What are the Best Online Schools for Transferring Credits?

If you’ve already earned college credits, choosing the right online school can save you time, money, and stress. The best online schools for transferring credits make it easy to carry over your past academic work, whether from community college, military training, job certifications, or prior learning assessments, and apply it toward a new degree.

Transfer-friendly colleges understand that students come from all types of backgrounds. They actively design their policies to support adult learners, working professionals, and those returning to college. If you find the right fit, you could save thousands of dollars and graduate months, or even years, faster.

Key Takeaways

• Online Colleges Lead Industry in Transfer Credit Acceptance: Online schools are known for flexible policies that accept credits from previous colleges, military training, certifications, and more.
• Top Nine Schools Accept 60–90 Transfer Credits Maximum: Generous transfer limits are common at schools like SNHU (90 credits), UoPeople (75% of degree), and UMGC (90 credits), helping students graduate faster.
• Five-Step Evaluation Process Determines Credit Transferability: To know if your credits will transfer, check accreditation, review the school’s policies, speak with a transfer advisor, submit unofficial transcripts, and compare course content.
• Six Strategic Methods Maximize Credit Transfer Success: Submitting official transcripts, completing evaluation forms, sharing course materials, meeting with an advisor, using articulation agreements, and appealing denied credits can improve your transfer success.
• Transfer Students Maintain Full Scholarship Eligibility Access: Many online schools offer scholarships for transfer students, including need-based aid, merit awards, and transfer-specific grants.

Do Online Colleges Accept Transfer Credits?

Online colleges not only accept transfer credits, but many are designed around helping students use as much of their prior coursework as possible. These schools often lead the way in creating flexible, student-friendly policies that make transferring credits smoother than at many traditional institutions.

Online universities know that their students come from varied paths. Whether you’ve taken classes at a community college, served in the military, completed professional certifications, or gained knowledge through work and life experience, there’s a good chance you’ll be able to transfer some of that toward your degree.

Most of these colleges have dedicated transfer credit teams and easy-to-follow evaluation processes. They also tend to publish clear guidelines about what’s accepted, so you won’t be left guessing. Many even offer unofficial transcript evaluations before applying, so you can see how your credits will count before committing.

Best Online Schools for Transferring College Credits

These nine schools stand out for their generous transfer policies, efficient credit evaluations, and flexible degree programs designed for students like you: those with prior college, military, or professional learning experience.

University of the People (UoPeople)

University of the People is a tuition-free, fully online, accredited university that offers associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees in fields like business administration, computer science, education, and health science. It’s especially appealing for students who want maximum affordability while studying from anywhere in the world.

• Transfer Credit Limit: Up to 75% of undergraduate degree requirements (max 90 credits toward a bachelor’s; 45 toward an associate)
• Highlights: UoPeople accepts transfer credits from accredited institutions, as well as certain MOOC courses, military training, and prior learning assessments. Its policies are designed to help students reduce both time and cost to degree completion. Credits must meet program-specific equivalencies, and students can request an evaluation before applying.
• Best For: Students seeking an ultra-low-cost degree option with flexible online study and generous transfer allowances.

Accreditation: UoPeople is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC) and is approved to operate by the California Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE). It is also recognized by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) as a candidate for regional accreditation.

Western Governors University (WGU)

WGU operates on a competency-based model, which means you progress through courses by demonstrating mastery, not time spent in class. This model makes it easier to apply previously earned credits toward your degree. WGU allows you to transfer up to 75% of your program’s total requirements and is especially transfer-friendly for IT, business, teaching, and healthcare programs.

• Transfer Credit Limit: Up to 75% of a bachelor’s degree
• Highlights: Accepts ACE/CLEP credits, military training, and certifications
• Best For: Working adults with technical or business credits and those seeking self-paced learning

Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU)

SNHU is known for its seamless transfer process and high acceptance rate of prior credits, up to 90 undergraduate credits. A dedicated transfer team helps you understand what will carry over before you enroll. The school supports various majors and offers a flexible, student-centered learning experience.

• Transfer Credit Limit: Up to 90 undergraduate credits
• Highlights: Offers free credit evaluations, accepts credits from community college, military, and AP/CLEP exams
• Best For: Students finishing a degree across business, psychology, and liberal arts fields

Arizona State University Online (ASU Online)

ASU Online has one of the most transparent and user-friendly transfer systems, including a tool that lets you search your previous courses for equivalency. It accepts up to 64 credits and supports over 130 online degree programs.

• Transfer Credit Limit: Up to 64 credits
• Highlights: Transfer Guide tool, support for out-of-state and community college transfers
• Best For: Students looking for a top-ranked school with diverse programs and strong advising

University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC)

UMGC is especially focused on adult learners and military service members. You can transfer up to 90 credits toward a bachelor’s degree, and the school accepts military training, certifications, and professional experience.

• Transfer Credit Limit: Up to 90 credits
• Highlights: Military-friendly policies, evaluates workplace training, and fast transcript evaluations
• Best For: Veterans, military families, and professionals with technical backgrounds

Penn State World Campus

Penn State’s online division offers the prestige of a Big Ten university with the flexibility of online learning.

• Transfer Credit Limit: There is no limit to the number of credits that you may transfer into Penn State; however, it is likely that not all of your transferred credit may count toward your intended degree program. For a bachelor’s, 36 of the last 60 credits must be completed at Penn State (18 of the last 30 for an associate)
• Highlights: Rigorous course evaluations, strong employer recognition
• Best For: Students who want a reputable, career-respected degree and have existing general education or elective credits

Colorado State University Global (CSU Global)

CSU Global was built specifically for transfer and adult learners. You can transfer up to 90 credits, including credit from military experience, prior learning, or professional certifications. Their fast-track programs are tailored to working adults seeking to complete a degree efficiently.

• Transfer Credit Limit: Up to 90 credits
• Highlights: Career-relevant degrees, transparent credit policies, flexible start dates
• Best For: Students balancing work and study who need flexible, accelerated options

Purdue University Global

Purdue Global accepts up to 75% of degree requirements through transfer credit. You can also earn credit for prior learning, including work experience, military training, and portfolio assessments. Purdue Global’s flexible model is ideal for career changers and adult learners.

• Transfer Credit Limit: Up to 75% of your degree
• Highlights: Credit for experiential learning and certifications, strong academic support
• Best For: Students with a mix of academic, work, and military experience

University of Massachusetts Online (UMass Online)

UMass Online offers over 150 programs across its campuses and accepts up to 75 transfer credits. It’s a good option if you want to complete a degree from a respected public university system.

• Transfer Credit Limit: Up to 75 credits
• Highlights: Wide variety of programs, generous credit acceptance, robust student support
• Best For: Students looking for public university credibility with flexible online access

Important: Some universities publish a residency requirement (e.g., “complete the last 30–45 credits at our institution”) rather than a hard cap on how many you can transfer overall. Examples include Penn State (no numeric transfer limit but 36 of last 60 at PSU) and UMass Amherst (max 75 transfer/test credits with 45 in-residence).

How to Know if College Credits Are Transferable

Before applying, you’ll want to assess whether your past credits are likely to transfer. Here’s a step-by-step approach:

Check the Accreditation Status of the Institution

First, make sure both your previous and target schools are accredited. Most online colleges only accept credits from regionally accredited institutions.

Review Receiving School Transfer Policies

Each school has its own rules, such as minimum grade requirements (usually a C or higher), maximum credit limits, or restrictions based on major.

Contact Admissions Transfer Credit Evaluator

Reach out to a transfer advisor early. They can answer questions, clarify exceptions, and help you avoid surprises later.

Request Unofficial Transcript Evaluation Process

Many online schools offer free preliminary evaluations so you can see how many of your credits will count before officially enrolling.

Verify Course Equivalency and Content

If needed, compare your previous course syllabi and learning outcomes to ensure they match with what your new program requires.

Best Ways to Transfer Credits From One College to Another

To complete your credit transfer successfully, follow these key methods:

Submit Official Transcripts From Previous Schools

Most schools won’t evaluate your credits without official, sealed transcripts sent directly from your former college or university.

Complete a Transfer Credit Evaluation Application

Some institutions require a separate application or form to review your academic history.

Provide Course Descriptions and Syllabi

Especially if your courses come from less common institutions or technical programs, these documents help prove equivalency.

Meet With an Academic Transfer Advisor

Schedule one-on-one meetings to plan how your transfer credits will apply and to ensure you’re not missing required courses.

Use Articulation Agreements Between Institutions

If your previous school has a partnership agreement with your new one, your credits are more likely to transfer automatically.

Appeal Denied Credits

If credits are denied, many schools offer an appeals process. You may be able to reverse the decision with additional information.

How Many Credits Can You Transfer?

Most online colleges accept between 60 and 90 credit hours toward a bachelor’s degree. Some allow you to transfer up to 75% of your degree, depending on:

• Whether your previous school was accredited
• The grades you earned in each course
• How closely your old coursework matches the new program
• Institutional residency requirements (minimum credits that must be completed at the new school)

This flexibility can save you thousands of dollars and significant time, especially if you’ve already completed a large portion of your general education or major requirements.

Can You Receive a Scholarship If You Transfer Credits?

Many online colleges offer transfer-specific scholarships in addition to need-based and merit-based aid. Just because you’ve earned previous credits doesn’t mean you’re excluded from financial help.

You might be eligible for:

• Transfer student grants specifically targeting degree-completion
• Merit scholarships based on your GPA or academic performance at your prior institution
• External scholarships from nonprofit groups, professional organizations, or employers
• State or institutional awards, depending on your residency and field of study

Be sure to fill out the FAFSA and ask about all available funding when applying. Many schools are eager to support transfer students and help them finish strong.

Ready to Transfer Credits and Start Your Academic Journey in an Online College?

Choosing a transfer-friendly online college can make the most of the hard work you’ve already done. The right school will help you turn existing credits into real progress toward your degree without the need to start over.

With generous transfer policies, fast evaluations, and strong student support, the schools listed above are some of the best options available. Whether you’re continuing after a break, changing schools, or returning as a working adult, you have the tools to finish your degree on your terms.

FAQs

What is the maximum number of credits most universities accept?

Many online programs accept 60–90 credits toward a bachelor’s, or up to 75% of the degree. Some, like Penn State World Campus, don’t cap the number you can transfer but require you to complete a set number of final credits in residence. Always check program pages.

How do I know if my credits will transfer successfully?

Start by checking accreditation, reviewing the school’s transfer policy, and requesting an unofficial transcript evaluation.

Do online schools accept community college credits for transfer?

Yes. Most accredited online colleges accept community college credits, especially general education courses.

Can I transfer credits from multiple colleges to one program?

Absolutely. Many online schools allow you to combine credits from several accredited institutions into one degree path.

What documents do I need to transfer my college credits?

You’ll need official transcripts, and sometimes course syllabi, catalogs, or additional documentation for evaluation.

How long does the credit transfer evaluation process typically take?

It usually takes 1–3 weeks after your transcripts are received, though timelines vary by school.

Do transfer credits affect my GPA at the new school?

Typically no. Your transferred courses count toward your degree but won’t be factored into your GPA at the new institution.