Do community college credits transfer between states?

I'm attending a community college in one state but plan to transfer to a university in another. Are there any issues with transferring credits across state lines, or is it generally a smooth process?

The transfer of community college credits across states depends largely on the policies of the university you plan to transfer to. While some universities may readily accept most or all credits earned at a community college, others may be more particular about which credits they accept, especially for specific major requirements.

Having said that, it's not uncommon for universities to accept general education credit transfers from out-of-state community colleges. However, this is often done on a course-by-course basis, with the receiving institution scrutinizing each course for equivalency to their curriculum.

To facilitate a smoother process, here are some steps you can take:

1. Get a Transcript Evaluation: Once you've identified the university you want to transfer to, request a transcript evaluation. This will give you an idea of how many credits will likely transfer and which may not.

2. Check for Reciprocity Agreements: Some states have reciprocity agreements that allow for simplified credit transfers between institutions. It's worth checking if the state of the community college you're attending, and the state where you're planning to transfer, have these agreements.

3. Use Transfer Guides: Many universities provide transfer guides or equivalency tables that can give you an idea of how courses at one institution map to the courses at the university.

Lastly, it's important to maintain close communication with academic advisors both in your community college and the university you're transferring to. This will help you navigate any potential roadblocks and ensure as many credits as possible are transferred successfully. It's always a case-by-case process, but setting the groundwork early can help make the transition smoother.