Transfer Credits 101: What Transfers and What Doesn't
If you’re partway through the semester or academic year and have realized you might be better served by attending a different college, you’re not alone — and questions around transferring college credits become especially important. Here’s a breakdown of what typically does transfer and what usually doesn’t to help you navigate the process.
What Kinds of College Credits Are Typically Transferable
Accredited School Courses
Courses completed at an institution with regional accreditation (or an equivalent recognized accrediting body) are far more likely to be accepted by your new college. In fact, for example, accredited online schools typically only accept transfer college credits from other regionally accredited institutions.
General Education or Core Curriculum Courses
Credits in broad categories — such as introductory or mandatory English, math, or science courses — tend to be more transferable because they’re less specialized. They often have clear equivalents at many institutions. A receiving college will look to see if your course is comparable in content and depth to one they offer.
Courses Passed With a Sufficiently Strong Grade
Receiving institutions generally expect you to have earned at least a C grade in each class, or whatever their institution course pass minimums are. Some schools may accept a D in special cases, but that’s less common.
Credits From Official Transcripts and Part of a Two-Year Degree Program
If you’ve earned credits that fed into an associate degree or similar formal program, many schools will evaluate those more favorably for a college credit transfer. In fact, transferring an entire two-year degree may be much easier than doing so with just a few loose credits.
What Kinds of College Credits Can’t (Or Often Won’t) Transfer
Credits from Non-Regionally Accredited Institutions
Credits earned at schools accredited through national agencies or unaccredited institutions often face more hurdles. Receiving colleges may refuse these entirely.
Highly Specialized, Upper-Level, or Major-Specific Courses
If the course you completed doesn’t match the curriculum of the new school, especially if it’s a high-level elective within your major, it may not transfer. The key question: Does it match in content and depth to what the new school offers? If not, it might be rejected or counted as non‐degree credit.
Very Old Credits or Archived Courses
Some schools place time limits on the validity of certain credits, particularly in rapidly changing fields such as science, technology, engineering, and math. These credits often have a 10-year shelf life.
Credits Without Sufficient Passing Grades or Documentation
If you passed a course at your current institution with a grade that is below the new institution’s minimum passing grade, or if you don’t have an official transcript, the new school may reject the credit.
With the right preparation, you can make the midyear switch and maximize the value of the work you’ve already done while avoiding redundant courses and keeping your degree timeline on track.
Transfer Colleges the Smart Way With On Point
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