10 Online Colleges That Accept Transfer Credits in Ohio

Online degree programs have increased higher education accessibility for students in Ohio and throughout the country. Many students switch from traditional colleges to online colleges that accept transfer credits if they have full-time jobs or dependents to take care of.

Online degrees are available for various majors, and most schools try to make the transfer process as simple as possible. Keep reading to discover ten online colleges in Ohio that accept transfer credits.

10 Best Online Colleges That Accept Transfer Credits in Ohio

Many colleges and universities in Ohio offer online programs and accept transfer credits. We've featured ten of these institutions below. All colleges and universities listed hold accreditation through the Higher Learning Commission.

Bowling Green State University

Bowling Green State University is a public research university in Bowling Green, Ohio. It offers in-person and online undergraduate and graduate programs.

BGSU considers any incoming student with at least 12 post-high school college credits a transfer student. Prospective transfer students can contact the university's transfer specialists and may be eligible for transfer-specific financial aid.

Franklin University

Franklin University is a private, nonprofit university based in Columbus. It's geared toward adult learners, and as a result, the university streamlines the transfer process for its students. Many of its degree programs are available online.

The university offers a free guide for transfer students so they can maximize their transfer credits. Students can send in their official transcripts for a free transfer credit evaluation.

Muskingum University

Muskingum University is a private, nonprofit, Presbyterian university in New Concord. It offers full bachelor's degrees and bachelor's completion degrees specifically designed for transfer students.

The university adheres to the Ohio Board of Regents Transfer and Articulation Policy, meaning students who have earned at least 60 credit hours from a regionally accredited institution can bring their credits and continue to a bachelor's degree program.

Ohio Christian University

Ohio Christian University is a private, nonprofit Christian college in Circleville, Ohio. It offers various online programs, from associate degrees to master's degrees.

The university is friendly toward adult learners; it allows students to transfer college credits and earn credit for prior learning through a portfolio process.

Ohio State University

Ohio State University is a public research university in Columbus. It offers many of its academic programs online in numerous fields.

College students can use Transferology to view course equivalencies at Ohio State or submit their transcripts for an official transfer credit evaluation. OSU also offers a specific transfer pathway for students from Columbus State Community College.

Ohio University

Ohio University is a public research university based in Athens. It offers flexible programs through OHIO Online, the university's online campus.

Ohio University has articulation agreements with numerous community colleges throughout the state and other states. Its transfer policy extends to students from any regionally accredited institution.

Tiffin University

Tiffin University is a private, nonprofit university in Tiffin, Ohio. It offers multiple bachelor's degrees, master's degrees, and doctoral degrees online, including associate-to-bachelor's programs specifically for transfer students.

Students with an associate degree can bypass Tiffin's general education requirements and complete their degree in a maximum of 60 semester hours. The university has articulation agreements with multiple Ohio community colleges, and students are considered transfer students as long as they have at least 12 college-level credits.

University of Cincinnati

The University of Cincinnati is a public research university in Cincinnati. It offers multiple online degrees and credentials to college students.

The university has articulation agreements with multiple Ohio public colleges, both two-year and four-year institutions, to make the transfer process as smooth as possible for students. UC's Transfer & Transition Advising team is available to help students with enrollment and transferring coursework.

University of Toledo

The University of Toledo is a public research university in Toledo. It offers several ways for students to complete their higher education online.

The university has a transfer policy to streamline the process, accepting credits from regionally accredited institutions and credits for other types of prior learning. Transfer admissions counselors are available to answer any questions Ohio transfer students have.

Walsh University

Walsh University is a private, nonprofit Roman Catholic university in North Canton, Ohio. Its online bachelor's degree completion programs are made specifically for working, adult transfer students.

Any student who transfers to Walsh University from another accredited institution of higher learning will receive automatic acceptance to the university. In addition to college credits, students can earn credit by examination.

How We Rank Schools

When identifying online colleges in Ohio that accept transfer credits, we focus on schools that provide flexible pathways for students to finish their degrees. Each college is evaluated for academic quality, affordability, and how easily students can apply previously earned credits toward a new program.

• Accreditation: All featured schools hold accreditation from recognized agencies, ensuring that transfer credits meet consistent academic standards.
• Credit transfer policy: We assess how each school handles transfer evaluations, including GPA requirements, maximum transferable credits, and articulation agreements with Ohio community colleges.
• Affordability: These institutions offer fair tuition rates, financial aid, and scholarships that make continuing education more accessible for transfer students.
• Program reputation: Each school is known for respected online programs, faculty expertise, and strong support systems for adult learners across Ohio.

How To Transfer College Credits Step by Step

Transferring college credits in Ohio can save you both time and tuition costs as you work toward completing your degree. Follow these three steps to ensure a smooth transition to your new program.

1. Check Accreditation and Credit Equivalencies

Start by confirming that your previous institution is accredited by an approved agency. Then, use your prospective college’s transfer credit tool or the Ohio Guaranteed Transfer Pathway to determine which courses will apply toward your major.

2. Submit Transcripts and Additional Materials

Request official transcripts from every school you’ve attended and send them to your new college for evaluation. Some universities may also require supporting documents such as test scores, syllabi, or course descriptions to confirm credit eligibility.

3. Review Evaluation Results and Finalize Enrollment

Once your transfer credits are reviewed, your new college will provide an evaluation summary showing how they apply to your degree. Review this with your academic advisor, confirm your degree plan, and complete your registration to continue your studies.

FAQs About Using Transfer Credits

If you’re planning to attend an online college in Ohio, understanding how transfer credits work can help you make the most of your previous coursework. Here are answers to a few common questions about transferring credits.

Should I Transfer Schools?

Transferring can make sense if you’ve earned credits elsewhere and want to finish your degree through a more flexible or affordable program. Many Ohio colleges offer online options that allow you to build on your existing education.

Before making your decision, review credit transfer policies and ensure the new program fits your academic and career goals. Careful planning can make the move worthwhile and help you graduate sooner.

What Can Be Used as Transfer Credits?

Most Ohio schools accept college coursework from accredited institutions, but they may also recognize other types of learning. These can include AP or CLEP exams, military training, or professional certifications relevant to your major.

Some colleges also evaluate work experience or prior learning portfolios for credit. If you think you qualify, reach out to your admissions advisor to learn what can count toward your degree.

Will My Credits Transfer?

In most cases, credits earned from regionally accredited schools will transfer, especially if they’re general education or lower-division courses. The Ohio Guaranteed Transfer Pathway also allows students with associate degrees to move seamlessly into bachelor’s programs.

However, if you change your major or pursue a different field, some specialized courses may not apply. Checking course equivalencies early helps you understand what will count before enrolling.

How Many Credits Can I Transfer?

Most online colleges in Ohio accept between 60 and 90 credits toward a bachelor’s degree. This range gives transfer students the opportunity to graduate sooner while keeping tuition costs manageable.

Each college sets its own credit transfer limit and residency requirement, meaning you may need to complete a set number of credits at your new institution. Check with your academic advisor before enrolling to ensure your past coursework applies effectively toward your degree.

Find Flexible Online Degrees

Finishing your degree in Ohio is easier when you choose a college that values your prior achievements. Explore accredited online programs through Learn.org to find transfer-friendly options that fit your goals, budget, and schedule.