)
Will I need to take out student loans?
Will I have the income I need to repay student loans and maintain the lifestyle that I want?
Asking yourself the quesons above will help determine your budget. This is an important factor in your
decision to transfer. Use this worksheet to establish your personal budget.
In the meanme, here are some ps to help you save money!
Eat at home (and don’t go grocery shopping when you are hungry).
Use cash when shopping.
Go to student acvies and other free events on campus; ulize
free entertainment and free food!
Use your nancial aid wisely; determine your educaonal needs and
only take student loans as a last resort.
Set up a checking and savings account (and track your spending!)
Separate your wants from your needs. It’s OK to splurge here and
there…. But somemes you need to ask yourself whether what you
are spending money on is a need or something you just want in the
moment.
Monthly Yearly Total
Income
Wages
Financial
Aid
Gis/Allo
wances
Other
Total Income:
0
10
Expenses
School
Tuion & Fees
Books
Supplies
Housing & Ulies
Mortgage/Rent
Ulity Bills (gas, electric, water, etc)
Homeowners or Renter’s Insurance
Other
Debts
Student Loan Payments
Consumer Debt Payments (credit cards)
Car Payment
Other
Transportaon
Car Insurance
Gas
Car Maintenance & Repairs
Public Transportaon
Other
Communicaon
Cell Phone (monthly plan)
Internet
Communicaon Devices
Other
Lifestyle
Movies & Music
Dining Out
Household Goods
Groceries
Clothing
Personal Products
Other
Medical Expenses
Medical Insurance
Doctor Visits & Co-pays
Prescripons
Other
Total Expenses:
Long Term Goals
House
Car
Other
Short Term Goals
Vacaon
Other
Total Savings:
Savings:
Monthly
Yearly
Monthly
Yearly
0
0
0
0
11
Choosing a Transfer School
Once you have declared a major, determined your career path and established a budget, it is me to start
narrowing your transfer instuons down to three. Some factors to consider are:
Does this school provide the degree program I need?
Would my necessies be met?
How would this aect my budget?
Do I meet the admission requirements for this school?
Do I need to nd a job?
Will I need to move?
Necessies
What is most important to you in a transfer school?
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
Transfer Instuons—Top Picks
Use the checklist on this page and the list on the following page to start your search of colleges and
universities. If you plan on transferring to a university that is out of state, you should consider meeting
with your academic advisor to review degree programs, admission requirements and out of state tuition
costs.
List your top ve transfer instuons below.
Instuon Net Cost Applicaon Fee
Admission GPA
for Transfer
Students
Housing Cost Necessies
Instuon
**(Link to Ocial Website)**
Helpful Links
Avila University
Admissions | Financial Aid | Net Price Calculator | Student Housing
Central Methodist University
Admissions | Financial Aid | Net Price Calculator | Student Housing
College of the Ozarks
Admissions | Financial Aid | Net Price Calculator | Student Housing
Columbia College
Admissions | Financial Aid | Net Price Calculator | Student Housing
Culver-Stockton College
Admissions | Financial Aid | Net Price Calculator | Student Housing
Drury University
Admissions | Financial Aid | Net Price Calculator | Student Housing
Evangel University
Admissions | Financial Aid | Net Price Calculator | Student Housing
Fontbonne University
Admissions | Financial Aid | Net Price Calculator | Student Housing
Hannibal-LaGrange University
Admissions | Financial Aid | Net Price Calculator | Student Housing
Harris-Stowe State University
Admissions | Financial Aid | Net Price Calculator | Student Housing
Kansas City Art Instute
Admissions | Financial Aid | Net Price Calculator | Student Housing
Lincoln University
Admissions | Financial Aid | Net Price Calculator | Student Housing
Lindenwood University
Admissions | Financial Aid | Net Price Calculator | Student Housing
Maryville University
Admissions | Financial Aid | Net Price Calculator | Student Housing
Missouri Bapst University
Admissions | Financial Aid | Net Price Calculator | Student Housing
Missouri Southern State University
Admissions | Financial Aid | Net Price Calculator | Student Housing
Missouri State University
Admissions | Financial Aid | Net Price Calculator | Student Housing
Missouri University of Science & Technology
Admissions | Financial Aid | Net Price Calculator | Student Housing
Missouri Valley College
Admissions | Financial Aid | Net Price Calculator | Student Housing
Missouri Western State University
Admissions | Financial Aid | Net Price Calculator | Student Housing
Northwest Missouri State University
Admissions | Financial Aid | Net Price Calculator | Student Housing
Park University
Admissions | Financial Aid | Net Price Calculator | Student Housing
Rockhurst University
Admissions | Financial Aid | Net Price Calculator | Student Housing
Saint Louis University
Admissions | Financial Aid | Net Price Calculator | Student Housing
Southeast Missouri State University
Admissions | Financial Aid | Net Price Calculator | Student Housing
Southwest Bapst University
Admissions | Financial Aid | Net Price Calculator | Student Housing
Stephens College
Admissions | Financial Aid | Net Price Calculator | Student Housing
Truman State University
Admissions | Financial Aid | Net Price Calculator | Student Housing
University of Central Missouri
Admissions | Financial Aid | Net Price Calculator | Student Housing
University of Missouri
Admissions | Financial Aid | Net Price Calculator | Student Housing
University of Missouri–Kansas City Admissions | Financial Aid | Net Price Calculator | Student Housing
University of Missouri–St. Louis
Admissions | Financial Aid | Net Price Calculator | Student Housing
Washington University in St. Louis
Admissions | Financial Aid | Net Price Calculator | Student Housing
Webster University
Admissions | Financial Aid | Net Price Calculator | Student Housing
Westminster College
Admissions | Financial Aid | Net Price Calculator | Student Housing
William Jewell College
Admissions | Financial Aid | Net Price Calculator | Student Housing
William Woods University
Admissions | Financial Aid | Net Price Calculator | Student Housing
12
13
Utilizing Financial Aid and Scholarships
Once you have narrowed your major, transfer instuons and budget, it is a good me to start thinking about
applying for nancial aid.
Complete your FAFSA (Free Applicaon for Federal Student Aid) by March 1.
Apply for scholarships prior to April 1 if transferring in the fall and October 1 if transferring in the spring.
Check your email regularly to stay on top of any unmet requirements that could impact your eligibility.
Types of Financial Aid
The U.S. Department of Educaon awards about $150
billion every year to help millions of students pay for
college. This federal student aid is awarded in the
form of grants, low-interest loans, and work-study
funds.
Upon compleng your FAFSA, you should consider
what types of nancial aid you are eligible for and
what you need to cover your projected cost of tuion,
fees, books, supplies and other educaonal expenses.
Grants and Scholarships are typically awarded on
the basis of need and generally do not have to be
repaid. Grants and scholarships are oen called
“gi aid” because they are free money—nancial
aid that doesn’t have to be repaid. Grants are
oen need-based, while scholarships are usually
merit-based. Grants and scholarships can come
from the federal government, your state govern-
ment, your college or career school, or a private or
nonprot organizaon. Do your research, apply for
any grants or scholarships you might be eligible
for, and be sure to meet applicaon deadlines!
Loans consist of money that students borrow to
help pay for college, and must be repaid (with
interest).
The Federal Work-Study Program enables
students to earn money during the school year
while also gaining valuable work experience,
typically in part-me, career-related jobs.
Source: U.S. Department of Education
Tips for Applying for Financial Aid
Maintain your GPA! This can aect your
eligibility for any kind of nancial aid
funding.
Use the Net Price Calculator for transfer
schools to determine the projected cost
(There are links provided on the next page).
Add your top ve schools to your FAFSA! You
can add up to ten schools to send your
FAFSA informaon to.
When applying for scholarships, be sure to
spell-check and have a friend proofread your
applicaon and/or essay before submission.
File your taxes early. When compleng your
FAFSA, you should wait about two weeks
aer you have led your taxes.
Sck to the deadlines! When it comes to
applying for nancial aid, be sure to stay on
top of due dates for scholarships.
Compleng your FAFSA early may result in
eligibility for addional grants.
14
Applying to a University
Consider the steps and ps below as you begin applying for admission at colleges and universies.
Apply online to the instuon you plan on transferring
to; it is okay to apply to more than one school, but keep
in mind that applicaon fees can add up quickly. We
recommend applying to no more than three dierent
colleges or universies by March 1 if transferring in the
fall and October 1 if transferring in the spring.
Set up a campus visit and tour the campus. This is a great
opportunity to see if the university is a good t for you
and also meet with an academic advisor to discuss your
degree plan.
Apply for scholarships prior to April 1 if transferring in
the fall and October 1 if transferring in the spring; many
schools have scholarships specically for transfer
students! Four year colleges and universies provide transfer scholarships to eligible applicants based on
GPA and major or program.
Have all ocial college transcripts sent to the transfer instuon of which you are applying.
While considering your budget, start considering housing opons and if moving will be necessary once you
are accepted. Do not wait unl the summer before you transfer to make housing arrangements! If you
plan to live on campus, apply for housing no later than April 1 if transferring in the fall and October 1 if
transferring in the spring.
Meet with your academic advisor to discuss any quesons you may have regarding the transfer process.
15
Transferring Credit
In the nal year of your AA degree, it is a good idea to start seeing how your credits will transfer to other
instuons. Below are links to dierent Course Equivalency Tools and/or Transfer Arculaon Agreements
that will allow you to view how your classes at your current instuon will transfer to your future instuon.
If the school you are interested in transferring to is not listed, there may not be a link available online.
*Denotes transfer guides for specic schools; some two-year instuons are not listed.
Saint Louis University
Southeast Missouri State University
Southwest Bapst University
Stephens College
Truman State University
University of Central Missouri
University of Missouri
University of Missouri – Kansas City
University of Missouri – St. Louis
Webster University
Westminster College
William Jewell College
William Woods University
Central Methodist University*
College of the Ozarks*
Columbia College
Culver-Stockton College*
Fontbonne University*
Hannibal-LaGrange University*
Lindenwood University*
Missouri Southern State University
Missouri State University
Missouri University of Science and Technology
Missouri Western State University
Northwest Missouri State University
Park University
Rockhurst University
Tips for Transferring Credit
Meet with your academic advisor to determine which courses you should take as your transfer instuon may
specify what course they would like you to take for a parcular degree program.
Ulize course equivalency tools and transfer guides on university websites. These are helpful when planning
your classes at your current school.
Transferology—This is a tool that allows you to enter classes you have taken and determine what colleges/
universies are a good match for you!
16
Glossary of Transfer Terminology
Accreditaon
Colleges and universies in the U.S. are evaluated by both regional and naonal agencies to
ensure they meet minimum quality and academic standards. In most cases, colleges will
only guarantee that they will accept transfer credits if the previous instuon is regionally
Arculaon
The process of comparing the content of courses that are transferred between colleges and
universies to determine how one instuon will accept and apply course credit from
another.
Baccalaureate Degree
(Bachelor’s Degree)
A bachelor’s degree, somemes called a baccalaureate degree, is a college degree awarded
aer the compleon of about 40 courses or 120 credit hours. A bachelor’s degree program
usually takes four or ve years of full-me study to complete, and degree candidates
usually must declare a major about halfway through compleon.
Course Equivalency
Tool
Shows how college-level courses transfer to other instuons. It usually does not indicate
how a course transfers into a specic degree program at another college or university.
Doctorate Degree
Awarded aer compleng several years of advanced study, research, and pracce in a
parcular eld, usually two or three years of full-me study beyond what is required for the
Master's Degree.
Elecve Credit
A course that can be applied to a degree program but is not a requirement of that specic
program.
Free Applicaon for
Federal Student Aid
(FAFSA)
The applicaon students use which determines their eligibility for a variety of nancial aid
programs including federal programs. There is no cost to submit this form.
Grade Point Average
(GPA)
The indicaon of the overall level of academic achievement. It is an important measure
used in making decisions about eligibility for graduaon, transfer to four-year instuons,
and probaon disqualicaon. The grade point average is derived from the following unit
system: A = 4 grade points; B = 3 grade points; C = 2 grade points; D = 1 grade point; and
F = 0 grade points per unit. The GPA is calculated by dividing the total number of grade
points earned by the number of units aempted.
17
Historically Black
Colleges and
Universies
Colleges and universies with a majority African-American student body, although students
of all races aend them. These instuons may be either public or private.
Liberal Arts
Broad-based programs/courses in the arts, humanies, natural sciences, and social
sciences.
Major A eld of academic study that you emphasize in your college educaon.
Master’s Degree
Awarded upon the compleon of a prescribed program, usually 30 to 60 semester units of
advanced study in a parcular eld beyond what is required for a Bachelor's Degree.
Minor
A secondary eld of study outside of the major, oen requiring substanally less
coursework.
Private Colleges and
Universies
Instuons of higher educaon that are not supported by public taxes. Some are aliated
with a parcular religion, profession, or other organizaon.
Public Colleges and
Universies
An instuon of higher educaon supported by taxes or other public funds.
Transfer Student
An individual who completes courses at one instuon and then enrolls in another
instuon which accepts some or all of the credits earned at the previous instuon.
Source: College Transfer.NET