Transfer Student FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Transferring to a different college comes with a lot of questions, but we strive to make the process as seamless as possible. Get your questions answered below, or reach out to us at [email protected]!

Applying to Merrimack

If I applied to Merrimack previously, can I reactivate my application?

If you’ve applied within the past 12 months, you can reactivate your prior application to be re-reviewed. We will also carry over any previously received admission materials, so your portal checklist will only list any new, updated or additional materials that we may need. Reach out to your admission counselor or [email protected] to see if you’re eligible to reactivate your application!

If I applied to Merrimack previously, will I get the same scholarship?

We can’t guarantee you’ll get the same scholarship—but we did recently increase our scholarship amounts so it’s possible you could be awarded even more! Either way, we will re-review your application materials and any coursework you’ve done since applying, and provide you with a new merit scholarship offer. 

My previous school shut down. How can I request official transcripts?

In the unfortunate case that an institution has closed, official records are transferred to another institution. This is generally either a local government (educational) office or partnering school that has absorbed the curriculum of the closed institution.

Do you accept unofficial transcripts?

Yes! We can use unofficial transcript(s) to offer you an initial admission and merit scholarship decision. If admitted, we will need the official final transcript(s) sent directly from your institution before enrolling at Merrimack.

What is the Transfer Guarantee?

The Massachusetts Transfer Guarantee is a partnership between MA community colleges and participating four- year colleges and universities. Eligible community college graduates are able to transfer seamlessly—admission is guaranteed! Merrimack also honors the Mass Transfer General Education Foundation towards our Foundations and Connections curriculum.

Is Merrimack a part of MassTransfer?

No,  MassTransfer is an exclusive agreement between Public State institutions and Massachusetts Community Colleges. However Merrimack is part of the Massachusetts Independent College Transfer Guarantee which offers the benefits as MassTransfer, the difference is that it’s for private colleges! 

Transfer Student Life

Can transfer students study abroad?

Yes, transfer students are eligible for all 25+ of our study abroad opportunities!

Can transfer students live on campus?

Yes, you can choose whether you’d like to live on campus or commute. 

Can transfer students participate in varsity athletics?

Yes! Typically, transfer students are recruited by the coaching staff of our DI athletic teams. Explore the athletics website to learn more!

Scholarships and Financial Aid

Are transfer students eligible for merit-based scholarships?

Yes, transfer applicants are automatically reviewed for merit-based scholarships ranging between $14,000 – $35,500 renewable annually. 

Are there any transfer-specific scholarships?

If you are a member of Phi Theta Kappa, you are eligible for an additional $2,000 scholarship renewable annually. Visit Phi Theta Kappa’s website to learn more about membership benefits and requirements!

Do transfer students receive less financial aid and scholarship awards compared
to traditional freshman applicants?

Absolutely not; as a transfer applicant, you will be reviewed for the same merit awards as incoming freshman. 

Transferring Credits

How many credits can I transfer in?

Merrimack accepts up to 93 transfer credits; only 25% of your total credits must be completed at Merrimack!

Can I start over if I have already received college credits?

Unfortunately not. We will need an official college transcript no matter what. If you have completed fewer than 24 college credits we will also need your final high school transcript. 

Do you offer credits for AP classes?

Yes. AP Exam scores of 3 and higher will be reviewed for credit. Review our general policies for transfer credit and find additional resources here

Does Merrimack award credit for work, life or other experience?

Yes! Merrimack awards academic credit for workforce training based on the American Council on Education National Guide to College Credit for Workforce Training recommendations. An official ACE transcript must be submitted for consideration. Workforce training credits will be accepted as open elective credits. If a student wants workforce training credit to be approved for a major or minor requirement, then the course must be approved by the academic department of that major or minor.

Next Steps

When is move-in and the first day of classes?

Merrimack’s academic calendar is available here. New student move-in is Friday, August 23 and classes begin Monday, August 26. Find the most up-to-date information here along with earlier move in dates for athletes and students in LLCs (like Austin Scholars and the Honors Program). Contact Residence Life at [email protected] or 978-837-5507 with any additional questions!

Something Else on Your Mind?

Please reach out to your admission counselor! They are your go-to person and can help with any questions you may have. If you’re not sure who your counselor is, you can find yours in the applicant portal. We also have Mack, our chatbot, available to answer your questions 24/7. Keep an eye out for Mack in the bottom corner of this page.