I'm interested in transferring to an online college but want to avoid having to earn a minimum number of credits before transferring. Are there schools that are more flexible about this?
There are online colleges that offer flexibility in terms of credit transfer requirements. These schools often evaluate transfer requirements on a case-by-case basis. However, each school's policies do change and while some may not require a minimum number of credits, others may require them to ensure students have a certain level of academic experience before entering their program.
It's key to note that even if a college doesn't state a strict credit minimum for transfer students, they still will review your transcripts, degree plan, and completed coursework to determine how many of your previous credits will apply towards your intended major.
Such is the case with institutions like the University of Phoenix and Ashford University, which pride themselves on their flexible transfer credit policy. They are known for considering a wide range of prior learning for credit, including coursework from accredited institutions, military training, professional development, and even life experience, allowing potential transfer students more opportunities to leverage their past experiences toward their degree completion.
Another general rule is that these schools often look for credits earned at a regionally accredited institution, as these credits are generally more transferable.
Ultimately, the best way to know the credit transfer requirements of an online college is to directly contact the institution's admissions or registrar's office for the most accurate information tailored to your specific situation.
Even then, it's often a very individualized process. So it may take some research, but there are certainly options out there. Good luck with your transfer search!
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