Can community college credits transfer without completing a degree?

I am taking some classes at a community college but don't plan on finishing a degree there. Is it possible to transfer those credits to another institution, and do they generally still count?

Yes, in most cases it's indeed possible to transfer the credits you've earned at your community college to another institution without having completed a degree.

When you apply to a four-year institution, the school's admissions office will evaluate your community college coursework and decide which credits, if any, can be applied toward your degree requirements at their institution. Each college or university tends to have their own policies regarding the transfer of credits. Some colleges might also require that you earned a certain grade (like a C or higher) in the course for the credit to transfer.

Keep in mind that not all credits may transfer directly, particularly for more specialized or technical courses that might not have an equivalent at the four-year institution. It's also quite possible that the credits you've earned might apply as elective credits and not necessarily towards your desired major or minor.

Prior to transferring, you can usually reach out to the admissions or registrar's office at the four-year institution you're interested in attending and they can help guide you through the process. You may need to submit course descriptions or syllabi for each class you want to transfer.

Also, some states have articulation agreements between community colleges and state universities, which can streamline this process significantly. These agreements often guarantee that certain credits will be accepted, and sometimes they'll even guarantee admission to the state university if you meet certain criteria.

Overall, your ability to transfer credits will largely depend on the policies of the four-year institution you're applying to, so it's best to reach out to them to get the most accurate advice.