When you choose to get a formal degree and you select a program to attend, it is very common to consider graduation rates and job placement rates to choose the best formal degree program. While these are very important indicators that you should consider to choose a quality degree program, you must consider the big picture when you are enrolling in school so that all of the credits that you earn throughout your student career benefit you as a professional in the future. If you are debating whether or not to take an online undergraduate or graduate degree program, you may be wondering what could happen if you want to switch programs or schools later on down the line. Here is your guide to understanding when online degree credits are transferable and when these credits are not.
When Are Online College Credits Transferable?
If you are one of those students who does not fit in the traditional mold, an online degree program may be the best way to get a formal education without being bound to classroom schedules. While online programs are more convenient, there is a common assumption that the credits that are earned from an online school will not be recognized by or transferable to a traditional brick-and-mortar school.
Just like many students transfer from a low cost junior college to a 4-year university, students can transfer from an online institution to this same university as long as the online school is accredited by an organization or accreditation body that is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. As long as the program or the school you choose is accredited, you should have no problem transferring to a campus-based program if you relocate or you are interested in earning a Bachelor’s or graduate-level degree.
How Can You Make the Transfer Process Easier?
If you keep transfer requirements in mind before you select an online school or a major that you intend on studying, you can make the process of transferring much easier if this is what you decide to do. If you have a university or a state school in mind, you should check their transfer credit requirements before meeting with admissions counselors so that you know which classes to take. An advisor at the online school may even be able to recommend credits to complete so that you can improve your chances of getting accepted into a competitive traditional program based on your academic experience in an online school.
Also, avoid waiting too long to finish your online degree or transfer your credits because the credits that you earn will not stay valid forever. If you decide to take a break from school, a traditional school can refuse to accept credits that are 6 to 8 years old based on their policy. Know the policy and keep this in mind when you decide to go on a college hiatus.
If you are serious about transferring from an online college to a campus-based program, be sure to find out what time of year the campus accepts transfer applications. If you need help looking for accredited schools where the credits are transferable, visit the US Department of Education search engine to discover which schools you can attend or use our Online page ranking. You never know when you will want to change educational paths and this should always be a consideration.
