Will My College Credits Transfer?

In the fall of 2021, the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) reported a staggering enrollment of 1,229,724 degree-seeking undergraduate students in postsecondary institutions as transfer-in students. Among these students, the pursuit of “College Credits” played a pivotal role in their educational journey. These enrollees were distributed across a diverse landscape of 3,421 institutions nationwide. This article will shine a spotlight on colleges that went above and beyond in accommodating transfer students, with a focus on their policies regarding the transfer of college credits. If you’re considering transferring, read on to discover institutions that may align with your academic aspirations.

• 1. UMD Global Campus
• 2. CSU Fullerton
• 3. Southern New Hampshire, up to 90 credits
• 4. University of Maryland Global, up to 90 credits
• 5. San Francisco State University
• 6. University of Central Florida
• 7. Arizona State, potentially all credits can transfer
• 8. San Jose State University
• 9. Chamberlain University
• 10. University of North Texas
• 11. California State University, 90+ transfer credits
• 12. Florida International University
• 13. Liberty University
• 14. American Public University System, up to 90 credits

It’s truly remarkable, as revealed by a study conducted by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), that over one-third of undergraduate students engage in transferring college credits at least once during their academic journey. What’s even more intriguing is that 11% of these students opt for a second transfer. If you’re contemplating a transition to a different institution, it’s imperative to familiarize yourself with the intricacies of the college credit transfer process. Understanding this process can potentially save you both time and money. Let’s delve into how this process unfolds.

How Many Credits Can You Transfer?

ARTICULATION AGREEMENTS

One potential avenue for transferring credits revolves around enrolling in a college that maintains a formal agreement with your current institution. These agreements often delineate the specific courses from a two-year school that are eligible for transfer to a four-year institution. Various types of transfer agreements exist, including:

• Statewide Agreements: Typically permitting students to transfer credits earned at a public two-year college to any public four-year institution within the same state. This option is particularly appealing for students who wish to remain close to home.
• GenEd to GenEd and Core to Core: Some colleges may endorse specific two-year degrees that can seamlessly fulfill a four-year college’s core general education prerequisites.
• Program to Program Agreements: In such cases, an institution usually establishes a pact with a particular two-year college, providing students with a structured roadmap of courses to complete in preparation for a four-year program at the transfer institution.
• Guaranteed Admission Agreements (2 + 2): These agreements enable students to complete two years of coursework at a two-year college followed by two years at a four-year institution, ensuring a smooth transition.

Other Transfer Options

If the options above are not viable, it still may be possible to transfer your credits to a new school.

First, check with the school’s transfer site or admissions office. Look for their minimum and max number of transfer credits allowed. Second, learn their grade requirements, and find out if they have expiration dates on credits. Last, figure out how to determine if the content of your earned courses are equal to courses at the new school.

You may also be able to earn credit for military training or other life experience. CLEP or other exam based credits may also be accepted.

Transfer Advisers

Some colleges may have a specific person who handles transfer credits. These advisers often work one on one with transfer students. They may help prepare application forms. They may also arrange tours, or seek out mentors for students in the transfer process.

TRANSFER CREDITS FROM A COMMUNITY COLLEGE

In a study, NCES it was revealed that 56% of transfer students originated from public two-year colleges. When considering the transfer from a community college to a four-year institution, there are often multiple pathways available that aim to minimize credit loss.

HOW MANY COLLEGE CREDITS WILL TRANSFER?

If you live in a state that has transfer agreements between it’s public two and four year colleges, all of your credits may transfer. If your state does not have this type of agreement, you may have to do the research to find what will transfer.

DO D’S TRANSFER FROM COMMUNITY COLLEGE?

Many schools ask for a C grade or better in order to transfer credits. But, there are ways you may still be able to transfer without losing credit for those courses where you earned a D. First, check the transfer policy of the school you want to go to. They may have a flexible policy on accepting credits for D’s. If not, you may want to meet with the college to see what options are available to you.

Second, consider staying at your community college long enough to earn your Associate’s degree. After you earn that degree, you can apply to a four year school knowing that your credits may transfer in a block. When you transfer credits as a block, individual grades may not be evaluated.

DO COMMUNITY COLLEGE CREDITS TRANSFER OUT OF STATE?

Formal transfer agreements are rare between public schools in different states. Without an agreement, the transfer eligibility for each course may be assessed individually.

If you transfer from a regionally accredited community college, your new school may accept credit for the core courses in your field of study. They may also accept some electives if they directly mirror courses offered at the new school. Another option may be an online college. Some online colleges may have out of state agreements with state wide public two year colleges.

ONLINE COLLEGES THAT ACCEPT TRANSFER CREDITS

When looking for colleges that accept transfer credits many of the four year online colleges below will accept up to 90 transfer credits. This is about 75% of total credits you need for a bachelors degree. This means that you may be able to transfer all of your credits from your previous college work. Keep in mind that the info below is for undergrad transfer requests only.

Steps to Transferring Your College Credits 

While each school may have unique college transfer requirements, there are some general steps you can follow to facilitate the transfer of your credits:

1. Meet with your academic adviser: Initiate a discussion with your academic adviser to outline your transfer objectives and explore the feasibility from both academic and financial perspectives.
2. Fill out a transfer application: Note that this application may differ from what first-year students typically use. If you encounter difficulties in locating the appropriate application, don’t hesitate to reach out to the school’s admissions office for guidance.
3. Maintain Strong Academic Performance: Transfer policies can vary among schools, but most institutions expect you to have accrued a specific number of credits for transfer consideration. Some may also impose a minimum GPA requirement. If your GPA is lower than desired, don’t worry; there are colleges that accept transfer students with lower GPAs.
4. Contact the right department: Reach out to the department pertinent to your intended major (e.g., the science department for Biology majors). Inquire whether you can submit your transcript for evaluation to determine the transferability of credits to your new program.
5. Secure Letters of Recommendation: Approach your professors well in advance to request letters of recommendation. Give them ample time to complete and submit these letters on your behalf. While high school letters may be acceptable, colleges generally prefer recommendations from instructors you’ve most recently studied under at the college level.
6. Be on Time: Timely submission of all required documents is essential. Missing deadlines can create an unfavorable impression during the transfer process.