Why Transfer Students Choose EC3
Erie County Community College (EC3) is one of the most affordable colleges in Erie, PA and one of the most transfer-friendly. Whether your previous school didn’t work out, you’re returning to finish a degree you started, or you’ve decided a community college is the smarter financial move, EC3 has clear pathways to get you where you’re going.
Affordable Tuition
EC3’s tuition is among the lowest in Pennsylvania. Students who transfer from other colleges or universities to EC3 keep more of their credits and money.
Credits That Count
We accept transfer credits from accredited colleges and universities. Most students find that their prior coursework translates directly toward a degree at EC3.
Flexible Scheduling
Day, evening, and online classes mean you can transfer in without putting your life on hold. EC3 fits around work, family, and everything else.
How To Transfer Credits to EC3
Transferring to EC3 is a straightforward process. Here’s how it works:
- Apply Online: Complete EC3’s free online application. There’s no application fee, and most students receive a decision quickly. You can start your application here.
- Submit Official Transcripts: Request official transcripts from every college or university you’ve attended. EC3’s admissions team will evaluate your coursework for transfer credit. For more information on how EC3 accepts transfer credit, contact the registrar.
Note: Students transferring credit from institutions outside the U.S. should first have the official transcript evaluated by an authorized service qualified to determine credit equivalency. EC3 accepts transfer evaluation services from member organizations of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES). Click here for a list of member organizations.
3. Meet with an Academic Advisor: Your advisor will map your accepted transfer credits to your chosen program and build a personalized degree plan so you know exactly what’s left to complete.
4. Register for Classes: Once your credits are evaluated and your plan is set, you’ll register for your next semester at EC3. View course schedules here.
Transferring From EC3 to a Four-Year University
EC3 isn’t just a destination, it’s a launching pad. Completing an associate degree at EC3 before transferring to a four-year university can save you thousands of dollars in tuition, all while building a strong academic record that top institutions in Pennsylvania and beyond will recognize. EC3 has established transfer agreements with more than 30 colleges and universities, including Penn State, the University of Pittsburgh, Gannon University, Mercyhurst University, Slippery Rock University, and more. These agreements are designed to reduce the credits you lose in transition and give you a clear, mapped-out path to your bachelor’s degree.
Not all transfer agreements work the same way. EC3 offers three levels of partnership depending on the receiving institution:
All-Inclusive Agreements
Enter the partner institution with junior standing. Your EC3 associate degree is recognized as completion of your first two years.
Program-Specific Agreements
Courses at EC3 are mapped directly to a specific program at the four-year school, satisfying both major requirements and general education credits simultaneously.
Course-by-Course Transfers
Credits are evaluated individually by the receiving institution. EC3’s advising team can help you navigate this process and maximize what transfers.
Some of EC3’s transfer partners include:
- Canisius University
- Carolina University
- Catholic University of America
- Gannon University
- Geneva College
- Indiana University of Pennsylvania
- Johnson & Wales University
- La Roche University
- Lake Erie College
- Lancaster Bible College
- Mercyhurst University
- Muhlenberg College
- Northern Pennsylvania Regional College
- Penn State University
- PennWest California
- PennWest Clarion
- PennWest Edinboro
- Point Park University
- Regent University
- Robert Morris University
- Rochester Institute of Technology
- Slippery Rock University
- University of Pittsburgh
- University of Pittsburgh Johnstown
- The University of Olivet
- Villa Maria College
What Life at EC3 Looks Like for Transfer Students
Starting at a new college can feel overwhelming, but most EC3 transfer students say they felt at home quickly. Here’s what makes the EC3 experience different:
Small Class Sizes
EC3’s average class size means you’re not just a number. Professors know their students by name, and academic support is genuinely accessible.
Located in Erie, PA
EC3’s campus in Erie, PA, a mid-sized city with a low cost of living, an active arts and culture scene, and Lake Erie right in your backyard. Whether you’re local or relocating, Erie is an affordable place to study and live.
Student Support Services
Transfer students have access to the same full range of student services as any EC3 student, including tutoring, career advising, financial aid counseling, and disability support services.
Financial Aid for Transfer Students
If you received federal financial aid at your previous institution, you may be eligible to continue receiving it at EC3. Our financial aid team can help you understand your options, including Pell Grants, Pennsylvania State Grants, and institutional scholarships.
Ready to Start?
You’ve already done the hard part - deciding it’s time. Let EC3 handle the rest.
