Transfer students find their place at Baldwin Wallace

Walking onto a new campus can be overwhelming. For transfer students, it carries an extra layer of uncertainty: Will I fit in? Will my credits transfer? Will I feel behind? At BW, those questions are met with reassurance.

Recognized for Support

Once again in 2025, Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society (PTK) named Baldwin Wallace University to its Transfer Honor Roll, one of 251 colleges and universities nationwide to earn the recognition for its amazing transfer support.

The list honors "excellence and success in transfer pathway development" and recognizes "the dynamic pathways [these universities] have created to support transfer students." For students transferring from a community college, this means BW maximizes transfer credits and financial aid while providing resources to set them on a smooth path to earning a bachelor's degree.

For students like me, that support was felt immediately. I transferred from a larger four-year university and quickly noticed how welcoming Baldwin Wallace felt.

The smaller classes, supportive professors and close-knit community made it so much easier to adjust and feel like I truly belonged. I joined clubs like cheerleading and became involved as a student ambassador. Baldwin Wallace helped me find my place.

BW transfer admission counselor Andrew Zimmerman '22, MBA '24, echoes this perspective, "One of the things I had to realize quickly when I took this position a year ago was how every transfer student has their own unique story.

"I don't work with the traditional high school seniors like most of my colleagues in Admission. I'm working with students who are sometimes younger than me, the same age as me, or even older than me.

"However, when I have the opportunity to speak with them over the phone or in person, I enjoy hearing the reasons and factors of why they are showing interest in BW.

"As a two-time alum of BW, I want to make sure that I share my story with them, and I hope the students feel how welcoming this school is."

A smaller campus, a bigger impact

At BW, smaller class sizes allow professors to know students by name and offer personalized mentorship. For transfer students who may be navigating new academic expectations, that connection can make all the difference.

Instead of feeling like just another face in a lecture hall, students find themselves in classrooms where questions are encouraged and relationships matter.

Beyond academics, campus culture plays an equally important role. Clubs, leadership opportunities and campus events help transfer students build friendships quickly and confidently. The university emphasizes collaboration over competition — creating an environment where students feel valued from day one.

Pathways that make the transition easier

For Carly Webster '26, thoughtful transfer policies and financial support were key factors in her decision to attend BW.

"BW had already been top of mind due to a program that closely matched my interests in arts management and music industry," Webster explains. "But what helped finalize my decision were the transfer credit and scholarship offerings."

Through the Associate to Bachelor's (A2BW) program, Webster was able to have her entire BW Core waived, ensuring she could graduate in her desired two years. She also benefited from the STING! Program, which allowed her to stay in Cleveland over the summer for internships, as well as renewable scholarships such as the Transfer Impact Award.

"Receiving those scholarships made me feel recognized for the work I had done even before arriving at BW," she says. "For students considering transferring, I would suggest doing as much research as you need to feel comfortable making an informed decision. It’s a huge transition, so don’t rush yourself in that process."

More than a transfer — a fresh start

For students looking for a place where support, connection and opportunity come first, Baldwin Wallace University is more than just a school; it’s a place to grow, belong and succeed.

Students who are considering transferring can learn more about Baldwin Wallace’s transfer process, support services and scholarship opportunities by visiting the Transfer Student Admission page.

For transfer students ready to grow academically and personally, Baldwin Wallace offers the support to make that growth possible.