Transfer To Independent Colleges And Universities & Out Of State Universities  

Independent (private) colleges and universities are non-profit institutions not funded by public taxes. These institutions offer diverse academic environments, including faith-based programs, specialized technical or arts degrees, and adult education models. Generally, independent colleges offer smaller class sizes and more specialized academic focuses than public systems. 

The ADT Commitment (AICCU Partnerships) 

Under the Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) Commitment, students who earn an AA-T or AS-T in one of the approved majors are guaranteed admission at junior standing to participating independent, non-profit institutions. 

· Statewide: Approximately 40 AICCU (Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities) members currently participate in the ADT guarantee. 

· Guarantee Terms: Participating institutions guarantee that a minimum of 60 semester (or 90 Quarter) units will transfer, ensuring the student starts with junior standing. 

National and HBCU Partnerships 

Through the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office (CCCO) and the "I Can Go to College" initiative, transfer pathways extend beyond California: 

· Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs): Merced College students with a 2.0 GPA or higher and 30+ transferable units are guaranteed admission to over 35 participating HBCUs nationwide. 

· Out-of-State/Online: Formal agreements exist with dozens of fully online and out-of-state universities to provide seamless ADT transitions. 

Merced College Articulation Agreements 

Some private institution maintains unique articulation agreements with Merced College. Currently, Merced College holds formal transfer agreements with: 

· Arizona State University (ASU)   

· Fresno Pacific University 

· National University  

· Western Governors University 

For a comprehensive list of participating AICCU and HBCU institutions, visit the I Can Go to College website.  

Students are strongly advised to visit the Career and Transfer Center located in the Student Union Building (Merced Campus) or call (209) 384-6053 to schedule an appointment with a counselor to verify specific institutional requirements.