How to Transfer to Online College

Typically, transfer students only pay application and enrollment fees. However, they may incur costs by taking additional courses if some of their credits do not transfer.

Your GPA may affect admissions decisions, but it does not transfer to a new institution. Students can begin with a new GPA at their new school.

Credits from regionally accredited trade and vocational schools typically transfer to two-year and four-year colleges. However, credits from nationally accredited schools may not transfer to regionally accredited schools.

Most credits earned through traditional courses transfer between schools, but some specialized or unique courses may not transfer as easily. Students can always confirm credit transferability with school counselors.

Before trying to transfer credits, students should research how many credits they have and which are likely to transfer to another school. Many colleges, particularly community colleges, maintain transfer partnerships with other institutions, enabling students to transfer seamlessly between schools. Transfer counselors can help learners identify potential partner schools, making the transfer process easier. If students have taken any specialized courses that fall outside of general education requirements, recognize that some of these credits may not transfer.

When considering a transfer, it pays to consider a school's academic strengths and transfer credit policies. Ideally, a new school will allow learners to continue their studies with as much continuity as possible, both in terms of academic subject matter and logistics. Students should always research each school's prerequisites and credit equivalencies to determine what courses they may need to complete when transferring.

Most schools detail their credit transfer policies online, but transfer counselors can answer more specific questions and offer assistance with the transfer process. Counselors can help ensure that learners complete all paperwork on time and transfer the maximum number of credits possible. In general, students should contact a potential transfer school several months before the start of the semester they intend to transfer into.

Most schools offer a standard transfer application, which requires degree-seekers to fill out personal information and submit transcripts from any prior colleges or universities. If students transfer credits during their first year, schools may also want to see their high school transcripts. Some schools also require letters of recommendation. In general, students hoping to transfer for the fall semester should submit their transfer application by March or April.