Each year a number of students transfer to a 4 year college or university prior to earning a degree at Bay College. There are a variety of reasons for transferring early, but the reason given most often is "my program of study requires me to transfer after one year." Students should be aware that most programs of study do not require early transfer and by staying at Bay for the second year there are a number of advantages both academically and financially. Here are some reasons to consider staying at Bay College for two years prior to transferring:
• To earn an Associate Degree (which is encouraged by a number of universities).
• To obtain the Michigan Transfer Agreement (MTA) (although this could be obtained in one year if courses are selected carefully.)
• To avoid taking large enrollment General Education classes at the university.
• Students are admitted to the "university" as a sophomore, but not to a "college" (such as the College of Engineering or Education) until their junior year.
• Financial savings of approximately $5,000-$7,000 a year, when comparing tuition, fees, room, board, books, travel, and personal expenses.
• To avoid being taught by graduate assistants who teach many of the freshman and sophomore level classes at the universities.
• Transfer scholarships are not always available to students who transfer after one year.
Bay College advises students to transfer at the appropriate time, and in some cases, only one year is recommended in programs such as music, surveying, and a few others. If you are unsure of when you should transfer, please see your advisor or a counselor. Transferring to a university is an important decision and all students are encouraged to carefully consider the academic and financial aspects of that decision.