Do College of DuPage credits transfer for an associate's degree?

I'm working on an associate's degree at College of DuPage and I'm curious about transferring those credits elsewhere. Are there common challenges with transferring associate's degree credits, and how can I ensure a smooth process?

The transferability of community college credits, including those earned at the College of DuPage, depends greatly on the specific four-year institution to which you hope to transfer. That said, many colleges and universities have transfer agreements in place with community colleges, facilitating the smooth transition of students from two-year to four-year programs.

To ensure a smooth process, here are a few steps you can take:

1. Make a Plan: Start by identifying the colleges or universities that you are interested in transferring to. Consider factors like location, size, program offerings, and extracurricular opportunities.

2. Research Transfer Agreements: Once you've identified potential colleges, check for any existing transfer agreements they may have with the College of DuPage. These agreements (also called articulation agreements), usually outline the specific credits that will transfer and provide guidance on which courses to complete.

3. Understand General Education Requirements: Remember, not all credits are created equal. General education requirements can vary between colleges, so understanding what credits will fulfill these requirements at your target institution can be crucial in the planning process.

4. Connect with Advisors: Meet with both your current academic advisor at the College of DuPage and a transfer advisor at your potential four-year institution. They can provide valuable insights into the transfer process and potentially guide you to make academic decisions that will facilitate smoother credit transfer.

5. Submit Transcripts: When you are ready to transfer, you'll need to submit official transcripts from the College of DuPage to your prospective institution. Make sure you understand the process for requesting and delivering these transcripts in advance.

As for common challenges, sometimes not all credits will transfer, and you might end up having to repeat certain courses, which can lead to additional costs and time. The best way to avoid this is by careful planning and communication with advisors at both institutions.

Lastly, dual enrollment is an option worth considering. Some four-year colleges have dual-enrollment partnerships with community colleges. Dual-enrollment programs allow you to start accruing credits toward a bachelor's degree while you're still working on your associate's degree, which can save you both time and money.