Transfer of Credit
Students seeking to transfer earned credits should be aware that policies at some traditional colleges and universities have not kept pace with the mobility of today’s students. Some universities accept academic credits or degrees only from institutions that are regionally accredited, even though the U.S. Department of Education (USDE) has endorsed the principle that transfer of credit should not be denied solely on the basis of source of institutional accreditation. This Guide addresses the subject of credit transfer; however, the information may also apply to getting a degree accepted by another institution for the purpose of admission to a higher degree level.
Accepting credits earned at another institution is the prerogative of the receiving institution. No college, school, or accrediting agency can require an institution to accept transfer credit earned elsewhere. Even when the sending institution is accredited by the same agency as the receiving institution, there is no guarantee credits will transfer.
The decision whether or not to accept a student’s academic credit may be made by the chairperson of the department, a faculty transcript review committee, an individual faculty member, an admissions officer or other college official.
Factors that affect the willingness to accept academic credit in transfer may be in the institution’s catalog, and include:
College or state policies. Most colleges and some states have policies concerning the number and type of credits they will accept in transfer from another institution.
Residency requirements. Most colleges require a student to complete a specific number of credits at their institution in order to be awarded a degree by them.
Appropriateness of course content. The course should align with the institution’s degree program and the content of the course should compare favorably with the materials and topics covered in the college’s degree curriculum. Students seeking to transfer academic credit should be prepared to discuss how their completed coursework covers the topics required in the college curriculum. Evidence would include copies of work completed, or a copy of a syllabus or study guide for the course. Official transcripts sent from the college of origin to the receiving college also may be required.
Appropriate academic level. Acceptance of credit also depends on the transferring student’s academic standing and the level of course material studied.
Accreditation and educational quality. The U.S. Department of Education (USDE) authorizes both national and regional accrediting agencies by its recognition. All USED-recognized accrediting agencies are considered authorities on institutional quality and integrity. The USDE makes no distinction between national or regional accreditors regarding their reliability in ensuring institutional quality.
Filing an Appeal
Students denied transfer of credit by an institution may request a copy of the institution’s appeal process and pursue a review of the decision.