Do High School College Credits Transfer Out of State?

I'm taking some classes at a community college while still in high school, and I'm wondering about their transferability. Will these credits transfer if I decide to attend an out-of-state university, or is it more complicated than that?

The transferability of college credits you earned in high school to an out-of-state university is generally determined on a case-by-case basis. It depends on a variety of factors like the type of class (regular, honors, AP), the grade you received, the university to which you're applying, and sometimes even the program you want to study there.

Often, universities have transfer equivalency databases on their websites that allow students to check which credits from other institutions will transfer. Keep in mind that just because a class you took is not listed in the database, that does not necessarily mean it will not transfer. Usually, you can request an evaluation from the university admission office or registrar to see if a specific credit can be transferred.

Moreover, many colleges and universities are part of articulation agreements at the state level or between institutions themselves, which can make transferring credits easier. These agreements are essentially contracts that list which specific credits will transfer between colleges. They're mainly within the same state, but there are also multi-state agreements and agreements between specific out-of-state schools.

Another thing that can help is to get a transferrable associate degree. Certain associate degrees are designed to transfer to public universities within a state system smoothly, with all credits being accepted. But again, this may not apply as directly if you're looking at out-of-state schools.

Remember, it's always a good idea to discuss this with your high school counselor or a representative from the potential college you're interested in attending. You could also reach out to the community college where you're taking classes currently, as they may have additional resources or experiences with past students in similar situations. Be proactive and gather all the necessary information to facilitate your credit transfer process. Your work towards these credits is valuable, and with the right research and application, they can certainly contribute to your higher education journey even if you decide to cross state lines.

Be sure to request official transcripts from the community college once your classes are complete, as you'll need these for any transfer credit evaluations.