10 Online Colleges That Accept Transfer Credits in Pennsylvania

Transferring to an online degree program can be a great option for busy students with other responsibilities who want to earn their degrees. Pennsylvania residents can choose from several online colleges that accept transfer credits.

Transfer credits allow you to continue your degree program at your new university right where you left off at your previous college or university. Keep reading to discover online colleges in Pennsylvania that accept transfer credits.

10 Best Online Colleges That Accept Transfer Credits in Pennsylvania

Many Pennsylvania colleges and universities offer online degree programs and accept transfer credits. We've featured ten of these programs below. All programs listed hold regional accreditation through the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

DeSales University

DeSales University is a nonprofit, private Catholic university in Center Valley, Pennsylvania. It offers online learning programs specifically geared toward adult learners.

The university allows students to transfer up to 75 college credits. DeSales has transfer agreements with multiple community colleges in Pennsylvania and New Jersey; students who hold an associate degree from these colleges can transfer their credits. Always make sure to speak with an advisor to ensure that your credits can transfer over.

Drexel University

Drexel University is a private, nonprofit research university based in Philadelphia. It offers on-campus and online bachelor's degrees, master's degrees, and doctoral degrees in various subjects.

Students can transfer up to 80 semester credits. These credits must come from a regionally accredited university, and students must have earned a C or better. Students may need to use the school's quarter-to-semester calculator as this university operates on a quarterly academic calendar, instead of the traditional semesters.

Immaculata University

Immaculata University is a private, nonprofit Roman Catholic university in East Whiteland Township, Pennsylvania. It offers multiple online bachelor's and master's degrees.

Generally, students can transfer up to 72 credits into the university. Immaculata has articulation agreements with many local community colleges. Students can find course equivalencies through CollegeTransfer.net.

Millersville University of Pennsylvania

Millersville University of Pennsylvania is a public university in Millersville, Pennsylvania. It offers many online programs, including bachelor's degree completion programs specifically for transfer students.

After applying and sending in your official transcripts, you'll receive a credit evaluation detailing what courses you still need to take. Students can also check the university's transfer equivalencies page to see which credits should be transferred.

Misericordia University

Misericordia University is a private, nonprofit, Roman Catholic liberal arts university in Dallas, Pennsylvania. Its online programs include accelerated bachelor's degree programs specifically for transfer students.

The university works closely with students to ensure they can pick up their education program right where they left off. Students with associate degrees typically don't need more than 66 credits to earn a bachelor's degree, and special financial aid options are available to students transferring from local community colleges.

Peirce College

Peirce College is a private, nonprofit college in Philadelphia that primarily develops its programs for working adults. This means that several of its programs are available online and the university makes the process easy for transfer students.

Students can transfer up to 90 credits into regular bachelor's programs and 102 credits into bachelor's degree completion programs. The university also allows students to transfer credit through other types of prior learning.

Penn State World Campus

Penn State World Campus is the online branch of Pennsylvania State University, a public research university in University Park, Pennsylvania. It offers undergraduate degrees, graduate degrees, and certificate programs specifically to online students.

Penn State has no limit to how many credits you can transfer, but at least 36 credits of coursework must be completed at Penn State. The university's Transfer Credit Tool can help students determine what their credit transfer may look like.

Penn West Global

Penn West Global is the online school of Pennsylvania Western University, a public school based in California, Pennsylvania. It offers a range of flexible online degree and certificate programs.

The university works with students so they can maximize their transfer credits. In addition to transfer credits, students can receive college credit for other prior learning experiences. Students must submit their transcripts with their application to determine which credits will be accepted.

Temple University

Temple University is a public research university in Philadelphia. It offers several different online academic programs to undergraduate and graduate students.

The university considers anyone with over 15 college credits after high school to be a transfer student. There is no limit to how many college credits students can transfer, but students must take at least 45 credits through Temple.

Villanova University

Villanova University is a private, nonprofit Catholic research university in Villanova, Pennsylvania. It offers flexible online learning options, including bachelor's completion degree programs for transfer students.

Students can transfer up to 90 college credits to Villanova University. The university has partnerships with several local community colleges; this also includes a reduced tuition rate for students with a college GPA of 3.0 or above.

How We Rank Schools

When evaluating online colleges in Pennsylvania that accept transfer credits, we focus on schools that make continuing your education straightforward and affordable. Each featured institution offers accredited programs, flexible transfer policies, and strong academic reputations.

• Accreditation: Every college listed is accredited by a recognized agency, ensuring that previously earned credits meet national academic standards.
• Credit transfer policy: We assess each school’s approach to credit evaluation, including GPA minimums, transfer caps, and articulation agreements with community colleges.
• Affordability: These institutions provide accessible tuition rates, financial aid, and scholarships that make transferring more affordable for students.
• Program reputation: Colleges were selected for their well-regarded online programs, experienced faculty, and positive outcomes for transfer students across Pennsylvania.

How To Transfer College Credits Step by Step

Transferring college credits in Pennsylvania can help you finish your degree faster and reduce your total tuition costs. Follow these three steps to make your transfer process seamless.

1. Review Accreditation and Credit Equivalency

Start by verifying that your previous school is accredited by a recognized regional accreditor. Then, use your target university’s transfer equivalency tool or articulation agreements to see which credits are likely to count toward your new degree.

2. Submit Official Transcripts and Supporting Documents

Next, gather official transcripts from all colleges or universities you’ve attended. Some schools may also request test scores, course syllabi, or descriptions to confirm course alignment before evaluating your transfer credits.

3. Evaluate Results and Finalize Your Plan

After your transcripts are reviewed, your new college will issue an evaluation report outlining which credits have transferred. Go over this with an academic advisor, confirm your degree requirements, and register for classes to continue your progress.

FAQs About Using Transfer Credits

If you plan to transfer to an online college in Pennsylvania, understanding how transfer credits work can save you both time and money. Below are answers to common questions students often ask during the transfer process.

Should I Transfer Schools?

Many students in Pennsylvania transfer schools to pursue a different major, lower their tuition costs, or complete their degree online. Transferring can also make sense if you’ve earned an associate degree and want to advance to a bachelor’s program.
Before you make the move, compare each school’s policies and verify which of your completed courses will count. Doing so ensures that your transition is smooth and that you don’t lose valuable credits.

What Can Be Used as Transfer Credits?

Transfer credits most often come from college-level coursework at accredited institutions, but other experiences may also qualify. Some Pennsylvania colleges accept AP or CLEP exam scores, military training, or professional certifications for credit.
Certain schools even recognize prior learning assessments or relevant work experience. Always review your new school’s policy to see what kinds of alternative credits they consider.

Will My Credits Transfer?

Credit transfer depends on how closely your completed courses match your new program’s requirements. Most general education credits transfer easily, but specialized courses are reviewed more closely.
To check in advance, use your prospective school’s transfer credit guide or contact the admissions office. They can help you estimate how many of your credits will apply toward your new degree.

How Many Credits Can I Transfer?

Many online colleges in Pennsylvania accept between 70 and 90 transfer credits toward a bachelor’s degree. However, most require that you complete a certain number of credits, often around 30, at their institution before graduating.
Some schools have no official limit but still review each course to ensure it fits within your major. Confirming these details ahead of time can help you plan your degree completion timeline.

Find Flexible Online Degrees

Continuing your education in Pennsylvania is easier when you choose a college that values your previous coursework. Explore accredited online programs through Learn.org to find transfer-friendly options that match your academic and career goals.