By California Community Colleges Chancellors Office
For many California students, 2025 will be the year they take a big step in their higher education journey by transferring to a four-year university from a community college. In fact, more than 100 thousand California community college students transfer to a four- year university each year.
That’s why the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office is calling on eligible community college students to take decisive action: submit their transfer applications by the November 30 deadline to transfer to a California State University (CSU) or University of California (UC) for the 2025-26 academic year.
The Importance of Timely Applications
California community colleges play an essential role in ensuring access for all people to improve their quality of life and create bright futures for themselves, their families, and their communities. Part of this role includes creating streamlined, efficient, and affordable pathways for students aiming to transfer to a four-year university. Programs like the Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) and Transfer Admission Guarantee (TAG) do just that.
The Associate Degree for Transfer is the premier transfer pathway, and guarantees students a saved spot at a CSU, or participating Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) and non-profit private universities upon completion of necessary requirements. Students can also transfer from a California community college to a UC through the TAG program.
Missing the November 30 deadline for a transfer to a UC or CSU could mean postponing educational aspirations for another year. In addition, many students that are on a transfer pathway don’t realize they must fill out and submit a transfer application by this deadline regardless that they may have fulfilled all the criteria needed to transfer.
California community college students who are gearing up to transfer are encouraged to leverage the resources available at their community colleges. It’s important that students interested in transferring should meet with an academic advisor or visit the campus transfer center to ensure that all requirements are met well ahead of the application deadline. These resources can provide guidance on navigating the application process and understanding the specific requirements for each transfer Program.
For those interested in starting their journey at a California community college or exploring transfer opportunities, resources are readily available. The website ICanGoToCollege.com offers comprehensive information and a user-friendly Transfer Tool, providing an interactive guide to help students design their transfer pathways based on their academic goals. The site also is available in Spanish, Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese.
With the November 30 UC and CSU transfer deadline rapidly approaching, community college students are urged to take action. Don’t let the chance slip away — take the next step toward achieving your four-year degree today!
(The California Community Colleges is the largest system of higher education in the nation, composed of 73 districts and 116 colleges serving 2 million students per year. California community colleges provide career education and workforce training; guaranteed transfer to four-year universities; and degree and certificate pathways. As the state’s engine for social and economic mobility, the California Community Colleges support Vision 2030, a strategic plan designed to serve our students, our communities and our planet. For more information, please visit the California Community Colleges website or follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter (X).)
(This article is supported by the California Community Colleges Chancellors office)
