Choosing the right online college can be challenging, especially when you have already earned some credits.
Transferring credits can save you time and money, but not all schools accept them.
It’s crucial to find institutions that will recognize your hard work.
This article will introduce you to several online colleges that have generous transfer credit policies.
By selecting one of these schools, you can continue your education seamlessly and work towards completing your degree faster.
1) University of Phoenix
University of Phoenix offers an easy way for you to transfer credits.
If you have an associate degree from an accredited community college, you can save money on tuition.
For example, you can save $144 per three-credit course.
You can transfer up to 87 credits through the 3+1 Transfer Pathway.
This program allows you to complete three years at a community college and one year at the University of Phoenix.
The university also has transfer guides to help you see how your credits will fit into a degree program.
Use these guides to find out if courses you’ve taken match the requirements for your intended major.
If your community college isn’t on their list, you can still speak to an enrollment representative for guidance.
Call (844) 937-8679 to get help with transferring your credits and see how they can be applied to your chosen program.
The University of Phoenix has many community college transfer agreements.
This makes the process smoother for you.
If you want specific details about your courses, their transfer credits page provides more information.
2) Southern New Hampshire University
Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) is known for its generous transfer credit policies.
You can transfer up to 90 credits toward a bachelor’s degree, which is 75% of your program.
College credits do not expire at SNHU.
Credits from other accredited colleges can transfer regardless of when you earned them.
For undergraduate courses, SNHU accepts credits with a grade of C- or better.
This applies to courses from regionally or nationally accredited colleges.
In addition to traditional courses, SNHU also values work or life experience.
The university accepts many types of professional experiences for credit.
SNHU offers over 200 online programs.
Popular fields include marketing, accounting, and criminal justice.
The university has partnerships with many community colleges, making the transfer process smooth.
You can be confident that your community college credits will be recognized here.
For more details, visit SNHU’s transfer credit page.
3) Liberty University
Liberty University is a well-known choice for students wanting to transfer credits.
You can transfer up to 45 credits into an associate degree.
For a bachelor’s degree, up to 90 credits are accepted.
This university has a user-friendly process for transferring credits.
You can find transfer credit FAQs that detail the requirements and steps needed.
If you have credits from a community college in Virginia or North Carolina, Liberty University provides transfer equivalency guides to help you determine which credits will transfer.
You can also start the application process easily.
Either apply online or by phone by calling (800) 424-9595.
Using these resources can make your transition smoother.
Liberty University offers accredited programs and is a popular choice for adult learners.
It was founded in 1971 and has extensive experience in online education.
By checking their official guidelines, you can see if your previous education fits their criteria.
Remember, some postgraduate programs also allow for credit transfers on a per-program basis.
4) Purdue University Global
Purdue University Global offers a flexible option for students who want to transfer college credits.
They have a streamlined process to evaluate your transcripts.
You must submit official transcripts, as student-issued ones and those sent via fax are not accepted.
You can also earn credits through exams or projects.
Purdue Global’s Assessments of Skills and Knowledge (ASKs) let you waive prerequisites and determine class placement by earning a sufficient score.
For community college students, Purdue Global offers opportunities to apply associate degree credits toward a bachelor’s degree.
Indiana residents receive a 25% tuition reduction.
For more information, visit their Transfer Community College Credits page.
Purdue University Global makes the credit transfer process as straightforward as possible, providing various ways to help you make your existing credits count toward your degree.
5) Arizona State University
Arizona State University (ASU) is one of the most transfer-friendly schools in the U.S. ASU Online offers various degrees that accept a significant amount of transfer credits.
You can transfer up to 64 college credits from other institutions, depending on your program of interest.
This flexibility allows you to make faster progress towards your degree.
ASU accepts college-level courses where you have earned a grade of “C-” or better.
If a course is repeated, the first course with a minimum “C-” grade is used.
You must meet all graduation requirements, including university, college, major, and general studies requirements.
This ensures that you are well-prepared for your future career.
For more details on how your previous credits may transfer, you can use the ASU Transfer Guide.
This tool helps you understand how credits from other schools apply to your intended degree at ASU.
If you have questions about specific courses, you can submit them for evaluation.
This process helps you gain clarity on the applicability of your previous coursework.
The transfer process at ASU is designed to be smooth and efficient.
You can find more information on the Transfer Students page.
By choosing ASU, you can continue your education without losing the hard work you’ve already invested in your previous studies.
This makes it a great option for transfer students looking to complete their degree online.
6) Western Governors University
Western Governors University (WGU) is known for its flexible, competency-based learning model.
This allows you to transfer credits efficiently and complete your degree at your own pace.
You can transfer credits from community colleges, other universities, and even some work experience.
WGU’s admissions process is designed to recognize prior learning.
The university does not calculate traditional GPAs or class ranks.
Instead, it focuses on competency-based assessments to measure your skills and knowledge.
This approach can be beneficial if you have strong practical experience.
For transferring credits, ensure your previous institution sends your official transcript directly to WGU.
You can find more details on the WGU transfer page.
Several other colleges also accept WGU credits, making it easier if you decide to transfer again in the future.
Some of these colleges include Penn State University and Bushnell University.
Admission to WGU guarantees the acceptance of your transferable credits.
You must complete any remaining non-academic requirements, such as additional pre-enrollment steps.
Visit WGU’s admission requirements for more information.
Western Governors University offers a practical and student-friendly way to transfer and earn a degree online.
If you’re looking to make the most of your previous coursework, WGU can be a strong choice.
Importance of Transfer Credits
Transfer credits can make a significant difference in both the cost and duration of your education.
They offer financial advantages, the possibility of graduating sooner, and more control over your course schedule.
Financial Benefits
Transfer credits can help you save money on tuition and fees.
By transferring credits from previous coursework, you avoid paying for the same class twice.
This is particularly valuable at online colleges like the University of Phoenix, where up to 75% of your degree could be covered by transfer credits.
Additionally, many online colleges provide financial aid options specifically for transfer students.
This means you can maximize your existing credits while also benefiting from scholarships and grants.
The overall result is a significant reduction in your educational expenses.
Accelerated Graduation Timeline
Transferring credits can help you graduate faster.
By acknowledging your previous coursework, schools like Colorado State University allow you to move more swiftly through your degree program.
Some universities might accept up to 90 transfer credits, cutting down the time it takes to earn your degree by months or even years.
Speeding up your graduation timeline not only gets you into the workforce faster but also saves you money on additional semesters or courses.
This efficiency can be particularly advantageous for students balancing education with work or family responsibilities.
Flexibility in Course Planning
One of the main advantages of transfer credits is the increased flexibility in planning your coursework.
When schools like ASU Online accept your previously earned credits, you have more freedom to choose elective courses or even add a minor to your degree.
This flexibility allows you to tailor your educational experience to your specific interests and career goals.
It can also help you manage your workload more effectively, particularly if you’re juggling multiple obligations.
Having the ability to apply transfer credits lets you design an academic plan that best fits your needs.
Criteria for Transferring Credits
When choosing an online college that accepts transfer credits, you need to understand the specific criteria each institution uses to evaluate and accept those credits.
Knowing these criteria helps you make an informed decision and ensure that your previous coursework counts towards your new degree.
Accreditation Requirements
Accreditation is crucial when transferring credits.
Your previous institution must be accredited by a recognized accrediting body.
Colleges generally accept credits only from institutions with regional or national accreditation.
This ensures that the coursework you completed meets academic standards.
Be sure to check if your new college has specific accreditation requirements.
Some schools might not accept credits from institutions that only have national, but not regional, accreditation.
It is important to verify this information beforehand.
Different accrediting bodies include:
- Regional Accreditation: Widely accepted and considered highly reputable.
- National Accreditation: Sometimes more specific to career or technical schools.
Consult with your academic advisor to ensure that your credits are transferable.
Evaluating Course Equivalence
Course equivalence is another key factor in transferring credits.
Colleges compare the courses you’ve completed with their own offerings to determine if they align in content, academic level, and credit hours.
This process ensures that your prior coursework meets the new institution’s curriculum standards.
Courses typically need to have matching syllabi, course descriptions, and credit values.
Some colleges may require detailed documentation, such as syllabi and professor credentials, to assess equivalence.
If a course does not have a direct equivalent, it may be accepted as an elective.
It is important to keep detailed records of your previous coursework to facilitate this evaluation.
Make sure to communicate effectively with the transfer credit evaluation office to understand any additional requirements they may have.
Tips for a Smooth Transfer Process
To ensure a successful and smooth transfer process, it is essential to gather all necessary documents and maintain close communication with academic advisors.
Following these steps can help you avoid common pitfalls and streamline your transition.
Gathering Necessary Documents
You should start by collecting transcripts from all previously attended schools.
These are crucial for evaluating your transfer credits.
Beyond transcripts, standardized test scores like the SAT or ACT may be needed.
Some schools also require syllabi from past courses to verify content.
Keep copies of your military training documents, as some schools evaluate these for possible credit.
Additionally, prepare any AP or IB exam scores for credit consideration.
Checklist of necessary documents:
- Official Transcripts
- Standardized Test Scores
- Course Syllabi (if required)
- Military Training Documents
- AP or IB Exam Scores
Having these documents ready can significantly speed up the transfer process.
Contacting Academic Advisors
Once your documents are organized, you should reach out to an academic advisor at your new school.
They can provide detailed information about transfer policies and help ensure your credits are properly evaluated.
Schedule meetings with advisors to discuss your academic goals and how your previous credits fit into your new degree program.
They can offer guidance on course selections and help you map out your remaining coursework.
During these consultations, ask questions about transfer limits, residency requirements, and any possible exceptions to policies.
Staying informed will help you avoid surprises later on and make the most of your transfer credits.