Can you transfer credits from community college to university?

I'm considering starting at a community college to save money, but I'm worried about transferring my credits. How often do universities accept credits from community colleges, and is there anything I should keep in mind when planning this?

Absolutely, transferring credits from a community college to a university is indeed possible and is a strategy often employed by students looking to save on the cost of their education. Many universities, especially state universities, have articulation agreements with local community colleges to facilitate the transfer process.

Here's what you should keep in mind:

1. Research Policies: It's critical to understand the specific transfer policies of both the community college and the universities you're considering. They should have resources online outlining which credits count towards certain requirements, and which ones may not transfer.

2. Articulation Agreements: Articulation agreements, as I mentioned, are formal partnerships between two or more colleges and universities that stipulate that certain coursework will be accepted at the partnering institution. If your community college has an articulation agreement with a university you're interested in, that can simplify the process tremendously.

3. Accreditation: Usually, it's easier to transfer credits from a regionally accredited community college to a university. National accreditation may not be recognized by all universities, particularly the more selective ones.

4. Transcript Evaluation: Transcripts are evaluated on a course-by-course basis when you transfer. For each course completed at your former institution(s), the receiving college's transcript evaluator determines an equivalent course at their college. Not everything will always transfer over—usually general education courses transfer more easily than major-specific ones.

5. Get Advisors Involved: It would be beneficial to talk to academic advisors both from your community college and future university. They can provide further guidance on the transfer process, including which courses will likely be accepted.

Example: When planning your community college coursework, keep your intended university degree program in mind. If you know which major you're likely to pursue, align your community college courses with the foundational or prerequisite classes of that major. That way, you're not only gaining credit towards your degree itself but also positioning yourself favorably for acceptance to the major.

Remember, the process may require some legwork and can vary quite a bit by institution, so being proactive in your research can pay off. Good luck!