1. How do I ensure that the courses I am taking will transfer?

• First, decide on the field of study you will pursue at the four-year school.
• Second, identify the school(s) you wish to transfer to.
• Third, once these decisions are made, plan your curriculum carefully with an academic advisor.

ARTSYS is a computerized data information system that facilitates student transfers from Maryland/Virginia public community colleges to the University System of Maryland institutions and other participating institutions.

Information provided by ARTSYS:

• Course equivalencies
• Recommended transfer programs
• Transcript evaluation
• Search for majors

3. Where is ARTSYS?

ARTSYS is available on computer terminals in the Academic Advising, Admissions, Career and Transfer Resource Center, and faculty offices. You may also visit ARTSYS online.

4. How do I access ARTSYS?

ARTSYS is accessible here. 

5. Can I transfer to schools other than those in the University System of Maryland?

Yes. AACC is a regionally accredited institution and most courses in academic subjects are transferable. Since many vocational and personal enrichment courses typically do not transfer it is best to consult with an academic advisor.

6. When should I transfer from Anne Arundel Community College?

You may transfer at any time provided you meet the four-year institution’s admission requirements. Typically, you must meet minimum credit and grade point average requirements, which varies from institution to institution.

7. Will my financial aid transfer from AACC to another institution?

In general, you should be eligible for similar financial aid at the transfer school.  You must file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) every year for the next academic year (Fall-Spring-Summer).  If you haven't filed a FAFSA yet, just add the new school code before you file it.  Each school and aid agency sets it own FAFSA deadlines and at many schools, to have a chance at any school based funds, you must submit your FAFSA by February 15.  The Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC) only awards state aid to students who submit their FAFSAs by March 1.  You are allowed to report estimated tax data if you can't complete your tax returns by these deadlines, but if you can get your taxes done earlier, it's much easier.

If you have already filed your FAFSA, you must add the new school code to your FAFSA.  To add the code on-line, get your PIN # and go to www.fafsa.ed.gov.  To add the code by phone, get the DRN Number that is listed on your Student Aid Report  and call the Federal Processor (1-800-4FED-AID).  Federal grants and loans can't be directly transferred from one school to another. When your new school receives your FAFSA data, they will evaluate your eligibility for loans and grants from them for the rest of the academic year.

If you will be switching schools in the middle of the academic year, you must also ask your old school to cancel any loans that they have already processed for the rest of the academic year. If you don't cancel your loans at the old school, the lender may still send your loan funds to the old school. It will take three to six weeks to return the funds before they can be reissued to your new school.

If you already receive aid from the Maryland Higher Education Commission  you must contact them and ask them to transfer your state awards to the new school.

For private scholarships, review these online searches or the scholarship guides at your library:

• Wired scholar   
• Students 
• Fastweb  

Most scholarship application deadlines are in February, March, and April.  

8. What is the minimum grade that will transfer?

For schools in the University System of Maryland, the minimum grade for general education transfer is determined by the sending institution.  For other courses the minimum grade for transfer credit is determined by the receiving institution. For independent colleges and universities, the minimum grade for transfer is normally a 2.0 or "C".

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