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Great Colleges and Universities in the West for Transfer Students

If you're looking for a transfer college, the Western US may be perfect for your next step. Check out these schools that are especially transfer friendly.

Taking the leap to transfer colleges can be daunting whether you planned for it or not, but it doesn’t have to be! Finding a school where you belong should be exciting, even if it’s the second time around. We want to make the process easier by helping you find amazing colleges and universities that are looking for transfer students just like you. The schools listed below are all located in the Western US (be sure to check out our lists for all the other regions of the country too!). The best part is the green “Connect me” buttons that allow you to connect directly with the schools. Start requesting information from these great transfer options now.

Central Washington University

Central Washington University logoCentral Washington University is a public comprehensive university in Ellensburg, Washington, with eight other centers across the state. With 300+ in-person, online, and specialized academic programs, transfer students will find their path—whether in Construction Management, Engineering Technology, Teacher Education, Paramedicine, or something else entirely. The Transfer Center makes transitioning from your previous institution to CWU seamless by offering advice, support, and assistance in establishing connections to the campus community and its many resources. 

Connect me with CWU!

Colorado Christian University

Colorado Christian University logoColorado Christian University is a private religious university in Lakewood, Colorado—only 10 miles from Denver. With over 8,400 students and a 15:1 student-faculty ratio, CCU offers students over 100 majors, minors, and emphases to choose from. The University ensures transfer students have the maximum chance for admission by accepting applications past the deadline until enrollment capacity is reached, reviewing applications holistically if you don’t meet the minimum transfer requirements, providing the opportunity for an admission interview, and more. 

Connect me with CCU!

Dominican University of California

DominicanDominican University of California is an independent Catholic Heritage university located in San Rafael, California. The University enrolls nearly 2,000 students and offers over 60 majors, minors, and concentrations as well as service learning trips, internships, fieldwork, community-based research, and global learning opportunities. Dominican is test-optional but does evaluate each transfer applicant’s academics; leadership both inside and outside the classroom; recommendations from teachers, counselors, or community leaders; and a personal essay.

Connect me with Dominican!

Pepperdine University

Pepperdine University logoPepperdine University is a private church-affiliated arts and sciences university in Malibu, California—only 12 miles from Santa Monica. With around 3,400 undergraduates and a 13:1 student-faculty ratio, students can choose from 45 majors and 40 minors, including Business Administration, Engineering, Media Production, and more. Pepperdine supports students by offering transfer mentors and admission counselors, articulation agreements with local community colleges, and more. 

Connect me with Pepperdine!

Santa Clara University

Santa Clara UniversitySanta Clara University is a comprehensive Jesuit, Catholic university in Santa Clara, California—45 miles south of San Francisco. With 5,571 undergraduates and a 10:1 student-faculty ratio, students can choose from more than 50 majors, minors, and programs, including Ancient Studies, Environmental Studies, Political Science, and more. Santa Clara supports transfer students by allowing them to transfer up to half the units required for finishing their degree, plus articulation agreements with many community colleges and more.

Connect me with Santa Clara!

University of Colorado Boulder

University of Colorado BoulderThe University of Colorado Boulder is a comprehensive public university in Boulder, Colorado—27 miles northwest of Denver. With 34,975 total students and an 18:1 student-faculty ratio, students can choose from over 47 majors, 25 minors, and 26 certificate programs across 150 fields of study. CU Boulder supports transfer students by offering pre-transfer advisors to schedule one-on-one appointments with, articulation agreements with community colleges statewide, and more.

Connect me with CU Boulder!

University of Colorado Denver

University of Colorado Denver logoThe University of Colorado Denver is a public urban research institution in Denver, Colorado. The University is home to 15,000 total students and 110+ undergraduate majors and minors through seven colleges and schools. Flexible class schedules and innovative learning options have made CU Denver a favorite destination for transfer students with more than fifty degrees and programs offered exclusively online and the resources to help students make the transition successfully.

Connect me with CU Denver!

Looking to transfer to a school farther east? Check out this list of Great Colleges and Universities in the Midwest for Transfer Students.

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St. Catherine University

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