How does credit transfer from community college to university?

I'm thinking about starting at a community college to save money before going to university. How does the credit transfer process generally work? Any advice on making sure I don't lose credits in the process?

Transfer credit from a community college to a university generally depends on the specific policies of the university you are planning to attend. Most universities have guidelines in place for transferring credits from community colleges and other higher education institutions.

Often, the first step in the transfer process is to consult your community college advisor about your plans to transfer. They can provide you with information on articulation agreements that your community college may have with four-year universities. Articulation agreements are formal agreements between two or more colleges and universities documenting the transfer policies for a specific program or degree.

Next, determine the transfer policies of the target university you want to attend. Most universities have a "transfer equivalency" system or chart available where you can see how different courses will transfer over. It's also advised to choose an intended major early on, as specific degree programs may have particular course requirements for transfer students.

In cases where it’s unclear how a course may transfer, it may be necessary to submit course syllabi or descriptions to the university’s transfer credit evaluation office. They will evaluate the content and make a determination on how it aligns with their own course offerings.

Remember, grades matter too. Some universities require a minimum grade for a course to be counted for transfer, often a C or better. Additionally, transferred grades do not typically count toward your GPA at the new institution.

It’s important to remember that while it's common for general education courses to transfer, it's less likely for specialized or major-specific courses. The more specialized the course, the less chance there is that it aligns closely with a course at the four-year institution.

Lastly, keep in mind that each university has a maximum limit of transferable credits. This information can usually be found on the university's website or by contacting an admissions officer or academic advisor. As you navigate through this transfer process, it's essential to keep in close contact with advisors at both your community college and potential four-year institution to avoid issues with credit transfer.