February 2021

SANTA CLARA, Calif., Feb. 3, 2021—Santa Clara University now offers a scholarship for transfer students from local community colleges.

The scholarship, which was created to grow the university’s transfer student population, directly aligns with President Kevin O'Brien, S.J.'s vision of making SCU more affordable and accessible to a diverse student community.

Although transfer student applicants were previously eligible to receive need-based financial aid, the transfer scholarship marks a new opportunity for local applicants. The award ranges from $5,000 to $10,000 per academic year, and is renewable for up to three years, provided the student establishes and maintains good academic standing. Additionally, students who have been awarded scholarships from Bay Area community-based organizations (501c3) will receive up to $5,000 in additional matching funds per academic year, renewable for up to three academic years in consecutive quarters.

“Given the growing diverse student demographics of California, and that many students who attend community colleges do so in pursuit of a college degree, Santa Clara University is committed to creating a pathway to SCU from our local community college neighbors,” says Eva Blanco Masias, vice president for enrollment management. “This is especially important at a time when the pandemic has interrupted college-going plans for many students and families.” 

The California Community Colleges system is the largest system of higher education in the country, representing 116 colleges and more than 2.1 million students. With the establishment of the scholarship, the university looks to strengthen its commitment to local, high-achieving students seeking to transfer to a four-year college.

In a record showing, Santa Clara University saw a 2.2% increase in its first-year applicant pool this year, as well as an increase of approximately 5.5% in ethnically diverse first-year applicants. The university looks forward to similar growth in the transfer student population.

“Transfer students bring valuable life experience to their class,” says Becky Konowicz, dean of undergraduate admission at SCU. “They know what they want to get out of their collegiate experience, and they bring a high level of commitment. We’re thrilled to have the opportunity to help these students succeed.”

Gaby Fernandez, a transfer student from Cabrillo College who majors in child studies, couldn’t agree more.

“I can honestly say that being a transfer student pushed me to give the best of me,” says Fernandez. “I had to get out of my comfort zone and advocate for myself and other transfer students. I had to find the balance between my job, my academics, and building meaningful friendships. I discovered I was resilient and dedicated to my passion for pursuing a higher education regardless of challenges.”

Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, Santa Clara University offers a rich educational experience to all students, regardless of the length of their time on campus. A Career Center dedicated to securing internships and other professional opportunities for students is just one of the many valuable resources that transfer students have at their disposal.

However, what stands out most for many transfer students coming to campus for the first time is the strong feeling of community.

“The students and faculty are so welcoming and passionate about what they do,” says Caroline McInerney, a transfer student from University of Michigan. “They’re well-rounded and intelligent, but they also love life and care about making the world a better place. I’ve never felt more seen and supported to pursue what I love and to enjoy my college years.”

The Association of Transfer Students, a registered student organization run by fellow transfer students on campus, plays a key role in creating that welcoming environment. The organization aids in the transition of new students into campus life by providing mentorships, friendship opportunities, and a variety of informative and social events.

Transfer Scholarship Availability
The Transfer Scholarship is available to qualifying undergraduate students who transfer to Santa Clara University in the fall quarter from one of many Bay Area community colleges. To be considered, students must have completed a minimum of 30 transferable semester units (or equivalent) when applying for admission and have a minimum 3.3 cumulative grade point average. 

All students who have an approved Transfer Admission Agreement (TAA) from an eligible community college and have completed an SCU transfer admission application by the admission application deadline of April 15 will automatically be awarded the SCU Transfer Scholarship. Students must also complete the FAFSA in tandem with their admission application. The deadline to complete the TAA is March 15.

For more information on the scholarship, the transfer admission agreement, and a list of  qualifying community colleges, please visit the Transfer Students Admission website.

About Santa Clara University
Founded in 1851, Santa Clara University sits in the heart of Silicon Valley—the world’s most innovative and entrepreneurial region. The University’s stunningly landscaped 106-acre campus is home to the historic Mission Santa Clara de Asís. Ranked among the top 15 percent of national universities by U.S. News & World Report, SCU has among the best four-year graduation rates in the nation and is rated by PayScale in the top 1 percent of universities with the highest-paid graduates. SCU has produced elite levels of Fulbright Scholars as well as four Rhodes Scholars. With undergraduate programs in arts and sciences, business, and engineering, and graduate programs in six disciplines, the curriculum blends high-tech innovation with social consciousness grounded in the tradition of Jesuit, Catholic education.  For more information see www.scu.edu.  

Media Contact
Elliot Zanger | Associate Director, Communications | ezanger@scu.edu