The school makes the call
Every school has its own transfer rules. The school decides which courses count, what they count as, and how many credits it will take in total. No outside company can promise that a credit will transfer.
Most schools have a limit
Many schools cap how much transfer credit they accept. Some cap it at 75 percent of the degree. Some have no set limit. Credit above the cap does not help you, so you need to know the limit before you start taking courses.
Why you plan before you enroll
Once you enroll, you are paying university tuition. Many of the same courses can be done for much less through lower cost providers first. That only works if you know which courses your school will accept. Plan first, then earn the credit, then enroll.
The steps
- Pick your target school and degree.
- Find that school's transfer rules and its transfer limit.
- Match each course you need to a course the school has accepted before.
- Take those courses.
- Send official transcripts from every school and provider. Transcripts can take 10 or more business days to arrive, so request them early.
- Wait for the school's official credit evaluation, then take what is left.
A note on associate degrees
An associate degree does not always mean your general education courses are done at your new school. The new school checks each credit against its own rules.
School rules change. Always confirm the current policy with your school before you enroll or take a course.