Which colleges are best for credit transfers?

I'm researching colleges known for being transfer-friendly, especially when it comes to accepting previous credits from community colleges. Who has good reputations in this area, and what should I look for when choosing?

When it comes to transfer-friendly colleges, the specifics can vary based on the particular community college and its articulation agreements with four-year institutions. However, some colleges garner reputations for being broadly accepting towards transfer credits. A few examples include the University of Maryland Global Campus, Arizona State University, and the University of Central Florida. These schools are known to accept a high percentage of transfer credits, although the exact amount can vary depending on the specifics of your previous courses.

The State University of New York (SUNY) and California State University (CSU) systems are also quite transfer-friendly for in-state community college students. In fact, they have a guaranteed transfer agreement if you earn a specific type of associate's degree at one of the community colleges in their system.

When determining if a college is likely to accept your transfer credits, there are a few factors to look at. First, examine whether the college has an established articulation agreement with your community college, which is a document outlining how certain credits can transfer from one institution to another. Second, check whether your college is regionally accredited, as schools are typically more likely to accept transfer credits from regionally accredited institutions. Furthermore, public state schools tend to accept a higher number of transfer credits in comparison to more selective private universities.

Ultimately, the best approach is to contact the specific universities you're interested in and inquire about their transfer policies. Remember that even if your credits are accepted, some degrees require students to complete a particular number of credits "in residence," meaning at the university awarding the degree. When researching potential schools, you might want to check if they have a residency requirement, and how this factor might affect your degree timeline and expenses.

This process takes time, but it's worth the effort to ensure that your previous hard work is recognized. Good luck!