How do transfer credits typically work between community colleges and universities?

I'm considering starting at a community college before transferring to a university, and I'm wondering how transfer credits work in that process. Are there specific agreements I should look for or questions to ask when talking to admissions counselors?

Generally, the transferability of credits from a community college to a university is determined by articulation agreements that exist between a community college and particular four-year institutions. These agreements ensure certain courses taken at the community college level will count for credit at the university level.

Some community colleges have statewide articulation agreements with all public universities within their state, making the transfer process relatively straightforward. Others may have agreements with select institutions, so it's very important to do your research and understand which specific colleges have established articulation agreements with your community college.

When speaking with admissions counselors, you should ask about specific courses and whether they transfer to your intended major rather than just general education requirements. You'd also want to ask about the maximum number of credits that can be transferred from a community college to the university, given that this can vary.

Another important point is whether the university you're considering treats community college transfers equivalently to other incoming students. Are there any restrictions or limitations on things like housing, class selection, or access to resources? It's important to consider the overall college experience, not just the transfer of credits.

It's also worth checking in with both your community college advisor and the admissions counselor at the prospective university. You may need to request transcripts, and your grades may affect your transfer so check into any GPA requirements.

Remember, each university is unique, and transfer policies can and do differ quite a bit. Begin this process as early as you can to ensure you're making the best course selections during your community college career. As an example, if you're contemplating a major in Computer Science, there might be a specific programming course that consistently transfers to all the neighboring four-year institutions. Taking that course and doing well in it could be an advantageous move. Good luck!