Online College Credits
Earning college credits online might be a great solution for someone who needs to satisfy prerequisite requirements or get a head start on their general studies requirements.
College credits earned online can be transferred just like credits earned on campus and provide a flexible and low-cost alternative to taking courses on campus.
But, before you begin there are a few things you should consider to ensure your online college credits are accepted by the college or university you plan to transfer them to. Don't assume that 100% of your credits will transfer.
Plan Ahead
If you plan on taking classes at a less expensive online college program with hopes of transferring the credits you are earning to a larger, more expensice institution later, always check ahead of time which credits will transfer.
Some univerisities will have transfer agreements and degree programs where they agree to accept 100% of credits earned at other schools. Research the school in which you hope to transfer your credits to and see if they have any agreements of this nature.
If you do earn online college credits and do not check the transfer policies of the university you plan to transfer them to, you may find yourself not receiving credit for your earlier work. Some colleges and universities place limits on the number of credits they will accept on transfer. Previously earned college credits may only be applied to general studies requirements at the receiving school or limited to a certain number of credits or a percentage of the online credits you have earned.
Additionally, most schools require a certain number of credits must be earned at their school to recieve a degree from them. Those credit minimums refer to the last credits earned. Meaning students can't take the minimum of credits required and then take the remainder at another school and expect to receive a degree from the first institution.
Transferrring Online College Credits
Pretty much every college or university limits the number of credits that can be applied towards a degree from their institution. Makes sense, their name would be on the degree and it would seem reasonable for them to require the majority of earned credits to have come from courses offered by them. To ensure you are able to successfully transfer as many online college credits as possible, always do your research before you sign up for the first course.