NH Transfer

Attend College on Your Own Terms

Explore your options. Focus on your future. And go!

As important as college is for personal and career development, not everyone is ready to jump directly into a traditional four-year program when they graduate from high school. Often, high school graduates are uncertain about what they want to do, and they aren’t sure about what the next step should be.

Graduating from Berlin High School in 2002, Nic Tremblay had a strong interest in music. But he was unsure about what he wanted to do next. Nic says, “I needed some time to explore my options.” Nic’s solution was to begin his college experience close to home, at the New Hampshire Community College in Berlin (NHCC-Berlin). “I knew that ultimately I would transfer somewhere,” says Nic, “but I wasn’t sure when I started at NHCC-Berlin where that would lead.” Enrolling at NHCC also saved Nic a lot of money—college tuition at NHCC is the lowest in the state and Nic was able to save money by living at home.

At NHCC-Berlin, Nic’s interests in music and education evolved into a specific career interest in music therapy. The courses Nic took at NHCC-Berlin earned him transferable college credits and helped prepare Nic for his next step.

After one year at NHCC-Berlin, Nic possessed the confidence and clarity he needed to begin pursuing his bachelor’s degree. Nic transferred to Keene State College and is now working toward a bachelor’s degree in music therapy. Nic notes, “The professors in the program at Keene State were very helpful. Keene State was small and friendly, and I think the music therapy program is a good one.”

“The transfer process went very smoothly.” says Nic. “The only course that did not transfer was a course in which I got a grade of C-minus.” Nic’s experience is typical. Most colleges nationally require a grade of C or better to transfer credits. “Everything was handled between the admissions offices of the colleges. It was easy and there were no problems,” adds Nic.

Nic’s start-local approach to earning a college degree may also make sense for many others. Some people are uncertain about what college-level academics will demand and may wish to test the waters. Some might be unable to make the financial commitment needed to attend a traditional four-year program. Often, especially for adults, other personal circumstances may keep them close to home. In each case, starting your college education at one of New Hampshire’s community colleges and transferring to a University System of New Hampshire college or university for your bachelor’s degree may be your best route.

Nic will be entering his junior year at Keene State College this coming fall. He’s very pleased with the way his college education is working out. For Nic, starting at his local NHCC campus, working to bring his interests into focus, and transferring to a four-year bachelor’s degree program has allowed him to attend college on his own terms.