Will my community college credits transfer to a university?

I'm taking a lot of community college courses with the hope of transferring to a university afterward. Do those credits usually transfer easily, or are there common issues I might encounter? Would love advice from anyone who's done this.

Generally, community college credits transfer to universities, but it can depend on a few factors.

One important factor is the specific school you're transferring to. Some colleges readily accept community college credits, but others may be more selective on what they take. Usually, public universities within the same state as your community college have transfer agreements, which make it especially straightforward.

Secondly, the nature of the course comes into play. Typically, foundational or general education courses (i.e., English Composition, General Psychology, College Algebra) transfer easily. However, more niche or specialized classes may not always be accepted.

Lastly, the grade you achieved in the community college course matters. Generally, universities accept credits from courses in which students received a C grade or higher.

Here's an example: Your Microbiology 101 course will easily transfer to a similar biology course at the university. However, an advanced class like "Contemporary Themes in Molecular Biology" at your community college may not have an equivalent course at the university level, thus making the transfer credit less clear.

So, to ensure your credits are more likely to transfer, you might want to do a few things. First, aim to take classes that fit within general education requirements. Secondly, strive for high grades, as passing with a low grade might not suffice. Lastly, as early as you can, try to identify the university you wish to transfer to and speak with an admissions or academic advisor there. They can provide exact information about the transferability of your completed courses, so you can plan effectively.