How do online community college classes affect transfer?

I'm taking some online courses at a community college and wondering how they might affect my transfer to a four-year institution. Will these classes be viewed differently than in-person ones during the transfer process?

Online community college courses are generally treated the same as traditional, in-person ones during the transfer process, as long as the institution is regionally accredited. Accreditation is crucial because it ensures that the college's coursework and degree programs meet specific levels of quality. If you've confirmed that your community college is regionally accredited, then your next step should be to make sure that the particular courses you're taking will transfer, as not all courses will necessarily have equivalencies at four-year institutions.

Some universities might have an online tool to check which classes are transferrable from community colleges. If such tools are not available, it's best to directly connect with the admissions office or a transfer advisor at the four-year institution you're considering, to verify if the specific classes you've completed or are planning to take will transfer.

Additionally, when it comes to GPA calculations for transfer admissions, most schools will not distinguish between online and in-person classes. They will include all college-level courses taken post-high school in their calculations, regardless of the format they were taught in, so long as they were taken at an accredited institution.

However, remember that an important part of college is the skills you pick up outside of the classroom, like time-management, self-discipline, and communication skills. These are skills that you might need to work harder to demonstrate if the majority of your classes are online, as online courses might not provide as many opportunities for group projects or presentations.

In conclusion, as long as your courses are accredited and transferrable, they should be viewed the same as traditional ones during the transfer process. But it's always smart to confirm this with your prospective institution to ensure a smoother transition.