Many adults return to college with credits they earned at one or more colleges or universities. Some may have completed a semester or two before taking a break from school, while others may have accumulated credits without completing a degree. Students who transfer from a community college to a four-year university may also have a substantial number of credits to bring with them.
A credit transfer evaluation helps determine what happens to those previously earned credits when a student enrolls at a new college or university. During the evaluation, the school reviews a student’s academic records and determines which courses it will accept for transfer and how those credits may fit into the student’s new degree program.
Depending on the college and program, the evaluation may consider factors such as:
- The institution where the credit was earned
- The accreditation status of the previous institution
- The course content and learning outcomes
- The number of credits or credit hours earned
- The grade received
- How recently the course was completed
- Whether the course is equivalent to a course offered by the new school
- Whether the credit meets a general education, major, or elective requirement
- The requirements of the student’s intended degree program
One of the most important things to understand is that a college accepting a credit does not necessarily mean that the credit will count toward every degree requirement. A school may accept a course as transfer credit but classify it as a general elective rather than using it to satisfy a required course in the student’s major.
For example, imagine a student completed 60 college credits several years ago but left school before earning a bachelor’s degree. When the student returns to college, the new school may accept many of those credits. However, the student may still need to complete additional general education courses, major requirements, or other degree requirements before graduating. The transfer credit evaluation helps the student understand what will transfer and, more importantly, how those credits fit into the path to graduation.
This distinction is particularly important for adult learners and returning students who may have attended multiple colleges, changed majors, or been away from school for several years. Rather than assuming that previously earned credits have been lost, or that all of them will automatically apply toward a new degree, a transfer evaluation provides a clearer picture of where a student stands academically and what coursework remains.
What Is a Credit Transfer Evaluation?
A credit transfer evaluation is the process a college or university uses to review a student’s previous college coursework and determine how those credits can be used at the new institution. The evaluation typically begins with an official transcript review and may involve comparing courses completed at another school with the academic requirements of the student’s intended program.
The results can help answer questions such as:
- Which previously completed courses will transfer?
- How many credits will the college accept?
- Which previous courses are equivalent to courses offered by the new institution?
- Which credits can satisfy general education requirements?
- Can any credits fulfill requirements for the student’s major?
- Which credits will count only as electives?
- Which degree requirements has the student already completed?
- Which courses or requirements does the student still need to complete?
Colleges may use different terms for this process, including transfer credit evaluation, transfer credit assessment, transfer credit review, or simply transfer evaluation. Although the terminology varies, the basic purpose is similar: to determine how a student’s previous academic work fits within the new institution’s policies and degree requirements.
The process is not always as simple as adding up the number of credits a student has earned. Colleges generally evaluate credits based on their own transfer policies, as well as the requirements of the specific degree program. For example, a three-credit psychology course might be accepted by a college but applied differently depending on the student’s program. It could fulfill a social science requirement in one degree, count as a general elective in another, or potentially not satisfy a specific requirement at all.
Transferable Credits vs. Applicable Credits
When reviewing a transfer credit evaluation, it is helpful to distinguish between transferable credits and applicable credits.
Transferable credits are credits that a new college agrees to accept from another institution. In other words, the school recognizes the previous coursework as eligible for transfer under its policies.
Applicable credits are transfer credits that can actually be used to satisfy requirements for a student’s specific degree program. These may fulfill general education requirements, major requirements, concentration requirements, or electives that count toward the total credits needed for graduation.
The difference can have a significant impact on how long it takes a student to finish a degree.
For example, suppose a student earned 30 credits at a previous college. The new institution may accept all 30 credits as transferable. After reviewing the student’s degree plan, however, the school may determine that only 18 of those credits fulfill requirements for the student’s bachelor’s degree. The other 12 credits might be accepted as general electives, depending on the school’s policies, or they may not contribute to the student’s graduation requirements if the degree has limited room for elective credits.
This is why students should look beyond the total number of credits a college says it will accept. A more useful question is: How many of my transfer credits will apply toward the degree I want to earn?
Students can also encounter situations in which a course transfers but does not replace a specific course at the new institution. For instance, an introductory biology course might transfer as general science credit but not satisfy a required biology course for a health sciences program. In that case, the student receives credit for the previous coursework, but may still need to complete the required course at the new school.
Because transfer policies vary among institutions, students should request a formal transfer credit evaluation and review the results with an academic advisor before assuming that they know how many courses they have left. The evaluation can be especially helpful for adults returning to college after an extended break, students who attended multiple institutions, and anyone comparing degree completion options at different schools.
How Does a Credit Transfer Evaluation Work?
A credit transfer evaluation typically follows a series of steps, beginning with the student’s application and transcript submission and ending with a report showing how previous coursework fits into the new college’s degree requirements. The exact process varies by institution, but understanding the general steps can help students know what to expect and what questions to ask before enrolling.
Step 1: Apply to the College or Program
At many colleges, a formal transfer credit evaluation takes place after a student applies and is admitted. The school may require the student to submit official transcripts as part of the admissions process before the transfer evaluation can be completed.
Some colleges may also provide an unofficial or preliminary transfer credit review before a student enrolls. This can be particularly helpful for adults returning to college who want to compare schools or determine whether a degree program will allow them to make meaningful progress with the credits they have already earned.
For example, a student with 75 credits from several previous colleges may be considering three different bachelor’s degree completion programs. If one school accepts 60 credits toward the student’s degree while another accepts only 45, that difference could affect the number of courses the student needs to take, the time required to graduate, and the total cost of completing the degree.
Before committing to a college, students should ask:
- Will you evaluate my transfer credits before I enroll?
- Is the evaluation official or unofficial?
- How many credits are likely to transfer?
- How many of those credits are expected to apply to my intended degree?
- Are there limits on the number of transfer credits I can bring in?
- Will you evaluate transcripts from all of my previous colleges?
- How long will the evaluation take?
An unofficial evaluation is not a guarantee that all credits will ultimately be awarded. However, it can give students a better basis for comparing programs before making an enrollment decision.
Step 2: Submit Official Transcripts
The next step is generally to provide the college with official transcripts from previous institutions. An official transcript is an academic record issued directly by the school where the student completed coursework. Depending on the institution’s requirements, transcripts may be sent electronically through an approved transcript service or delivered in a sealed physical envelope.
Students may need to submit transcripts from every college or postsecondary institution they previously attended, including:
- Community colleges
- Four-year colleges and universities
- Online colleges and universities
- Technical or vocational institutions, where applicable
- Colleges attended for only one semester or a few courses
- Multiple institutions attended over several years
This step can be more complicated for returning students who have been out of school for a long time. A student who attended three different colleges 15 years ago, for example, may need to contact each institution separately to request transcripts.
It is generally a good idea to provide all required transcripts, even if a student does not expect certain credits to transfer. A college needs a complete academic record to conduct an accurate evaluation, and withholding a previous transcript could create problems during the admissions or transfer credit process.
Students who attended a college that has since closed may need to locate the organization or state agency responsible for maintaining the school’s academic records. The process for obtaining those transcripts varies depending on the institution and where it was located.
Step 3: The College Reviews Your Coursework
Once the college receives the necessary transcripts, its admissions or transfer credit staff review the student’s previous academic work according to the institution’s transfer policies.
The evaluation may consider several factors, including:
- Course title: What was the course called at the previous institution?
- Course description: What topics and subject matter did the course cover?
- Course content: Does the material align with a course or requirement at the new college?
- Credit hours: How many credits did the student earn?
- Grade: Did the student meet the minimum grade required for transfer credit?
- Institutional accreditation: Does the previous institution meet the new school’s requirements for transfer coursework?
- Date completed: How long ago was the course taken, and does the program have any limits on older coursework?
- Academic level: Was the course introductory, advanced, graduate-level, or otherwise appropriate for the student’s program?
The way these factors are weighed varies by college and program. A course that transfers easily to one institution may be treated differently by another.
The age of a course can also matter, depending on the field of study. A general education course completed many years ago may still be eligible for transfer, while certain programs may have more specific requirements for older coursework. This can be especially relevant in fields where professional knowledge and standards change frequently.
Students should also remember that the evaluation of a course is separate from the question of how that course will fit into a particular degree. A college may determine that a course is eligible for transfer but still need to decide whether it fulfills a specific degree requirement.
Step 4: Credits Are Matched to Degree Requirements
After reviewing a student’s previous coursework, the college determines how accepted credits fit into the student’s intended academic program. This is where the difference between transferable credits and applicable credits becomes especially important.
Depending on the degree, transferred courses may be used to satisfy:
- General education requirements, such as English composition, mathematics, science, or social science
- Major requirements, when a previous course is considered equivalent to a required course in the student’s field of study
- Minor requirements, if the student’s degree includes a minor and the transferred coursework meets those requirements
- Electives, which contribute to the total number of credits needed for graduation but may not replace a specific required course
For example, consider a student who completed an introductory psychology course at a community college before taking a 10-year break from school. If the student now enrolls in a bachelor’s degree program that requires a social science course, the psychology credit may satisfy that requirement. If the student enrolls in a program that does not have a comparable requirement, the same course might instead be applied as an elective.
This is one reason a transfer evaluation is often most useful when it is completed in connection with a specific degree program. The same 30 transfer credits could have a different impact depending on whether a student is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in business, psychology, information technology, or another field.
Step 5: You Receive a Transfer Credit Report
After the evaluation is complete, the college typically provides a transfer credit report or similar record showing how the student’s previous coursework was evaluated. The format and terminology vary by institution, but the report may include information such as:
- Courses accepted for transfer
- Courses that were not accepted
- Equivalent courses at the new institution
- The number of credits awarded
- General education credits fulfilled
- Major requirements fulfilled
- Minor requirements fulfilled, when applicable
- Credits applied as electives
- Degree requirements that remain outstanding
For example, a student’s transfer report might show that 45 credits were accepted from previous institutions. Of those, 24 credits may fulfill general education requirements, six may apply toward the student’s major, and 15 may be counted as electives. The report may also show that the student still needs to complete specific major courses and a certain number of credits at the new college.
The transfer report can give students a much clearer picture of how much work remains before they can graduate. However, students should review the evaluation carefully with an academic advisor, particularly if the report includes courses listed as electives or credits that were accepted but do not appear to satisfy a specific degree requirement.
If a student believes a course was evaluated incorrectly, it may be possible to request a review or appeal. Providing additional documentation, such as a course syllabus or detailed course description, may help the college determine whether the coursework meets a particular requirement.
For adult learners with credits from multiple colleges, the final transfer evaluation can be especially helpful. Rather than looking at an old transcript and trying to calculate how many credits remain, students can use the evaluation to identify the courses they have already completed, the requirements those courses satisfy, and the specific coursework they still need to earn their degree.
What Factors Determine Whether College Credits Transfer?
There is no single rule that determines whether college credits will transfer from one institution to another. Each college sets its own transfer policies, and individual academic departments may have additional requirements. As a result, the same course may receive different treatment at different colleges.
When evaluating previous coursework, a college may consider the accreditation of the institution where the credit was earned, the content and level of the course, the grade received, how long ago the course was completed, and how the credit fits into the student’s intended degree program.
Understanding these factors can help students set realistic expectations before enrolling at a new school.
Accreditation of the Previous College
The accreditation status of the college where a student earned credit can affect whether another institution will accept that coursework. Accreditation is a form of quality review in which an independent accrediting organization evaluates an institution or program against established standards.
In the United States, colleges and universities may be institutionally accredited by organizations recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). Students may also encounter the term regional accreditation, which historically referred to accreditation by one of several regional accrediting organizations. The U.S. Department of Education’s current structure recognizes institutional accreditors by their specific names and geographic or national scope rather than treating “regional accreditation” as a separate federal category.
Accreditation can be one factor in a college’s transfer decision, but it does not guarantee that every course or credit will transfer. A college may accept credits from an accredited institution but still determine that certain courses do not meet its requirements. The school may also evaluate individual courses based on their content, credit hours, grades, and relevance to the student’s degree.
Students should therefore ask a prospective college not only whether it accepts credits from their previous institution, but also how those credits will be evaluated and applied to the intended degree.
Course Equivalency
Colleges often compare a student’s previous coursework with their own courses and academic requirements. The evaluation may consider the course description, subject matter, learning outcomes, credit hours, and academic level.
Depending on the results, a course may be classified as:
- A direct equivalent: The course is considered comparable to a specific course at the new institution and may fulfill that requirement.
- A general subject-area course: The credit transfers within the same broad academic field but does not replace a specific course.
- An elective: The credit is accepted but does not fulfill a particular general education or major requirement.
- No transfer credit: The college determines that the course does not meet its criteria for transfer.
For example, a student who completed American History I at a previous college might receive direct equivalency for a U.S. history requirement at one university. Another university might accept the course as general history credit, while a third might count it only as a general elective.
The course title alone does not necessarily determine equivalency. Two courses with similar names can cover different material, while courses with different titles may have sufficiently similar content to be considered equivalent. This is why colleges may review course descriptions, syllabi, or other academic documentation when determining how coursework transfers.
Grade Requirements
The grade a student earned can also affect whether a course transfers. Some colleges require a minimum grade, such as a C or better, for transfer credit. Others may have different requirements depending on the degree program or the type of course.
A passing grade at one college does not necessarily mean that the course will satisfy a requirement at another institution. For example, a student may have earned a D in a mathematics course that was sufficient to receive credit at the original college. A new college might accept the course as transfer credit but require a higher grade for the course to satisfy a mathematics requirement within the student’s new degree.
This distinction is another reason to look at how credits apply toward a degree, rather than simply asking whether they will be accepted.
Students should also check whether the college’s minimum grade requirement applies to transferability, degree requirements, or both. A course may be accepted as transfer credit but not fulfill a specific requirement if the grade does not meet the standard for that program.
Age of the Credits
College credits generally do not have a universal expiration date. A student who completed coursework 10, 15, or even 20 years ago may still be able to transfer some or all of those credits.
However, colleges and academic departments may have policies that limit how older coursework can be used. A school may accept an older course as transfer credit but determine that it no longer satisfies a particular major requirement. This is more likely to be an issue in fields where knowledge, technology, or professional standards change significantly over time.
For example, an older English composition course may still satisfy a general education requirement, while an older technology or science course may be reviewed more closely before being used to fulfill a current major requirement.
Programs tied to professional licensing or certification may also have specific rules regarding the age of coursework. Students returning to fields such as healthcare should ask the college or program directly whether older credits can satisfy current program requirements.
For adult learners, this means that an old transcript should not automatically be dismissed. Even if some credits no longer apply to a major, other coursework may still fulfill general education or elective requirements.
Number of Credits Completed
The number of credits a student has earned can affect how many credits a college is willing to accept. Some institutions place a maximum on the number of transfer credits that can be applied toward a degree.
For example, a college might allow students to transfer a substantial portion of the credits required for a bachelor’s degree but require students to complete the remaining credits at the new institution. These requirements are often referred to as residency requirements.
Residency requirements do not necessarily mean that students must live on campus. In this context, “residency” generally refers to the number of credits or academic requirements that must be completed through the institution awarding the degree.
A student might therefore transfer a large number of credits but still need to complete a minimum number of credits through the new college. The exact requirements vary by institution and degree program.
Degree and Major Requirements
The same transfer credit can be applied differently depending on the degree a student chooses. This is one of the most important reasons to have credits evaluated against a specific academic program.
For example, imagine a student completed a three-credit U.S. history course at a previous college. If the student enrolls in a bachelor’s degree program that includes a humanities requirement, the course might satisfy that requirement. If the student chooses a different program that has already met its humanities requirements through other coursework, the same history course might instead count as an elective.
In another case, a student may have completed an introductory computer programming course that transfers to a university. If the student enrolls in an information technology program, the course might fulfill a major requirement. If the student chooses a degree in communications, the same course may transfer but count only as an elective.
How Many College Credits Can You Transfer?
There is no universal limit on the number of college credits a student can transfer. The maximum varies by institution, degree program, and sometimes the type of credit being transferred.
Factors that may affect the number of credits a student can transfer include:
- Institutional policies: Each college establishes its own rules for accepting transfer coursework.
- Degree type: A bachelor’s degree may have different transfer policies than an associate or graduate program.
- Major: Some majors have specific course sequences or professional requirements that limit how many previous courses can be used.
- Accreditation: The accreditation status of the previous institution may affect whether coursework is eligible for consideration.
- Residency requirements: A college may require students to complete a certain number of credits or required courses at the institution awarding the degree.
- State regulations: State policies may affect transfer agreements or requirements at public colleges and universities, particularly within state higher education systems.
It is also important to distinguish between credits that transfer into a college and credits that count toward graduation.
For example, suppose a student has completed 90 college credits and wants to earn a bachelor’s degree. A university may accept all 90 credits as transfer credit. However, the student may still need to complete additional coursework at the university because some of those credits may be electives, may not fit the student’s new major, or may exceed the number of elective credits the degree allows.
The student could therefore have 90 credits listed as accepted transfer credit but still need to complete 30 or more credits before earning the degree. The student may also need to meet the university’s residency requirements and complete specific upper-level courses within the major.
This is why students with existing college credits should request a degree-specific transfer credit evaluation whenever possible. An evaluation tied to a particular program can show not only how many credits the school accepts, but also how those credits fit into the student’s degree plan and how many requirements remain.
For adults returning to college after several years, this information can make it easier to compare degree completion programs. Two colleges might accept a similar number of transfer credits but leave the student with very different numbers of courses to complete. Looking at the remaining degree requirements, rather than just the number of credits accepted, can provide a much clearer picture of the time and cost involved in finishing the degree.
Do College Credits Expire?
College credits generally do not automatically expire. A student who earned credits 10 or 20 years ago may still be able to transfer some or all of them to another college. However, the age of the credits can affect how they are used.
A college may accept older coursework as transfer credit but decide that it no longer meets a specific requirement for the student’s major. This is more likely in fields where knowledge and professional standards change quickly, including:
- Nursing
- Healthcare
- Information technology
- Engineering
- Other rapidly changing technical or professional fields
For example, an older computer science course may transfer to a university but not satisfy a current requirement for a technology degree if the course content is outdated. In contrast, an older general education course may still fulfill a requirement.
Students returning to college should not assume their old credits are worthless. The best approach is to have previous coursework formally evaluated and ask how the credits apply to the specific degree they want to earn.
Can You Transfer Credits From Multiple Colleges?
Yes. Many colleges will evaluate coursework from multiple previous institutions. This can be particularly helpful for adult learners who attended different schools at different points in their education.
A student may have credits from:
- A community college
- A four-year university
- An online college
- Multiple colleges attended over several years
For example, a student may have attended three colleges over a 10-year period and accumulated 75 credits. A transfer credit evaluation could review coursework from all three institutions and identify credits that can be combined toward a bachelor’s degree.
Students should generally submit transcripts from every college or university they previously attended, even if they do not expect all of their credits to transfer. The new institution needs a complete academic record to evaluate the student’s coursework accurately, and some credits that seem unlikely to transfer may still satisfy general education or elective requirements.
Students with credits from multiple schools should also ask whether the college will evaluate all transcripts together and how the combined credits will apply to the intended degree.
What Happens to Credits That Don’t Transfer?
Not every course a student has completed will necessarily transfer or count toward a new degree. Depending on the college’s policies and the student’s program, credits may:
- Be rejected entirely
- Transfer as general elective credits
- Transfer but not satisfy a specific degree requirement
- Be accepted but not count toward graduation because the degree has limited room for electives
- Require additional documentation, such as a course syllabus, for further review
- Be reconsidered through a transfer credit appeal or reevaluation process
If a student believes a course was evaluated incorrectly, they may be able to request a review. Providing additional information about the course, such as a syllabus, course description, or learning outcomes, may help the college determine whether it meets a particular requirement.
Students should also speak with an academic advisor if they are unsure why a credit was not accepted or how an accepted credit was applied. In some cases, the issue may not be that the credit was rejected; it may have been accepted but classified as an elective rather than being applied to a required course.
If maximizing previously earned credits is a priority, students may also want to compare transfer policies at multiple colleges. One institution may apply a particular course toward a degree requirement while another may accept the same course only as an elective.
Can You Appeal a Transfer Credit Evaluation?
If you believe a college has evaluated your previous coursework incorrectly, you may be able to request a transfer credit reevaluation or appeal. Not every college offers a formal appeal process, and the steps for requesting a review vary by institution.
An appeal or reevaluation may be appropriate if:
- The content of a course was misunderstood or incorrectly evaluated
- The course description available to the evaluator was incomplete or outdated
- A course syllabus shows that the class covers material comparable to a required course at the new college
- A course was classified as an elective when it may satisfy a general education or major requirement
- A course that should have been included in the evaluation was overlooked
Additional documentation can help the college reassess a course. Depending on the situation, you may be asked to provide:
- A detailed course syllabus
- A course catalog from the year the class was taken
- Course assignments or other examples of coursework
- Course learning outcomes
- Information about the previous institution’s accreditation
- Official documentation from the previous college or university
For example, a student may have completed a business course 15 years ago that was initially classified as a general elective. If the student can provide the original syllabus showing that the course covered the same material as a required business course at the new college, the institution may agree to reevaluate the credit.
If you disagree with your transfer evaluation, start by contacting the school’s transfer credit or registrar’s office. An academic advisor may also be able to explain why a course was classified a certain way and whether a reevaluation is possible.
What Documents Do You Need for a Transfer Credit Evaluation?
The documents required for a transfer credit evaluation vary by college. However, students may need some or all of the following:
- Official transcripts from every previously attended college or university
- Course descriptions showing the subject matter covered
- Course syllabi with details about topics, assignments, and learning outcomes
- Transfer credit forms required by the new institution
- Proof of accreditation, if requested
- Test score reports for credits earned through exams such as CLEP or DSST, where applicable
- Military transcripts, such as those documenting military education and training, if applicable
- Documentation from a closed institution, if a previous college is no longer operating and records must be obtained through another organization
Not every student will need to provide every document on this list. In many cases, an official transcript is the primary document used for a transfer evaluation. Additional materials may be requested when the college needs more information to determine whether a course is equivalent to one of its own courses or meets a specific degree requirement.
Students who attended college many years ago should consider gathering course descriptions and syllabi if they are available. These documents can be particularly useful if a school needs additional information to evaluate older coursework.
How Long Does a Credit Transfer Evaluation Take?
The time required for a credit transfer evaluation varies by college. Some evaluations may be completed relatively quickly, while others can take several weeks or longer.
Factors that can affect the timeline include:
- The number of colleges or universities the student attended
- The total number of credits being evaluated
- Whether transcripts or other documents are missing
- Whether the student completed coursework outside the United States
- Whether international coursework requires additional evaluation
- Whether individual courses require a detailed, course-by-course review
- Whether the student needs to provide additional documentation
If the transfer evaluation will affect your decision about where to enroll, ask the college how long the process typically takes and whether you can receive a preliminary evaluation before committing to the program. It is also worth confirming whether the evaluation is considered official or simply an estimate. This can help you avoid making enrollment decisions based on transfer credits that have not yet been formally approved.
How to Maximize Your Transfer Credits
If you have already earned college credits, taking a few steps before enrolling can help you get the most value from your previous coursework. While no student can guarantee that every credit will transfer, being proactive can help you identify schools and degree programs that make better use of the credits you have already earned.
Get Evaluated Before Enrolling
If a college offers a preliminary or unofficial transfer credit evaluation, consider requesting one before committing to the school. This can give you an idea of how your previous coursework may apply to your intended degree.
A preliminary evaluation may not be the final determination, but it can help you compare programs. Ask the college to show not only how many credits it expects to accept but also how those credits will apply to your specific degree requirements.
Submit Every College Transcript
Provide transcripts from every college or university you previously attended, even if you think certain credits are too old or your grades were too low to transfer.
A course you assume will not count may still satisfy an elective or general education requirement. The college can make that determination only after reviewing your complete academic record.
Submitting all transcripts can also help the school create a more accurate picture of your previous education, particularly if you attended multiple institutions.
Gather Course Documentation
Keep copies of course syllabi, course descriptions, and other documentation whenever possible. These materials can be helpful if a college needs more information to determine whether a course is equivalent to one of its own classes.
This can be especially useful for older coursework. If a course was completed many years ago and is initially classified as an elective, a syllabus from the year you took the class may provide information that supports a reevaluation.
Choose Your Degree Program Carefully
The degree you choose can affect how your transfer credits are used. A course that fulfills a requirement in one program may count only as an elective in another.
For example, a psychology course might satisfy a social science requirement in one bachelor’s degree program but count as an elective in a different program that has already met its social science requirements.
Before enrolling, ask for a degree-specific transfer evaluation whenever possible. This can help you determine how many credits you will actually need to complete, and not simply how many credits the college will accept.
Compare Multiple Colleges
If maximizing your existing credits is a priority, consider getting transfer information from more than one college. Institutions may evaluate the same coursework differently based on their own transfer policies and degree requirements.
For example, one college might accept 60 of your 75 previous credits and apply most of them toward your degree. Another might accept the same 60 credits but apply a larger portion toward electives, leaving you with more major requirements to complete.
Comparing schools can help you identify the program that makes the best use of your previous academic work.
Ask About Prior Learning Credit
Transfer credit is not the only way adult learners may be able to earn credit for what they already know. Some colleges award credit for prior learning (CPL) after evaluating knowledge gained through work, military service, professional training, certifications, or other experiences.
Depending on the college, students may be able to earn credit through:
- CLEP exams
- DSST exams
- Portfolio assessment
- Military education and training
- Professional certifications
- Employer-sponsored training
- Apprenticeships or other structured training
These options are separate from traditional transfer credit because they do not necessarily involve previously completed college courses. However, they can work alongside transfer credit to help eligible students complete degree requirements.
Transfer Credit Evaluation vs. Prior Learning Assessment
A credit transfer evaluation and a prior learning assessment (PLA) both help colleges determine whether a student has already completed college-level work or demonstrated college-level knowledge. However, they evaluate different types of learning.
| Credit Transfer Evaluation | Prior Learning Assessment |
| Reviews previously completed college coursework | Evaluates knowledge gained outside traditional college coursework |
| Typically begins with official college transcripts | May involve exams, portfolios, or other assessments |
| Focuses on previously earned academic credit | Focuses on demonstrating college-level knowledge |
| Usually does not require students to retake courses they have already completed | May award credit after a student successfully demonstrates what they know |
| Often occurs as part of the admissions or transfer process | May take place before or during enrollment, depending on the college |
For example, imagine an adult learner who completed 45 college credits several years ago and has also worked in information technology for a decade. A transfer credit evaluation could determine how the 45 college credits apply to a new degree. A prior learning assessment could provide a separate way for the student to demonstrate knowledge gained through professional experience and potentially earn additional credit.
The two processes can therefore work together. A student may transfer previously earned college credits while also pursuing credit for eligible knowledge gained through work, military service, professional certifications, or other experiences.
Students should ask each college about its policies because not every institution offers the same prior learning options or awards credit in the same way.
Transfer Credit Evaluation vs. Credit for Prior Learning
The terms transfer credit, credit for prior learning, and prior learning assessment are sometimes used together, but they describe different processes.
- Transfer credit: Academic credit earned by completing college-level coursework at another institution and transferring it to a new college or university.
- Credit for prior learning (CPL): College credit awarded for eligible knowledge and skills gained outside traditional college courses, such as through work, military training, professional certifications, or other experiences.
- Prior learning assessment (PLA): The process a college uses to evaluate whether a student’s existing knowledge or experience is equivalent to college-level learning and eligible for academic credit.
- Credit by examination: A form of prior learning assessment in which a student demonstrates knowledge by passing an approved exam, such as a CLEP or DSST examination.
The distinction matters because a student may have both previous college coursework and significant professional or life experience. These types of learning are generally evaluated separately.
For example, a student returning to college may have 50 credits from a community college, a professional certification in project management, and several years of experience managing projects at work. A transfer credit evaluation could determine how the 50 college credits apply to a bachelor’s degree. Depending on the college’s policies, the student’s professional certification or experience might be evaluated separately through a prior learning assessment and could potentially result in additional credit.
How to Compare Colleges Based on Transfer Credit Policies
If you have already earned college credits, transfer policies should be one of the factors you consider when comparing schools. Colleges can differ significantly in how they evaluate previous coursework, how many credits they accept, and how those credits apply to a specific degree.
Before choosing a college, ask the admissions or transfer credit office the following questions:
- How many transfer credits do you accept?
- Is there a maximum number of transfer credits I can apply toward my degree?
- Do you accept credits from all of my previous colleges?
- Do you accept credits earned more than 10 years ago?
- What is the minimum grade required for transfer credit?
- Will my transfer credits count toward my major, or will they be applied primarily as electives?
- How many credits must I complete at your institution to earn the degree?
- Can I receive a preliminary or unofficial transfer credit evaluation before enrolling?
- Do you accept CLEP or DSST credits?
- Do you award credit for military education and training?
- Do you evaluate professional certifications for college credit?
- Can I appeal or request a reevaluation of a transfer credit decision?
- How long does the transfer credit evaluation process typically take?
When comparing schools, pay particular attention to the difference between the number of credits a college accepts and the number that apply toward your degree. A school that accepts 60 credits may not necessarily be the best option if only 30 of those credits satisfy your degree requirements.
If possible, request a degree-specific transfer evaluation from each college you are seriously considering. Comparing the results side by side can give you a better idea of how many courses you will actually need to complete at each school.
Credit Transfer Evaluations for Adult and Returning Students
Credit transfer evaluations can be especially helpful for adult learners and students returning to college after taking time away from school. Many returning students have already completed some college coursework but may not know how much of it can still be used toward a degree.
A transfer evaluation can help:
- Adults who left college without graduating: Students who stopped attending before completing a degree can find out how their previous coursework applies to a new program.
- Students returning after 5, 10, or 20+ years: An evaluation can determine whether older credits are still eligible for transfer and whether they meet current degree requirements.
- Students who attended multiple colleges: Credits from different institutions can be reviewed to determine how they fit together.
- Working professionals: Students who need to balance school with a job may be able to reduce the number of courses they need to complete by transferring eligible credits.
- Military service members and veterans: A transfer evaluation can help determine how previous college coursework and, where applicable, military education and training may contribute toward a degree.
- Students moving from community college to a university: Transfer evaluations can help students understand which courses fulfill general education and major requirements after moving to a four-year institution.
- Students switching degree programs: Coursework that applied to one major may be evaluated differently when a student changes fields.
- Students transferring from an online college: Students can determine how credits earned through an online program may apply at another institution.
For example, a student who earned 60 credits several years ago may initially assume that most of those credits are no longer useful. A transfer evaluation could show that many of the credits still satisfy general education requirements, leaving the student with primarily major-specific coursework to complete.
The results can also help students estimate how much time and money they may need to finish. However, students should remember that a transfer evaluation is based on the policies of a particular college and degree program. The same coursework may be applied differently at another institution.
What If You Have College Credits but No Degree?
Having college credits without a completed degree is more common than many people realize. Students may leave school because of work, family responsibilities, financial challenges, military service, or other circumstances. Years later, they may wonder whether those credits still have any value.
In many cases, previously earned college credits can still help you complete a degree. Even when some older coursework no longer satisfies current major requirements, other credits may count toward general education requirements or electives.
If you have college credits but no degree, consider taking the following steps:
- Locate your previous transcripts. Identify every college or university you attended and request official transcripts as required.
- List your previous coursework. If you have unofficial transcripts or old academic records, review them to understand what you completed.
- Research colleges that accept transfer credits. Look for institutions with transfer policies that fit your academic history and goals.
- Compare degree completion programs. Some programs are specifically designed for students who have already completed a significant amount of college coursework.
- Request an official transfer credit evaluation. Find out exactly which credits will transfer and how they will apply to your intended degree before assuming you need to start over.
For example, imagine someone who earned 70 college credits over several years but never completed a bachelor’s degree. After receiving a transfer evaluation, the student may discover that many of those credits still fulfill general education requirements. Instead of starting from the beginning, the student may need to complete only the remaining major courses and other requirements for the degree.
This is why students should not assume that they have to start college over simply because they never finished their original degree. A formal transfer credit evaluation can provide a clearer picture of what previous coursework is still useful and what steps remain.
FAQs About Credit Transfer Evaluations
How do I get my college credits evaluated?
To have your credits evaluated, you will generally need to apply to a college and submit official transcripts from every college or university you previously attended. Some schools offer preliminary or unofficial transfer evaluations before enrollment. Ask the college’s admissions or transfer credit office about its specific process and documentation requirements.
How long does a transfer credit evaluation take?
The timeline varies by college. A straightforward evaluation involving one institution and a limited number of credits may be completed relatively quickly, while evaluations involving multiple schools, older coursework, international education, or additional documentation may take longer. Ask the college for an estimated processing time.
Do college credits expire?
College credits generally do not have a universal expiration date. However, a college may have policies that limit how older credits can be used. For example, an older course may transfer but no longer satisfy a specific requirement for a major. This can be more common in fields where knowledge and professional standards change quickly.
Can I transfer credits from 10 or 20 years ago?
Possibly. Many colleges will consider older coursework for transfer, although the way those credits are applied can vary. Some may satisfy general education or elective requirements but not current major requirements. The best way to know is to request a transfer credit evaluation from the college you are considering.
Can I transfer credits from multiple colleges?
Yes, many colleges evaluate coursework from multiple institutions. You will generally need to submit official transcripts from each college or university you attended. The school will review the coursework and determine how the credits can be applied to your intended degree.
Can I transfer credits from an online college?
In many cases, yes. Credits earned through an online college may be eligible for transfer, but the new institution will evaluate them according to its transfer policies. Factors such as the previous institution’s accreditation, the course content, the grade earned, and how the course fits the new degree may affect the outcome.
Do all colleges accept transfer credits?
No. Colleges set their own transfer credit policies, and they may differ in how they evaluate previous coursework. A college may also accept a course as transfer credit without allowing it to fulfill a specific degree requirement. Always check the transfer policy of the institution and program you are considering.
Why did some of my credits transfer but not count toward my degree?
A college may accept your credits but determine that they do not meet a specific requirement for your degree. In that situation, the credits may be applied as electives or toward the total number of credits needed for graduation. However, if your degree has limited elective space, some accepted credits may not contribute to your graduation requirements.
What happens if my college credits don’t transfer?
Credits that do not transfer may simply not be included in your new degree plan. However, you may be able to request a reevaluation or appeal, particularly if you can provide additional documentation showing that the course content is comparable to a course or requirement at the new institution. You can also compare other colleges, as another institution may have different transfer policies.
Can I appeal a transfer credit decision?
Some colleges allow students to request a transfer credit appeal or reevaluation. You may be asked to provide additional information, such as a course syllabus, catalog description, or learning outcomes. Contact the college’s transfer credit or registrar’s office to learn about its appeal process.
Can I transfer credits to a different major?
Yes, but the way those credits apply may change when you switch majors. A course that fulfilled a requirement in one program may count as an elective in another. If you are changing your major, request an updated degree-specific evaluation to see how your existing credits apply to the new program.
How many credits can I transfer to a bachelor’s degree?
There is no universal limit. Each college establishes its own policies, and the maximum may depend on the degree program and residency requirements. Even if a college accepts a large number of credits, you may still need to complete a certain number of credits at the new institution and fulfill specific major requirements before graduating.
Can military training count as college credit?
It can, depending on the college and the type of military education or training completed. Colleges may review military transcripts and applicable recommendations or institutional policies when determining whether credit can be awarded. Service members and veterans should ask each school how it evaluates military education and training.
Can professional certifications count toward college credit?
Some colleges award credit for certain professional certifications, but policies vary. Depending on the institution, certifications may be evaluated individually or through established credit recommendations. Students should ask whether their specific certification can earn college credit and whether that credit applies to their intended degree.
Is a transfer credit evaluation the same as a prior learning assessment?
No. A transfer credit evaluation reviews previously completed college coursework to determine which credits can be accepted and how they apply to a new degree. A prior learning assessment (PLA) evaluates knowledge gained outside traditional college coursework, such as through work experience, military training, professional certifications, or other learning. PLA may involve exams, portfolios, or other assessments.
Takeaways
A credit transfer evaluation is one of the first steps you should consider if you are returning to college, transferring to a new school, or changing degree programs. It can help you understand what happened to the college credits you have already earned and how those credits may fit into your plans.
However, the number of credits a college accepts is only part of the equation. The more important question is how many of those credits will actually apply toward your specific degree requirements. A college that accepts 60 credits may not necessarily be the best choice if many of those credits count only as electives and you still have a large number of major requirements to complete.
If you are returning to school with previous college credits, consider requesting transfer evaluations from multiple institutions. Comparing how different colleges apply your existing coursework can help you find a program that makes the most of the time and money you have already invested in your education.
If you have college credits but no degree, explore degree completion programs and colleges with transfer-friendly policies. You may be closer to earning your degree than you think.
