How does transferring credits to an online college work?

I'm thinking about switching to an online college and want to transfer my current credits. How does this work? Are there specific challenges or things I should know before making the move?

Transferring credits to an online college is generally quite similar to transferring to a traditional, brick-and-mortar school. Usually, the process involves sending your transcripts from your current school to the online college for review. Basically, the receiving school will closely examine the courses you've taken and the grades you've earned to determine if and how those credits can be applied to their degree programs.

The transfer of credits depends on the specific online college, the program you're interested in, as well as the specific courses you've taken previously. Some courses might align perfectly with the online curriculum, while others might not have an equivalent course and therefore may not be eligible for credit at the new institution. Core classes are usually more transferable than specific electives or specialized courses that aren't offered at the new college.

One thing to keep in mind is the limit on transfer credits. Many online colleges have a maximum number of credits they'll accept from other institutions. For instance, some online colleges require that a certain percentage of credits towards your degree must be earned at that school, often around 25-30%.

Regional accreditation plays a significant role in the credit transfer process. If your current school has regional accreditation, the transfer process might be smoother since these schools usually adhere to a broadly accepted standard of quality. Some online colleges may be more hesitant to accept credits from nationally accredited schools.

The best way to ensure a smooth transfer process is to openly communicate with both schools. Contact an admissions counselor or academic advisor at the online college and ask about their credit transfer policies. At the same time, consult your current school's registrar's office or academic advisor to understand what documents you need to initiate the transfer.

Remember that every school's policies vary and it's best to gather all the necessary information before making any decisions. Do your due diligence to make sure your hard-earned credits won't go to waste.