Do transferred college credits have an expiration date?

I'm concerned about some college credits I earned a few years ago and whether they'll still be valid for transfer. Is there a typical expiration period for credits, or does it vary by college?

While it's true that most colleges and universities will accept transfer credits, the policies around credit "expiration" can be quite varied. It depends not only on the institution you're transferring to, but also on the nature of the course.

For instance, credits for more general education courses like English, history, or mathematics tend to have longer lifespans, perhaps even indefinite. These subjects typically don't undergo frequent substantial changes in curriculum, so the credits are considered stable over the long term.

On the other hand, courses in rapidly evolving fields like computer science, engineering, healthcare, or other technology-driven fields may have a "shelf life." Institutions want to ensure that transferred credits reflect current knowledge in the field, so they might only accept credits earned within the last 5-10 years for these types of courses.

It's also worth noting that some schools may not accept credits from courses where you received a grade lower than C-.

Given these variables, your best bet is to reach out directly to the admissions or registrar's office at the institution you're considering. They can give you the most accurate information based on their specific policies and your particular course credits. Make sure to have your transcripts on hand and be prepared to provide course descriptions or syllabi if asked, as this information can also affect decisions on transferring credits.