Transferring from an Online University

Has anyone transferred from an online university to an on-campus college? I'm wondering how seamless this process is and what I should keep in mind regarding credit transfers.

Transferring between any two universities often involves a thorough examination of your existing course credits to determine which will transfer over. This is generally also true when transitioning from an online to an on-campus institution.

Keep in mind that credit transfers are largely determined by the receiving institution's policies. Some universities may readily accept credits from online courses, while others may be more restrictive or may only accept a certain percentage of online credits. Therefore, from early on, it will be important to review the transfer credit policies of the on-campus college you intend to transfer into and potentially even reach out to the admissions team or academic counsellor.

Note that accredited online universities often have a smoother transfer process, as their courses are likely to meet a certain standard. Institutions that are regionally accredited tend to have more widely accepted credits than those that are nationally accredited.

Another important step is to work closely with your adviser at your online university. They can provide direction about how to put together an impressive academic profile that will increase your chances of having as many of your credits as possible accepted by your new school.

Additionally, keep in mind that some universities may have a minimum grade that you needed to achieve in order for a course to be eligible for credit transfer, and certain courses might not transfer at all if there is no comparable course at the new institution.

Example: If you completed an Intro to Astronomy course at your online university but your desired on-campus college doesn't offer a related course, they might not accept that credit.

Lastly, keep in mind that the transfer may not be seamless and be prepared for potential setbacks. Some students find they need to retake courses, extending their graduation timeline. Starting this process early and working proactively with academic advisors from both institutions can help alleviate some of these challenges.