California Transfer Promise
What is the California Transfer Promise?
The California Transfer Promise is Santa Clara University's commitment to California transfer students. If you're admitted as a transfer student and your family's income is $150,000 or less with typical assets, you'll receive at least $35,000 in scholarships and grants, money you never have to repay. Depending on your family's circumstances, you may receive more. The California Transfer Promise begins with students who enroll in fall 2027.
More than half of Santa Clara's transfer students come from California community colleges, and roughly 300 new transfer students are joining us this year. The California Transfer Promise is part of our commitment to keeping the path from community college to a Santa Clara degree open to students from every background.
If you're admitted and eligible, your California Transfer Promise award will automatically appear in your financial aid offer.
$35K+
guaranteed minimum in scholarships and grants
$150K
family income eligibility, with typical assets
43
community colleges with guaranteed-admission agreements
1 in 2
SCU transfer students come from a California community college
What does the California Transfer Promise cover?
$35,000 covers more than half of tuition
Your financial aid offer will include at least $35,000 in scholarships and grants from Santa Clara. Students who also qualify for the full Cal Grant and Pell Grant could receive $51,753 in grants, nearly 80% of tuition.
- $35,000 California Transfer PromiseGuaranteed minimum from Santa Clara
- $9,358 Estimated Cal GrantFor eligible California students
- $7,395 Potential Pell GrantIf eligible, based on your FAFSA
- $13,203 RemainingAdditional SCU aid, outside scholarships, or family contribution
Cal Grant and Pell Grant are added on top of your California Transfer Promise award. Amounts shown are estimates for illustration only; your actual award depends on your eligibility and family’s circumstances.
Coming from a California community college?
Santa Clara has Transfer Admission Agreements with 43 California community colleges. With an approved agreement, eligible students are guaranteed admission to all three of Santa Clara's undergraduate schools: the College of Arts and Sciences, the Leavey School of Business, and the School of Engineering.
You'll generally need a cumulative GPA of 3.3 and at least 30 transferable semester units.
Explore Transfer Admission AgreementsFrequently asked questions
Is the $35,000 per year, and does it renew?
Yes. The California Transfer Promise is renewed each year you're enrolled full time, as long as you refile the FAFSA, make satisfactory academic progress, and continue to meet the eligibility criteria.
Do I need a Transfer Admission Agreement to qualify?
No. A Transfer Admission Agreement guarantees your admission; the California Transfer Promise is about your financial aid. Any admitted transfer student who meets the income and asset criteria qualifies.
Do Cal Grant and Pell Grant count toward the $35,000?
No, the $35,000 is the minimum amount of grant from Santa Clara. If you receive Cal Grant or Pell Grant it will stack on top of the grant from us.
Can I receive more than $35,000?
Yes. $35,000 is the minimum. Students may receive additional Santa Clara grants and/or scholarships, as well as state and federal grants they qualify for, depending on their admission profile and family circumstance.
What if my family earns more than $150,000?
You may still qualify for need-based aid, so apply and file the FAFSA. Santa Clara does not offer merit scholarships for transfer students, which makes your financial aid forms the most important step for every transfer applicant.
Is there a separate application for the California Transfer Promise?
No. Apply to Santa Clara as a transfer student and submit your financial aid forms by the deadline. If you're admitted and eligible, the Transfer Promise is included in your financial aid offer automatically.
What counts as "typical assets"?
Families with typical assets generally have less than $120,000 in assets, not counting retirement accounts.
Your path to Santa Clara starts here
Get a personalized aid estimate, start your transfer application, or talk with our team.