Many learners begin their online education journey with college credits already completed. Understanding how to transfer those credits can help you finish your degree sooner, reduce total costs, and build a clear path toward your academic goals.

Transferring credits can make a real difference in your education journey. For many transfer students, it is the key to finishing a bachelor’s degree sooner, saving money, and building on the work they have already completed. When you understand how the process works, you can enter an online program with confidence and a clearer sense of what comes next.

Most online colleges have a straightforward system for reviewing past coursework. They look at where you completed your classes, what you studied, and how those credits match the requirements of your new degree. Accreditation plays an important part in this review because schools with similar accreditation standards often recognize each other’s coursework. Knowing this connection ahead of time can help you anticipate which credits will transfer easily and which might need additional documentation.

A thoughtful transfer process should feel supportive rather than overwhelming. The goal is to honor the knowledge you already have while helping you move toward your next academic goal. Institutions designed with adult learners in mind often provide the clearest pathways. For example, NMSU Global Campus offers guidance, flexibility, and 90+ transfer-friendly online programs that help learners make the most of their previous experience.

Review What Credits Online Colleges Accept

National trends show that transferring between schools is becoming increasingly common. According to recent data, the number of students who transferred to a new institution in Fall 2024 grew by 4.4 percent compared to the previous year, and transfer students now make up 13.1% of all continuing and returning undergraduates. ¹ This means millions of students each year face the same questions about which credits will count, which will not, and how their previous work will fit into a new program.

Even with so many students transferring, the process is not always straightforward. Students lose about 43% of their credits (PDF, page 2) when they move between institutions. ² Much of this loss comes from differences in course equivalencies, program requirements, and accreditation standards. When credits do not transfer, students often spend more time and money completing their degree than planned.

Online colleges follow established transfer guidelines to determine what can be accepted and how those credits apply toward degree completion. These guidelines typically consider where the coursework was completed, whether the prior institution was accredited, and whether the course outcomes match the requirements of the new degree program. Understanding these factors early helps you see exactly where your existing credits may fit and what gaps you may need to fill before graduation.

For adult learners who may have community college experience, military training, or credits earned years ago, getting a clear picture of what online colleges will accept is an important first step. Once you understand the full scope of your academic history, you can make informed decisions about the degree programs that recognize the most value from your previous work.

Identify Transferable Coursework

Most online programs accept a combination of general education, major-related, and elective credits. General education courses often transfer easily because they cover foundational subjects such as writing, math, science, and communication. Courses in a specific major may transfer when the learning outcomes match the requirements of your intended program. Elective credits can also apply toward graduation, especially in degree completion pathways.

Learners who bring a mix of these credits often discover that they are closer to earning a degree than they expected. The key is understanding how each course meets a requirement within the online program.

Confirm Accreditation Compatibility Between Institutions

Accreditation is one of the first factors colleges review when evaluating transfer credits. It signals that an institution meets recognized standards for curriculum, faculty qualifications, student support, and academic quality. When you move credits between two regionally accredited colleges, the evaluation process is typically smoother because both institutions follow similar academic expectations. Credits from nationally accredited schools may still transfer, but they often require additional review to determine course equivalencies and learning outcomes.

Understanding the differences between accreditation types for online colleges can help you anticipate which credits are most likely to count toward your degree. ³ Regional accreditation is the most widely accepted form and is often viewed as the standard for transfer-friendly institutions. National accreditation is more common among technical, vocational, or career-focused schools and may lead to more case-by-case evaluations. Many professions also require program-level accreditation, especially in fields that involve licensure or certification.

Learners who want to explore accreditation more deeply can look at how universities earn it, what accrediting agencies evaluate, and how accreditation affects credit mobility. NMSU Global Campus, for example, is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, which is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. This institutional accreditation confirms that our online programs meet the same academic standards as on-campus offerings and supports students who need a clear and reliable path for transferring previously earned credits.

Most colleges list their accreditation status on their website. You can also confirm details with the college’s registrar’s office. Taking this step early helps you avoid unexpected credit loss and supports a more seamless transition into your next degree program.

Evaluate Prior Learning and Alternative Credit Options

Many learners bring valuable knowledge from outside the traditional classroom. Online colleges increasingly recognize this by offering structured pathways to earn credit for professional experience, workforce training, or specialized certifications. Prior-learning assessment is one of the most common methods. It reviews what you already know and determines whether it meets college-level standards. This option can benefit learners who have years of experience in fields such as business, information technology, health care, or the skilled trades.

Standardized exams can serve a similar purpose for those who prefer testing over portfolio review. Exams such as CLEP or DSST allow students to demonstrate subject mastery and potentially earn credit without taking the full course. Some institutions also offer challenge exams for specific subjects, which allow learners to demonstrate competence in areas they already understand.

Military learners may have even more options. The American Council on Education provides credit recommendations for military training and coursework, which many online colleges accept toward degree requirements. ⁴ These evaluations recognize the rigor and depth of military education and help service members and veterans move forward without repeating content they have already mastered.

Alternative credit options can shorten the path to graduation and reduce overall costs. Taking the time to explore which assessments or evaluations align with your background helps you maximize the value of your experience and build a more efficient plan for completing your degree.

At NMSU Global Campus, credit for prior learning requires formal review and approval. Previously awarded credits may not automatically apply to major-specific requirements. An advisor can help confirm how credit for prior learning fits into your degree plan before you rely on it.

Connect with an Admissions Advisor at NMSU Global Campus

Gather the Documents Needed to Transfer Credits to an Online College

The credit evaluation process begins when you submit the materials required for review. These documents help the admissions team understand your past academic work, compare it to the requirements of the online program you’re interested in, and determine which credits can be applied toward your degree.

Preparing everything in advance reduces delays and gives you a clearer picture of how your previous learning will translate into progress in your new program. Online college applicants who organize transcripts, course information, and relevant records early will often move through the transfer process more smoothly.

Request Unofficial and Official Transcripts

Unofficial transcripts help academic advisors to provide an initial estimate of which credits may transfer. Official transcripts are required for the final evaluation and must come directly from each institution you attended. Sending both types of transcripts at the recommended times can speed up the process and reduce back-and-forth communication.

Learners who have attended multiple colleges should ensure that transcripts from all institutions are included.

Prepare Course Descriptions or Syllabi if Required

Some programs request course descriptions or syllabi to verify learning outcomes. These materials help reviewers determine if a course from another school aligns with a specific requirement in the online program. Having these documents available can lead to more precise evaluations and may increase the number of credits accepted.

Not all learners will need to provide this information, but it is helpful to gather it early just in case it becomes necessary.

Submit Your Application to a Transfer-Friendly Online College

After gathering your documents and understanding what credits may transfer, the next step is submitting your application. Most transfer-friendly online colleges provide clear checklists so you know exactly what to upload and when. Applications typically include official transcripts and basic identification. Some schools may request additional materials such as test scores, résumés, or personal statements. However, undergraduate applicants at NMSU Global Campus generally do not need those items unless they have fewer than 24 transfer credits or are applying to a specific program that requires them.

At this stage, it’s wise to connect with an enrollment advisor. Asking questions about general education requirements, potential course substitutions, and how your major coursework will align with the program can save time as you move forward. Advisors can explain how your transfer credit evaluation fits into your larger enrollment timeline so you know when to expect updates and next steps.

Submitting your application with a full understanding of the process helps you enter your online program with confidence. It also ensures you have a realistic and accurate pathway toward completing your degree based on the credits you have already earned.

Complete the Transfer Credit Evaluation Process

Once your application materials are submitted, the credit evaluation process begins. During this stage, the admissions team reviews your previous coursework and determines how it aligns with the curriculum of your intended online degree.

Evaluators look at course content, credit hours, learning outcomes, and grading requirements to see where your completed classes fit within your new program. This review gives you a clearer understanding of how much progress you have already made and what requirements you still need to complete.

Learn How Colleges Assess Transfer Credits

Evaluation teams review course level, credit hours, learning outcomes, and final grades. Courses with similar content or structure to those in your chosen online program are more likely to transfer. Many institutions complete this review within several weeks, though timelines vary based on the time of year and how quickly official transcripts are received. At NMSU Global Campus, an unofficial transcript review is available earlier in the process, while an official evaluation typically takes longer once all documents have been submitted.

Learners who understand the evaluation criteria are better positioned to anticipate how their credits may apply.

Understand Your Transfer Credit Report

When your evaluation is complete, you will receive a transfer credit report. This document outlines which credits were accepted and how they apply toward your degree requirements. It may also list credits still under review or those that do not meet program guidelines.

Carefully reading this report helps you understand your remaining coursework and how close you are to graduation.

Maximize the Number of Credits You Can Transfer

Many learners find that they can increase the number of accepted credits with some intentional planning. A closer look at your academic history, professional experience, and the requirements of your chosen online program can reveal additional opportunities you may not have considered.

By understanding how different types of coursework, prior learning, and alternative credit options fit into your online degree path, you can reduce the number of classes you need to complete and shorten your overall timeline to graduation. Proactively reviewing these areas also helps you make informed decisions about which degree program will recognize the most value from the work you have already completed.

Match Completed Courses to Program Requirements

Reviewing your transcript alongside the degree program curriculum helps you see where your previous coursework may align. Some general education or elective credits may fulfill requirements you had not initially considered.

Learners often benefit from discussing these alignments with an academic advisor who can provide clarity and suggest next steps.

Ask About Upper-Division Transfer Policies

Upper-division courses typically carry more restrictions during the evaluation process. Some programs have limits on the number of upper-division credits that can be transferred. Understanding these limits early helps you plan the remaining part of your degree path and avoid taking unnecessary courses.

Institutions with flexible transfer policies may offer more pathways to apply upper-division credits.

Use Alternative Credit Options When Needed

If certain credits do not transfer, you may be able to replace them with alternative options. Prior learning assessment, standardized exams, and competency-based opportunities can help fill gaps in your academic history. These methods recognize your knowledge and save time compared to retaking classes.

Learners should discuss these options with an academic advisor to determine which approach fits their goals.

Plan What to Do When Credits Do Not Transfer

It is common for some credits not to transfer due to differences in course content or program structure. Understanding what to do next can help you continue without losing momentum.

Request Clarification When Needed

If you believe a course should have been transferred, you can submit a request for clarification. Providing additional documentation may help evaluators take another look. Many institutions understand that course titles or numbering systems vary and will reevaluate as needed.

Open communication helps resolve these questions quickly.

Explore Options to Meet Requirements Efficiently

If a course cannot be transferred, most online colleges offer alternatives to keep you on track. These can include course substitutions, bridge classes, or stackable certificates that contribute to a future bachelor’s degree. Choosing the most efficient path helps you regain forward progress and maintain your preferred timeline.

An academic advisor can help you identify the most relevant options based on your academic and career goals.

Choose an Online Degree Completion Program That Supports Your Transfer Goals

Choosing the right online program is an important step in making the most of your previously earned credits. The ideal institution recognizes your hard work, offers clear pathways for transfer students, and provides the flexibility you need to balance education with work and family responsibilities. Comparing curriculum structure, transfer guidelines, and available concentrations can help you understand which programs will accept the most credits and align with your long-term goals.

A supportive transfer process can also make a significant difference. When institutions offer dedicated advising, personalized academic planning, and transparent credit evaluation policies, learners gain a better understanding of where their past coursework fits and how close they are to completing a bachelor’s degree. Finding an online degree program that values your experience and equips you to succeed can set the foundation for a more efficient and confident transition back into higher education.

See How NMSU Global Campus Helps Transfer Students Finish Their Degrees

NMSU Global Campus provides a clear and student-centered pathway for learners who want to transfer credits into an online degree program. Academic advisors work closely with each student to review transcripts, interpret transfer evaluations, and identify the fastest route to completing remaining requirements. With 90+ programs available online, learners can choose a degree path that fits their academic background and career aspirations.

New Mexico State University’s accreditation through the Higher Learning Commission ensures that its online programs meet rigorous academic standards. This supports the transfer of previously earned credits and gives learners confidence in the value of their degree.

Students may be able to transfer up to 90 credits toward a bachelor’s degree, provided that at least 30 credits are completed through NMSU to meet residency requirements. This helps learners maximize their prior coursework while still completing meaningful upper-division study at NMSU Global Campus.

Whether you are entering with a few classes or several semesters of completed coursework, NMSU Global Campus helps you build on your progress and stay on track toward your educational goals.

Starting the transfer evaluation is the first step toward completing your online bachelor’s degree. Begin exploring how NMSU Global Campus can help you finish your online bachelor’s degree by connecting with an admissions advisor and reviewing your potential transfer credits.

References

1. “Transfer Enrollment and Pathways, Fall 2024 Report.” National Student Clearinghouse Research Center, 5 March 2025. 

2. “The Costs of Today’s College Credit Transfer System for Learners and the Mindsets and Practices That Reduce Them.” The Center for Higher Education Policy and Practice (CHEPP), May 2024.

3. “Are Online Colleges Accredited? What You Should Know About Online Degrees.” NMSU Global Campus Blog, 8 April 2024.

4. “The ACE Military Guide.” American Council on Education, accessed 12 November 2025.