Top Online Schools That Accept Transfer Credits
The good news: transfer-friendly online schools ensure your earned credits don't go to waste. Many online programs specifically serve transfer students and undergraduate students looking for degree completion through flexible, accredited online courses.
This guide covers which online schools accept the most transfer credits, how the credit evaluation process works, strategies for maximizing transfer credit acceptance, and how to choose the right online program for your needs. Whether you earned an associate degree, completed general education requirements, have military training, or gained work experience, understanding which institutions value your prior learning helps you complete your bachelor's degree efficiently and affordably.
Do Online Colleges Accept Transfer Credits?
Absolutely. Accredited online colleges accept transfer credits from regionally accredited institutions. Most online degree programs accept between 60-90 college credits toward a bachelor's degree, though some accept even more.
Transfer-friendly online schools accept various types of credit including traditional college courses from community colleges and four-year institutions, military training and experience documented through Joint Services Transcript (JST), professional certifications and training, standardized test credits (CLEP, DSST, AP, IB), and prior learning assessment (PLA) for documented work experience and skills.
Many online programs specifically design their degree programs for working adults and transfer students who have already completed some higher education. Understanding how to transfer to an online university helps you navigate the transfer process strategically and maximize credit acceptance.
Top Online Schools That Accept Maximum Transfer Credits
Charter Oak State College
Charter Oak State College accepts up to 117 credits toward a bachelor's degree, the highest among online institutions. This nonprofit, regionally accredited online college specializes in serving adult learners with prior college experience and offers flexible degree programs in business administration, healthcare administration, information technology, and liberal studies.
Excelsior University
Excelsior University accepts up to 113 transfer credits toward bachelor's programs. This nonprofit online college specializes in healthcare, business, technology, and liberal arts degree programs with generous credit acceptance for military training, professional certifications, and prior learning assessment.
Arizona State University Online
Arizona State University Online accepts up to 90 transfer credits with strong community college partnerships throughout the country. ASU Online offers over 200 bachelor's programs including business, education, healthcare, and technology fields, providing the prestige of a major research institution with flexible online learning.
Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU)
Southern New Hampshire University accepts up to 90 transfer credits toward online bachelor's degrees. SNHU is one of the largest online education providers in the country, offering over 200 online degree programs with affordable tuition rates and generous transfer credit acceptance combined with financial aid options for transfer students.
Western Governors University (WGU)
Western Governors University accepts up to 75% of degree requirements as transfer credit. WGU's unique competency-based model allows learners to progress through coursework at their own pace, potentially accelerating degree completion. This nonprofit online college offers bachelor's programs in business, IT, healthcare, and education with flat-rate tuition per six-month term.
Franklin University
Franklin University accepts up to 90 transfer credits with fast evaluation turnaround (often within 24 hours of transcript receipt). This transfer-friendly institution specializes in serving working adults and offers flexible online programs in business administration, healthcare management, computer science, and more with multiple start dates annually.
Purdue University Global
Purdue University Global accepts up to 75% of degree requirements as transfer college credits. This online extension of Purdue University offers regionally accredited bachelor's programs in business, criminal justice, healthcare, IT, and liberal arts with the academic rigor of the Purdue name and flexible online delivery.
University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC)
University of Maryland Global Campus is highly military-friendly and accepts up to 90 transfer credits. UMGC specializes in serving military service members, veterans, and working adults with bachelor's programs in cybersecurity, business, healthcare administration, and more, with articulation agreements with community colleges nationwide.
ODU Global (Old Dominion University)
ODU Global offers flexible online degree programs with generous transfer credit acceptance policies. As part of Old Dominion University, ODU Global provides regionally accredited bachelor's programs in business, healthcare, information technology, and liberal arts designed specifically for working adults and transfer students with excellent transfer support services and personalized credit evaluation.
Thomas Edison State University
Thomas Edison State University accepts substantial transfer credits and specializes in degree completion for adult learners. This New Jersey-based nonprofit online college offers flexible bachelor's programs with generous acceptance of prior learning, military training, and professional certifications.
How Transfer Credits Work for Online Degrees
When you enroll at an online school, you submit official transcripts from all previously attended accredited institutions. The registrar's office evaluates your coursework for course equivalency, determining which credits transfer and how they apply to your new school's degree requirements.
You receive a credit evaluation report showing which courses transfer as direct equivalencies (matching specific required courses), general education fulfillment (satisfying gen ed categories), or electives (counting toward total credit hours needed but not specific requirements).
Most online colleges require you complete 25-50% of your bachelor's degree at their institution. This residency requirement ensures you meet their academic standards. If a school requires 120 credit hours for graduation and accepts 90 transfer credits, you'd complete at least 30 credits with them. Understanding how many credits you need to graduate college helps you plan your remaining coursework.
Factors That Affect Transfer Credit Acceptance
Accreditation Status: Credits from regionally accredited colleges transfer most readily to other regionally accredited institutions. Regional accreditation is the gold standard in higher education.
Course Equivalency: Online schools evaluate whether your previous coursework is similar enough in content, rigor, and credit hours to their offerings. Providing course syllabi and descriptions helps demonstrate equivalency.
Grades Earned: Most institutions require a grade of C (2.0) or better for credits to transfer. Some competitive programs require higher grades.
Credit Age: While most college credits don't expire, technology and science courses may have time limits (typically 5-10 years) before schools require you retake updated versions. Understanding whether college credits expire helps you plan if you took courses many years ago.
Articulation Agreements: Articulation agreements between specific institutions guarantee transfer of certain courses or entire degree programs. Community colleges often have articulation agreements with state universities ensuring associate degree holders' credits transfer smoothly.
How to Maximize Transfer Credits to Online Schools
Research Transfer Policies Before Applying: Review each online college's transfer credit policies on their website, looking for maximum transfer credits accepted, minimum grade requirements, residency requirements, and types of credits accepted.
Request Unofficial Transcript Evaluations: Many online schools provide free unofficial transcript evaluations before you apply or enroll. This preview helps you compare schools and choose the most transfer-friendly option.
Gather Complete Academic Records: Collect official transcripts from every institution you attended. Don't forget military training records, professional certifications, and documentation of prior learning experiences.
Take Advantage of Prior Learning Assessment: Many online colleges offer prior learning assessment (PLA), allowing you to earn college credit for documented work experience, professional training, military service, and self-study. This can add 15-30 credits toward your bachelor's degree.
Use Articulation Agreements When Available: If you're transferring from community college with an associate degree, research which online schools have articulation agreements with your institution.
Provide Course Syllabi and Descriptions: When course titles don't clearly indicate content, provide syllabi and course descriptions to help evaluators understand what you learned.
How to Choose the Right Online School for Transfer Credits
Verify Accreditation: Ensure the online college holds regional accreditation from one of the seven regional accrediting bodies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Compare Maximum Transfer Credits Accepted: While most online schools accept 60-90 credits, some accept more. If you have substantial previous coursework, target institutions accepting 90+ credits.
Evaluate Program Offerings and Quality: Confirm the school offers strong degree programs in your field of interest. Research program rankings, faculty credentials, and student outcomes.
Assess Cost and Financial Aid Availability: Calculate total cost including tuition per credit hour, fees, and materials. Research financial aid options including federal aid through FAFSA and scholarships for transfer students. Transfer credits reduce total credits needed, lowering overall degree costs.
Review Flexibility and Format: Consider whether programs offer asynchronous (self-paced) or synchronous (scheduled) online courses, multiple start dates throughout the year, accelerated course formats, and part-time or full-time enrollment options.
Investigate Transfer Support Services: Strong online schools provide dedicated transfer advisors, clear transfer credit guides, articulation agreement databases, and responsive communication throughout the transfer process.
The Transfer Credit Evaluation Process: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Research and select 3-5 online schools accepting substantial transfer credits in your desired field.
Step 2: Request unofficial transcript evaluations to see which credits transfer at each institution.
Step 3: Complete applications at your top-choice schools, meeting all admission requirements and eligibility criteria.
Step 4: After admission, request official transcripts from all previously attended institutions be sent to your new school's registrar.
Step 5: Submit additional documentation including military training records, professional certification documentation, and prior learning evidence.
Step 6: Review your official credit evaluation showing which credits transferred and how they apply to degree requirements.
Step 7: If credits you believe should transfer were denied, contact the registrar with additional documentation to request reconsideration.
Step 8: Work with academic advisors to plan which courses you need to complete for degree requirements.
Understanding the transfer process thoroughly helps you navigate each step successfully.
Types of Transfer Credits Online Schools Accept
Traditional College Credits: Coursework from regionally accredited community colleges, technical colleges, and four-year institutions transfers most readily.
Military Training and Experience: Armed forces training documented through Joint Services Transcript (JST) or Community College of the Air Force (CCAF) transcripts often qualifies for college credit.
Professional Certifications: Industry certifications in IT (CompTIA, Cisco), healthcare (nursing licenses, EMT), business (PMP), and other fields may qualify for college-level credit.
Standardized Testing: CLEP exams, DSST exams, AP scores, and IB credits provide low-cost ways to earn transfer credit by demonstrating subject mastery through examination.
Prior Learning Assessment: Documented work experience, professional training, volunteer work, self-study, and other learning outside traditional classrooms can be evaluated for college credit through portfolio assessment.
Transfer Credits and Financial Aid for Online Students
Transfer students enrolling in online programs are eligible for federal financial aid through FAFSA, including Pell Grants, federal student loans, and work-study programs. State grants may also be available depending on your state and institution.
Transfer credits significantly reduce total costs by decreasing the number of credits you must complete and pay for at your new institution. If you transfer 60 credits and need 120 to graduate, you only pay for 60 credits rather than the full 120.
Many online schools offer scholarships specifically for transfer students. Research transfer scholarships, military benefits like the Post-9/11 GI Bill and Yellow Ribbon Program, and employer tuition reimbursement programs that often cover online education.
Do Transfer Credits Affect GPA at Online Schools?
Transfer credits appear as earned credits on your transcript but grades typically don't transfer to your new GPA calculation. Your GPA at your new school starts fresh with only courses taken there.
However, both transcripts exist permanently. Graduate schools and employers may calculate cumulative GPA across all institutions or request transcripts from all schools attended. Understanding whether transfer credits affect GPA helps you set realistic expectations.
Alternative Ways to Earn Transfer Credits
Low-Cost Online Providers: Sophia Learning, StraighterLine, and Study.com offer affordable online courses that partner institutions accept as transfer credit. Courses cost $99-$399 compared to $1,000+ for traditional college courses.
CLEP and DSST Exams: Standardized tests cost $89-$129 per exam compared to hundreds or thousands for equivalent courses. Study independently and test out of general education requirements.
Community College Online Courses: Taking general education courses at community college costs significantly less per credit hour than four-year institutions while ensuring credits transfer to most online bachelor's programs.
Find Your Perfect Transfer-Friendly Online Program
Download the EdVisorly App to discover which online schools accept the most transfer credits, understand how your coursework transfers before applying, and connect with admissions teams about credit evaluation.
Download now and complete your bachelor's degree with maximum credit transfer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum number of transfer credits most online schools accept?
Most online schools accept 60-90 transfer credits toward a 120-credit bachelor's degree. Charter Oak State College accepts up to 117 credits (the highest), Excelsior University accepts up to 113 credits, and many others including Arizona State University, SNHU, ODU Global, and Franklin University accept up to 90 credits.
Do online schools accept community college credits?
Yes, accredited online colleges accept community college credits from regionally accredited institutions. Many online schools have articulation agreements with community colleges guaranteeing associate degree holders' credits transfer fully.
How long does the evaluation process take?
Credit evaluation timelines vary by institution. Some schools like Franklin University provide evaluations within 24-48 hours, while others take 2-4 weeks. Official evaluations after admission and transcript submission typically take 1-3 weeks.
What GPA do I need to transfer credits?
Most online colleges require a minimum grade of C (2.0) or better for credits to transfer. Some competitive programs require B (3.0) or higher. Check specific transfer policies at target institutions.
Can I transfer credits from multiple colleges?
Yes, you can transfer college credits from multiple institutions. Submit official transcripts from every regionally accredited college you attended. The receiving institution evaluates all coursework together and determines which credits transfer.
Do transfer credits count toward my new GPA?
No, transfer credits typically count as earned credits but grades don't transfer into your new GPA calculation. Your GPA at your new school starts fresh. Both transcripts exist permanently for graduate school applications and employment verification.
How do I know if credits will transfer before I apply?
Request an unofficial transcript evaluation from your target online schools. Most institutions offer free preliminary evaluations showing which credits will likely transfer and how they'll apply.
Can military training count as transfer credit?
Yes, many transfer-friendly online schools award college credit for military training and experience. Submit Joint Services Transcript (JST) or Community College of the Air Force (CCAF) transcripts for evaluation. Military-friendly institutions like UMGC and Purdue Global specialize in translating military experience into college credit.
What happens if my transfer credits are denied?
If credits are denied, request reconsideration by providing additional documentation like course syllabi, detailed course descriptions, or textbook information demonstrating course equivalency. You can also appeal decisions through formal processes at most institutions.
Can online college credits be transferred?
Yes, credits earned through accredited online programs transfer to other accredited institutions just like credits earned in traditional on-campus courses. Accreditation matters more than delivery format.
