How Do ASU and Community College Transfers Work?

I'm considering attending a community college before transferring to Arizona State University. Does anyone have advice or experience with this? How does ASU handle community college transfer credits?

Arizona State University (ASU) has a robust transfer program and generally accepts credits earned at accredited community colleges. Here are some general principles you should be aware of:

1. Transfer Credits: Most often, classes you take at a community college that are comparable to those at ASU with a grade of 'C' or better, are transferable. However, not all credits will necessarily count towards your specific degree program.

2. Transfer Guides: Use ASU's Transfer Guide to find out how your community college courses could transfer and apply towards your degree program at ASU. This tool includes course equivalency information for community colleges and universities across the country.

3. Articulation Agreements: ASU has articulation agreements with a number of community colleges, particularly in Arizona. These agreements outline clear pathways for transferring courses and credits from one institution to the other.

4. Degree Programs: Keep in mind that some degree programs at ASU may have additional admission requirements, so be sure to check in with an ASU advisor or look up your intended major's transfer criteria online.

5. Credits Limitations: While ASU generally accepts many community college credits, bear in mind that a limit does exist on the number of credits ASU will accept from a community college (typically a maximum of 64 transfer credits).

6. Maricopa to ASU Pathway Program (MAPP): If you are attending a Maricopa Community College in Arizona, you might be eligible to enroll in the MAPP program. This guarantees admission to ASU (provided you meet certain criteria) and provides for a seamless transfer process.

7. Keep your grades up: For transfer students, one of the key factors in admission decisions is likely to be your GPA at your current college.

When in doubt, always reach out to an admissions officer or counselor at ASU—they can assist with your unique situation and help make the transition smoother.