Get involved and get informed about the resources available for a successful transfer. Click on the variety of resources necessary to start marking off items on your priority list for a successful transition.
Transferring Made Simple
Planning ahead can make your transfer from Arizona Western College to a university much smoother. Every school has its own admission, enrollment, and academic requirements, but many parts of the transfer process are similar.
As a transfer student, you already have college experience—that’s a big advantage! Just remember, every school is different, so don’t assume things will work the same way everywhere. If you’re unsure, ask questions. College and university staff are here to help, but they can support you best when you share your needs and goals. Check this Transfer Center Checklist for items to consider.
General Criteria for Transfer Students in Arizona
- Completed at least 12 transferable college credits after high school
- Minimum GPA requirement (usually 2.0–2.5, varies by institution/program)
- Submission of official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended
- Proof of high school completion or GED (especially if under 24 credits)
- Completion of any specific prerequisite courses for your intended major
- Awareness of transfer credit limits at the receiving university
- Participation in transfer pathways or agreements (like AGEC or 90/30 programs)
- Meeting any program-specific requirements (e.g., audition for arts, portfolio, or entrance exams)
- Understanding application deadlines for transfer admission
- Maintaining good academic standing at current institution
Transfer Degrees Overview
Transfer degrees are associate degrees designed to help students move from a community college to a four-year college or university. These programs focus on completing general education and foundational courses needed for a bachelor’s degree. There are different types of transfer degrees depending on your intended major and the transfer pathway. Here’s a detailed breakdown:
Associate of Arts (AA)
- Focuses on general education and liberal arts.
- Prepares you to transfer to a four-year college.
90/30 Programs
- Allows you to complete 90 credit hours at the community college and 30 at a university.
- Helps you earn a bachelor’s degree efficiently while starting at a community college.
Associate of Applied Science (AAS) – Transfer Option
- Focuses on career or technical programs with a pathway to a bachelor’s degree.
- Prepares you for both the workforce and further education if you choose to transfer.
Transfer Pathway Programs (State Universities and Partner Universities)
- Designed to help students transfer more efficiently than traditional degrees.
- Offer flexibility, advanced credit options, or guaranteed admission agreements with universities.
- Check each university program for details on transfer credit limits and course requirements.
Understanding Credit Transfer
- Applicability: Credits that count directly toward your degree requirements at the university.
- Transferability: Credits that can be transferred to another university but may not apply to your specific degree requirements.
Note: Review your university degree program requirements and meet with university representatives to review details.
Transfer Tools
AZTransfer.com helps Arizona students move smoothly from community colleges to public universities. Use tools like the Course Equivalency Guide (CEG) and SUN System to see which courses transfer and plan your degree. Find resources for dual enrollment, exams, and the Arizona General Education Curriculum (AGEC) to make your transfer easier.
AWC AZTransfer
AffordableCollegesOnline.org is a free, expert-reviewed resource designed to make higher education more accessible and affordable. The site provides rankings of affordable colleges and online programs, guidance on financial aid, scholarships, and budgeting, as well as educational articles and tools to help students choose the right degree path—all developed with transparency and oversight from higher education professionals.
BigFuture is a free online resource created by the College Board to help students explore career paths, plan for college, and navigate paying for higher education—whether you’re considering a two-year college, four-year university, career training, or other pathways.
Resources
Prepare for your transfer by creating a budget (FAFSA)
FAFSA Resources for Transfer Students
The National Governors Association (NGA) offers a comprehensive collection of financial literacy resources aimed at empowering individuals across the United States. These tools assist governors and their teams in guiding constituents to enhance their financial knowledge and decision-making skills.
InCharge Debt Solutions – Financial Literacy for College Students
InCharge Debt Solutions offers free resources to help college students manage their money. Learn about budgeting, credit, debt repayment, and living independently. Tools include downloadable workbooks, guides, and slides to help you make smart financial choices during college and beyond.
Dave Ramsey
• 10 Best Ways to Save for College
• College Savings Calculator
• Items for College Students
Budget Worksheet for College Students (Best Colleges): https://www.bestcolleges.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/BestColleges-College-Budgeting-Worksheet.pdf
We strive to help our Arizona Western College students attain baccalaureate degrees. With our Promise program, we help recent High School Graduates complete their AWC associate’s degree by refunding out-of-pocket expense when meeting the eligibility requirements and transferring to an Arizona partner university. Learn about the details for this opportunity by visiting our Yuma and La Paz Promise page.
Learn about:
- Eligibility requirements
- How it works
- Program exceptions
- Frequently Asked Questions section
- Contact information
Transfer Scholarships
Arizona Western College Foundation
Scholarships | AWC Foundation (azwestern.edu)
The Arizona Western College Foundation is a community foundation committed to supporting AWC students, programs and AWC campuses by making education universally accessible though the removal of economic barriers with collaborative contributions, scholarships and grants. Learn more about their resources and scholarship opportunities.
AWC Transfer Center Scholarship
The AWC Transfer Center Scholarship is a $500 award specifically for transfer students who are continuing their education at a four-year university. This scholarship is designed to support students during their transition and help ease the financial burden associated with furthering their studies. Eligible applicants must be transferring from AWC and planning to enroll in a university for the upcoming academic year. Apply here: https://forms.office.com/r/ht6Z4i312Z
Earn to Learn
https://earntolearn.org/
Eligible students and their families deposit $500 into a savings account each year, then receive an 8:1 match through combined university support and other public and philanthropic funding. This creates $4,500 per academic year in total available funds for tuition, fees, room and board, and other costs to support educational success.
RaiseMe
https://www.raise.me/transfer
RaiseMe is a micro-scholarship program that awards students with scholarships for their achievements in school. The scholarships are awarded by colleges and universities that partner with RaiseMe, each institution creates its own micro scholarship program. The amount earned is RaiseMe represents the minimum amount of institutional aid that the colleges award you if you are accepted and enrolled in their school.
Arizona Community Foundation
https://www.azfoundation.org/scholarship-seekers/scholarships/
The Arizona Community Foundation, in partnership with its generous donors, awards millions of dollars annually to help students achieve their educational goals.
Through its online system, students complete one application and are matched with available scholarships based on their eligibility requirements.
College Depot
https://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/collegedepot
College Depot at Phoenix Public Library is a free, full-service college access center located at the Burton Barr Central Library in Phoenix, Arizona. Their team of college planning and re-engagement advisors offer one-on-one appointments to assist with all action steps necessary to earn a GED, diploma, college degree or apprenticeship, and host workshops including admissions, financial aid, scholarships, and more. Find resources to help you with your transfer process.
AWC PTK
https://www.azwestern.edu/student-life/honors/phi-theta-kappa
Phi Theta Kappa is the only national honor society for students of two-year (junior and community) colleges. Once eligible students have applied and are accepted, they pay a one-time membership fee which entitles them to membership and access to PTK benefits for life.
Members are encouraged not only to achieve continuing academic distinction but also to develop leadership and service habits.
The chartered chapter at Arizona Western College in 2004 is Sigma Beta. While Sigma Beta is not part of Honors, it is run (housed) within the AWC Honors program.
Hispanic Scholarship Fund
https://www.hsf.net/scholarship
HSF empowers families with the knowledge and resources to successfully complete a higher education, while providing scholarships and support services to as many exceptional students as possible.
Founded in 1975, HSF has awarded over $708 million in scholarships. HSF Scholars have access to valuable Scholar Support Services and, as funding permits, scholarships ranging from $500 to $5,000.
The Live Mas Scholarship
www.tacobellfoundation.org
The Live Más Scholarship is for students who are pursuing higher education, preparing for the workforce, or using their passion to ignite change in their communities and beyond.
The Voyager Scholarship
https://www.obama.org/programs/voyager-scholarship/
The Voyager Scholarship, administered by the Obama Foundation, helps students pursuing careers in public service by providing access to travel and education. Scholars receive up to $50,000 in financial aid over two years and $10,000 to pursue a summer work-travel experience between their junior and senior year. Scholars also receive a 10-year travel stipend of $2,000 every year, are invited to summit each Fall, get access to a network of leaders, and will join the Obama Foundation’s global community after graduating.
Helios 20th Anniversary Pathway Scholarship
https://educationforwardarizona.org/helios-20th-anniversary-pathway-scholarship/
To celebrate two decades of advancing education, the Helios Education Foundation proudly introduces the Helios 20th Anniversary Pathway Scholarship. This initiative aims to empower students transitioning into their junior year of college and pursuing a bachelor’s degree at an accredited institution in Arizona.
The scholarship offers both financial support and access to mentorship and success services through Education Forward Arizona, providing recipients with the tools and guidance needed to excel academically and achieve their aspirations.
HACU Scholarship Program
Scholarships - Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (hacu.net)
The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) is pleased to be the administrator of scholarship opportunities provided by their partners. AWC is a proud partner of HACU. These scholarships can help Arizona Western College students cover the cost of tuition, fees, books, and other expenses (varies by scholarship). Build your scholarship profile today and let their system match you with HACU scholarships. New scholarships are added throughout the academic year, so remember to check back regularly.
Chicanos Por La Causa
https://www.cplc.org/programs/scholarships
CPLC Scholarships empower future community leaders and innovators committed to improving Arizona communities.
The program provides financial assistance and ongoing supportive services to outstanding students attending Arizona colleges and universities. CPLC Scholars are individuals who have demonstrated a commitment to making positive changes in their communities and their chosen fields of study. The program is especially dedicated to serving students with limited access to financial resources.
As scholarship recipients, CPLC Scholars become part of a community of motivated learners with similar backgrounds, offering a social foundation as they embark on this exciting phase of life. They are also required to complete community service hours as part of maintaining their scholarship, providing an opportunity to witness how their actions can positively impact others and the world around them.
For questions about any CPLC scholarship, please contact Scholarships@cplc.org.