I'm considering going to a trade school, but I might want to get a more traditional associate's degree later. Do credits from trade school classes usually transfer to community colleges?
The transferability of credits from trade schools to community colleges can depend on several factors. Typically, the biggest factor is the type of accreditation that the trade school has. Regionally accredited schools tend to have credits that are more widely accepted at other institutions, including community colleges, compared to trade schools that are nationally accredited.
In addition, the specific program of study or the course taken at the trade school could also influence the transferability of credits. Some trade school programs might be too specialized, meaning the content of the course doesn't match up with similar courses at a community college, making the credits less likely to transfer.
Furthermore, the specific community college you're considering attending also plays a role. Each community college has its own policies for evaluating and accepting transfer credits. Usually, they'll review the course content to determine equivalency with their own courses.
However, you'll need to reach out directly to potential community colleges that you're considering transferring to in order to get a definitive answer specific to your case. The admissions or registrar's offices can often assist with this process.
Overall, while it's not impossible for trade school credits to transfer to community colleges, it's not guaranteed and varies on a case by case basis. It's essential to do your research and contact the institutions directly to determine the likelihood of your trade school credits being accepted.
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