Transfer credit is college coursework earned at one school that another school agrees to recognize. The receiving college decides which courses it accepts, what each is worth and, most importantly, whether it applies toward a degree requirement or only counts as an elective. Planning ahead with both schools is the best way to avoid losing time and money. Policies differ by college and state, so always confirm the current rules.
Accepted credit vs applied credit
This is the distinction that surprises students most. A college may accept a course, meaning it appears on the new transcript, but not apply it to the major or general education requirements. Accepted credits that do not apply can still leave a student with extra courses to take.
- Ask both “Will this transfer?” and “What requirement will it fill?”
- Request an unofficial credit evaluation before committing to a transfer if the college offers one
- Check how credits apply to the specific major, not just the college overall
How colleges evaluate credit
- Accreditation. Colleges generally accept credit more readily from institutionally accredited schools.
- Course match. The course content should be comparable to one the receiving college offers. Some get a direct equivalent; others become general elective credit.
- Grades. Many colleges require a minimum grade, often a C or better, and transfer grades may not count in the new GPA.
- Age of coursework. Some programs limit how old certain credits can be, especially in fast-changing fields.
- Residency rules. Most colleges require a minimum amount of coursework completed at their own school to earn their degree.
Agreements that make transfer easier
Many states and college systems have articulation agreements that spell out which courses transfer and how. Some offer associate degrees designed for transfer, or assured admission for students who meet set requirements. Individual colleges also sign agreements with each other. A community college transfer counselor is usually the best source on what applies in a given state.
Steps to protect your credits
- Choose a target school and major as early as you reasonably can.
- Look up the target school’s transfer equivalency information and requirements for the major.
- Meet with advisors at both schools, and keep notes or emails of what they tell you.
- Take courses that fill requirements at both schools when possible.
- Save every syllabus; you may need them to appeal a credit decision.
- Send official transcripts from every college attended, including dual enrollment and summer courses.
AP, IB, dual enrollment and other prior credit
Exam credit and dual enrollment courses follow their own policies, and a transfer school may treat them differently from the first college. Students should send official score reports and transcripts to each new school. See college credit in high school.
Timing matters
When a student transfers can affect how many credits apply. Moving midway through a sequence, such as a two-term science or language series, can leave a half-finished course that does not match. Transferring before or after finishing an associate degree designed for transfer can also change how general education is handled. Ask both schools how timing affects your situation.
- Finish multi-term sequences at one school when possible
- Ask whether completing a transfer degree first would help
- Check application deadlines for transfer students, which can differ from first-year deadlines
- Ask how transfer affects financial aid and scholarships at the new school; see financial aid basics
If credits are denied
Students can usually ask for a review. Contact the registrar or the transfer office, ask what is needed, and submit the syllabus and course description. Sometimes a department will review a course for equivalency even when the initial evaluation said elective only.
Where a mentor helps
A mentor is not an academic advisor and cannot evaluate credit. A mentor helps a student gather records, prepare questions for advisors, keep track of follow-ups and stay steady through what can be a frustrating process. See mentoring for college students, and read how to transfer colleges for the bigger picture.
Related
- Community college vs university
- Starting at community college first
- How college advising works
- Mentoring for community college students
Common questions
Do transfer grades count in my new GPA?
At many colleges, transfer courses count for credit but not in the new GPA, though policies vary. Some programs do review all prior grades for admission to a major.
Why did my course only count as an elective?
The receiving college may not have found a close equivalent, or the course may not match a requirement in your major. Ask about a department review and provide the syllabus.
Can I transfer credits from a college I attended years ago?
Often yes, but some programs limit the age of certain credits. Request an evaluation and ask specifically about older coursework.
Get started
Is a student transferring and worried about losing credits or momentum? Call (888) 305 5422, email contact@blackburnmentoring.com or start with a short assessment. A member of our team reviews every assessment personally and sets up a free intro call.