Can you transfer college credits from a private college?

I'm currently at a private college but thinking about transferring. Does anyone know how transferable private college credits are to public universities? Any tips on making sure my credits will count?

Absolutely. Most credits earned from a private college should be transferable to a public university, provided the private college is a regionally accredited institution. This is one of the key factors that public (and most other) institutions will look at when considering whether to accept your transfer credits.

However, while the accreditation of the original college is important, there are other factors to consider:

1. Course Similarity: Transfer credits are more likely to be accepted for courses that have a clear equivalent at the public university.

2. Grade Requirements: Many institutions will only allow transfer credits for courses in which you've gotten a certain minimum grade, often a C or better.

3. Major Requirements: If you’re transferring into a specific program, keep in mind that major-related courses might be reviewed with greater scrutiny to be sure they align well with the program's curriculum.

4. Upper Division Coursework: Some universities may not accept credits for upper division or major-specific classes from another institution, or they may limit the number of such credits that can be transferred.

To help ensure as many of your credits will count as possible, here are some steps you can take:

1. Get a Transcript Evaluation: Most colleges will conduct a credit evaluation once you apply, which will let you know which of your credits the institution is willing to accept.

2. Meet with Admissions: Try to arrange a meeting or phone call with an admissions advisor at the public university. Discuss your courses and present syllabi if possible. This can help you understand which credits are likely to transfer.

3. Check Articulation Agreements: Some private colleges may have agreements with public universities outlining which credits will transfer. These are called articulation agreements. You can usually find this information on the college's website or by asking an advisor.

4. Review Transfer Policies: Look at the transfer policies of the public colleges you're interested in. Most colleges list these guidelines on their websites.

5. Plan Ahead: If you know you might want to transfer during your time at the private college, try to select courses that are more likely to be accepted at a public university. General education credits or prerequisites for your intended major are usually good choices.

Remember, every college has different policies about transferring credits, so it's a good idea to reach out to the specific public university you're interested in to understand how your credits might transfer.