Transferring online college credits to a physical university?

Is it possible to take online college courses and transfer those credits to a physical university? I'm considering some online classes but want to make sure they count towards my degree.

Certainly, it is possible to transfer credits from online college courses to a traditional university, but it's not a guarantee. The transferability of credits depends on several factors.

Every school sets its own policy about accepting transfer credits. Some universities are more flexible and open to accepting credits from a variety of sources, including online classes, community colleges, or other universities, while others may be more restrictive. The degree to which courses taken at another school match up with the curriculum at the university you wish to transfer to also plays a significant role. If the course content is not seen as equivalent or does not fit within the degree plan, the transfer may not be approved.

Accreditation matters as well. Universities are more likely to accept credits from institutions that are regionally accredited, as these schools have undergone a rigorous evaluation process and are held to high academic standards. Therefore, if you're taking online classes, make sure to choose a school that is regionally accredited to increase your chances of having your credits recognized.

Lastly, it's crucial to connect with an academic advisor at the university you're hoping to transfer to. They can provide you with a transfer credit evaluation and have the definitive say on what will or won't transfer.

Make sure to keep all your course syllabi as reference documentation for what was covered in the class. This can be very useful if a school is deciding whether or not to accept your credits.

Finally, remember to send in your official transcript from the online institution to the physical university once you've completed the online course.

To put this into perspective, consider that a student taking courses from an accredited online community college looking to transfer to a four-year state university with a good standing transfer agreement may have their courses readily accepted. But, the same might not be the case in transferring online courses to a highly selective university, where the interpretation of course equivalency might be stricter.

It's a complex process, but with careful planning and open communication with your desired university, it can be navigated successfully. Just make sure to gather all the necessary information before you enroll in your online classes.