Transfer Credits from Online Colleges

I'm considering taking some online college courses but want to make sure they would transfer to a traditional four-year university. How do transfer credits from online colleges generally work?

Certainly! When it comes to accepting transfer credits from online colleges, it mainly depends on the accreditation of the online college and the policies of the university you wish to transfer to.

Firstly, ensure that the online college you're considering is regionally accredited, as these institutions are typically seen as more rigorous, and their credits are more often accepted by other colleges. National accreditation is less widely accepted. You can verify a school's accreditation status by checking its website or conferring with the U.S. Department of Education's website, which maintains a database of accredited postsecondary institutions.

Next, you should reach out to the admissions office of the four-year traditional university where you plan on transferring. It's crucial to understand their credit-transfer policies. Understand that just because an institution is accredited, there's no guarantee that every credit will transfer. Schools have the liberty to select which credits they will accept and apply toward your degree.

Also, bear in mind that credits for general education courses are more likely to be transferred than those for specialized or advanced courses.

Lastly, it's recommended to keep a record of your course syllabus and assignments from your online college. This could be useful for the four-year university to assess whether the content aligns with their course offerings.

In summary, transferring credits from an online to a traditional university is possible, but requires some research. Always verify a school's accreditation and understand the transfer policies of the target institution.