Et cetera : New IA Private Transfer Guarantee Website Simplifies College Transfers

Iowa’s community college students now have a powerful new resource to streamline their path to a bachelor’s degree. The Iowa Association of Independent Colleges and Universities (IAICU) is proud to announce the launch of the Iowa Private Transfer Guarantee website, an innovative tool designed to help students seamlessly transition from Iowa’s community colleges to 19 private, nonprofit colleges and universities.

Located at www.iowaprivatecolleges.org, the new website provides step-by-step guidance on the transfer process, helping students research institutions, understand credit transfer policies, explore financial aid opportunities, and navigate the enrollment process. The Iowa Private Transfer Guarantee ensures that eligible students who meet the necessary academic requirements can transfer with confidence, knowing their credits will count toward their bachelor’s degree.

"The Iowa Private Transfer Guarantee is a game-changer for students seeking a clear, efficient, and affordable pathway to a four-year degree," said Andy Baumert, Vice President for the Iowa Association of Independent Colleges. "With this new website, we’re making the transfer process more transparent and accessible, empowering students to take the next step in their education with ease."

How the Iowa Private Transfer Guarantee Works

The Iowa Private Transfer Guarantee ensures that students who have completed an Associate of Arts (AA) or Associate of Science (AS) degree at an Iowa community college—and who meet the minimum GPA requirement—are guaranteed admission to a participating private college or university in Iowa. The website provides detailed information on:

• Researching Transfer Institutions – Students can explore participating colleges and universities to find the best fit for their academic goals.
• Application Requirements – A straightforward guide to submitting transfer applications, transcripts, and required materials.
• Financial Aid and Scholarships – Information on scholarships specifically for transfer students and financial aid opportunities.
• Advising and Enrollment – Guidance on academic advising, course selection, and degree planning at the new institution.

A More Transfer-Friendly Future for Iowa Students

In addition to the transfer guarantee, Iowa’s private colleges are working to expand transfer-friendly policies, including broader credit acceptance, new articulation agreements, and reverse transfer options. Participating institutions are also aligning their programs with statewide transfer majors in key disciplines such as biology, chemistry, English, history, psychology, and sociology.

"For many students, affordability and location are major considerations when transferring to a four-year college," said Baumert. "The Iowa Private Transfer Guarantee ensures they can continue their education close to home while benefiting from the unique opportunities at Iowa’s private colleges."

Visit the New Website Today

The Iowa Private Transfer Guarantee website is now live at www.iowaprivatecolleges.org. Students, families, guidance counselors and academic advisors are encouraged to explore the tool and learn how Iowa’s private colleges can support their educational goals.