Does Community College Accounting Transfer Well?

Thinking about starting out at community college for accounting before transferring to a four-year school. Has anyone done this, and how smooth was the credit transfer process, especially for accounting courses?

Yes, starting at a community college before transferring to a four-year school in accounting can be a viable and cost-effective path. Transfer agreements, also known as articulation agreements, can ensure a smooth transition. These agreements usually list the courses from the community college that are equivalent to the courses offered at the four-year institution and count toward your accounting major.

It's crucial, however, to work closely with your community college advisors and check with the four-year institution's transfer guidelines. Also, some schools have special relationships with certain community colleges, making the process even smoother. For example, if you were planning to transfer to a CSU or UC school in California, attending a California community college that has an agreement with those systems could facilitate the transfer of your accounting credits.

It is also recommended to confirm that your accounting courses are accredited by an accounting body such as the AACSB (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business), which could make them more likely to be accepted by other accredited colleges.

Do keep in mind that transferring credits isn't just about the credits themselves but also your grades in those classes and your overall academic performance. It's a good idea to maintain a high GPA at your community college to increase your chances of successfully transferring to the four-year school of your choice.

Each institution has a unique policy regarding credit transfers, so it's important to directly contact the admissions office or academic advisors at your target four-year institutions to understand their specific guidelines on credit transfers for accounting courses. The process may vary, but with careful planning and open communication with your advisors, it can be accomplished effectively.

While this is a common and usually successful route, it's essential to do your homework first to ensure that your credits will transfer smoothly and you won't end up having to retake any courses. Make sure to plan your course selections with your future transfer in mind and take advantage of the resources and advisors available to you at your community college.