Transferring from UVF?
We are here to help!
We understand University of Valley Forge is going through an uncertain time. As we've received questions from students, we have created this page as a resource for those exploring their options.
For UVF transfer students who are entering in the 2026–2027 academic year, we are offering a $2,000 annual scholarship!
Your Guide to Transferring to Cairn University
You had a vision for what your college experience would look like. But sometimes, there are circumstances outside of your control that force you to pivot. University of Valley Forge was a great starting point, and Cairn University may be the perfect place to finish your degree.
We will work with you to transfer as many credits as possible to save you money and time. And coming to Cairn doesn’t mean you have to give up what you had at UVF. Cairn delivers the important parts of the college education, including:
- A Christ-centered education
- An authentic Christian community
- A beautiful campus with local opportunities for fun, jobs, internships and more!
As you consider joining our Cairn family, we’re committed to supporting you and making you feel welcomed and cared for. Hear a special message from our president, Dr. Todd J. Williams.
What is on your mind?
Life at Cairn
Life at Cairn is intentionally designed to help students flourish. Whether you’re cheering at an athletic event, attending a campus activity, serving alongside classmates, or finding a church home in the area, you’ll discover a community that encourages meaningful relationships and purposeful growth. Our community is one that is vibrant, where spiritual life and growth is woven throughout the whole Cairn University experience.
Financial Aid
To give you the best financial aid package possible, you will need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as well as share with us your Offer of Aid from UVF for the next academic year.
In addition, we are offering transferring UVF students who start in the 2026–2027 academic year a $2,000 annual scholarship!
Our Location
As a Cairn student, you have unlimited options for adventure. You’ll quickly find just how much there is to do from our suburban campus. In an hour’s time, you could be in the city, at the beach, or in the mountains. Study in between classes at one of several local coffee roasters or by the lake at the park. When you want to take advantage of city life, you can walk .2 miles off campus to the train station that will take you into Center City or connect you to New York.
Transferring Credits
There’s good news for you. Because Cairn and UVF share similar values, it means we share a similar curriculum. While the amount of credits that can transfer will depend on your program, we can guarantee Cairn will maximize all your transfer credit availability. See how your credits compare to Cairn’s by clicking below.
Join us at Open House or Take a Tour!
Have Questions? Talk with Me!
Melanie Panichelle
Admissions Counselor
Hi! I’m Melanie, and I will be your guide through all aspects of transferring to Cairn University. I’m not just your designated application-processor—I genuinely would love to get to know you and walk with you through the transfer process. Whether you want to know more information about transferring to Cairn or you just need someone to talk to about where you are in your college journey, I’d love to chat. Shoot me an email!
Frequently Asked Questions of UVF Students
What will my enrollment process look like if I transfer to Cairn University?
- Complete the Application for Admission, which includes a personal testimony.
- Submit your transcript(s) for evaluation
- If accepted, you will receive a letter of admission.
- Following acceptance, and the submission of your FAFSA, you will receive a financial aid package.
- Once your transcript has been processed, you will receive notification on the number of credits transferred.
Is there an application fee and/or will I need to deposit again?
Yes, there is an application fee but you can apply waiver code Transfer2Cairn to save $25! There is a required deposit of $150.
Will my completed credits transfer?
In order to make sure we provide you with the maximum number of credits, we will need to assess your transcripts and credits individually. Therefore, we need a copy of those transcripts sent to your admissions counselor.
How do I submit my transcript(s)?
Please request your transcript from UVF through this link.
You may also use the Official Transcript Request Form from the Cairn Admissions Portal to request your transcript.
How can I be involved in sports?
If you are interested in participating in Cairn Athletics, we’d be happy to connect you with our coaches and Athletics Director. Please reach out to your admissions counselor that you would like to talk to a coach!
Am I eligible for financial aid?
Cairn is an accredited institution and you are eligible for federal and state financial aid. To give you the best financial aid package possible, you will need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as well as share with us your Offer of Aid from UVF for the next academic year. We therefore strongly encourage you to send us your FAFSA: https://studentaid.gov/help/how-add-college.
Are there any opportunities to see the campus or learn more about Cairn University?
We want to support you in every way and make your transition as seamless as possible. Personal visit options including virtual information sessions are available from here.
I am interested in studying online. Where can I learn more about online programs?
Most Cairn Online courses are offered in 7-week terms. You can take only 2-3 courses at a time.
The online courses are designed and taught by Cairn faculty who are substantially engaged throughout the course delivery. For more information, please visit the FAQs on this page.
I am planning to take online courses, are there special requirements?
Our courses are designed with flexibility and convenience in mind. As long as you have a reliable Internet connection and decent computer, you should be able to complete the online course work from anywhere. To view the requirements for Cairn Online courses, please see this page.
What is Cairn University’s Accreditation Standing?
Cairn University is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). The accreditation was reaffirmed in June 2024. Whether you study onsite or online, you’ll earn a valuable degree that will prepare you with the skills and credentials for your career. Additional disclosures and program accreditation information is available from here.
How do I check my application status?
If you were admitted, deposited or enrolled, your status will be posted on the Cairn Admissions Portal.
If you were new to UVF, please complete the Cairn standard application.
How do my ministry credits transfer?
We will work with you to transfer as many credits as possible to save you money and time.
Generally, a student’s ministry/service must meet one or more of the following criteria:
- Serving in a church setting.
- Serving in an organization that supports the church.
- Serving in an organization that meets the needs of people in a local community (Ex. Habitat for Humanity, Choice One, nursing home).
- Participating on a mission trip team (at least three days long).
- Volunteering in a professional setting that utilizes and enhances what students are learning in their curricular program.
- Participating in Cairn University organizations, activities, office settings, leadership capacities in which you serve the community at Cairn and/or potentially the community at large, by utilizing a combination of professional skills, spiritual gifts, and modeling the Christian faith.
Transfer and part-time students will have the number of required ministry/service credits reduced in coordination with course credits transferred into Cairn.
Credit hours Transferred into Cairn Student Ministry Credit Reduction:
12-18 credits: requirement reduced to 5
19-36 credits: requirement reduced to 4
37-52 credits: requirement reduced to 3
53+ credits = no requirement