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Exploring New Possibilities for Transfer Students

Updated: Dec 5, 2023

Maximizing Opportunities for Transfer Students in College Sports through Scholarship Consulting


College sports offer a unique opportunity for student-athletes to pursue their passion and receive a quality education. However, not every student-athlete follows the traditional path of enrolling in a university as a freshman and competing for four years. According to the NCAA, in the 2021 academic year, approximately 30% of Division I athletes were transfer students. This highlights the growing trend of transfer students in college sports and the need to understand their challenges and opportunities. In this blog, we will explore the world of transfer students in college sports, focusing on the opportunities and challenges they face and how scholarship consulting can help.

At the NCAA level, transfer students must comply with specific eligibility requirements to compete at their new institution. They must be academically eligible and meet the transfer rules established by the NCAA. Many conferences have their own transfer policies that must be followed.


Similarly, the NAIA also has transfer regulations in place to ensure that student-athletes are able to compete at the highest level possible. Unlike the NCAA, the NAIA does not have any restrictions on the number of years a student-athlete can compete, making it an attractive option for those who have exhausted their eligibility at the NCAA level. According to the NAIA, in the 2019-20 academic year, over 60,000 student-athletes competed in its member schools.

For those who do not meet the eligibility requirements at the NCAA or NAIA level, Junior College can be a great option. At this level, student-athletes have the opportunity to develop their skills and improve their academics in a supportive environment. According to the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA), over 150,000 student-athletes participate in its programs every year. From there, they can transfer to a four-year institution and continue their athletic and academic pursuits.

One of the biggest challenges transfer students face is securing scholarship funding for their new institution. This is where Athlete Plus can help. Our scholarship consultants are dedicated to helping transfer students navigate the scholarship landscape and find opportunities that fit their needs and abilities. They can also provide guidance on how to approach the athletic departments at potential new schools, as well as help with the transfer process itself. It’s important to note that transfer student-athletes bring a wealth of experience and talent to their new teams and as such are highly valued by coaches and scouts. In the 2021 academic year, over 4,500 transfer student-athletes competed in Division I men’s basketball alone. This highlights the significant impact that transfer student-athletes can have on college sports programs. Additionally, transfer student-athletes often bring a new level of maturity and leadership to their teams, having already experienced the demands of college athletics and academic life. This unique perspective can be invaluable to their new teams, both on and off the field. In a survey conducted by the NCAA, over 70% of college coaches agreed that transfer student-athletes bring a positive impact to their teams and help create a more competitive environment. With the right support and guidance, transfer student-athletes have the potential to make a significant impact in college sports and achieve their goals. At Athlete Plus, we are dedicated to helping transfer students in college sports achieve their goals. Our scholarship consultants have the knowledge and expertise to provide transfer students with the support they need to succeed. If you are a transfer student or know someone who is, contact us today to learn more about the opportunities and support we offer.

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