How do interstate college transfer credits work?

If I want to transfer colleges from one state to another, how do I know if my credits will transfer over? Are there things I can do to make sure they're accepted?

When transferring colleges, your credit acceptance can depend significantly on the institution you're transferring to, as different schools have different credit transfer policies.

Generally, establishing early contact with an academic or transfer advisor at your destination school can provide valuable guidance and ensure a smoother transition. They can help you understand what credits will transfer and how they can be applied to your program requirements.

Another common practice is to keep syllabi, course descriptions, and graded work from the classes you've completed. These can be useful if you need to petition for credit recognition. Remember to focus on courses that are related to the degree you intend to pursue since they're most likely to be transferable.

Your previous school's level of regional accreditation also matters. Most institutions accept credits from regionally accredited schools more readily than those with national accreditation. Course equivalents are easier to find when schools are regionally accredited.

Another key element is the grade you've received for your courses. Most schools will not accept transfer credits for courses where you received a grade below a C-, but the exact limits will vary per institution.

The Interstate Passport Initiative is also worth mentioning. This is a network of regionally accredited colleges and universities that agree to transfer completed general education requirements as a block, within any of its member institutions. However, not all schools are part of this network.

Remember that each institution's transfer policy will be different, so it's crucial to research the specific requirements of each destination school you're considering.