10 Online Colleges That Accept Transfer Credits in Virginia

When transferring schools, you always want to feel confident that the credits you earned will transfer with you. Fortunately, many colleges and universities, including online schools, accept transfer credits.

Online colleges that accept transfer credits can help students complete their studies from the comfort of home while potentially reducing the cost and duration of their degree. George Mason University and Hampton University are two of several online schools that accept transfer credits.

Below, we'll explore transfer policies for these and other Virginia online colleges. We'll also review some of the most common questions regarding transfer credits.

10 Best Online Colleges That Accept Transfer Credits in Virginia

Choosing the right online college begins with finding an institution that offers a program in alignment with your academic goals. You also want to ensure you meet the school's transfer requirements.

1. Old Dominion University

Old Dominion University students can choose from dozens of online degrees through ODUGlobal. Some include:

• criminal justice, BA/BS
• business administration, MBA
• human resource - training, PhD

Only courses with a grade of C or better are considered for transfer. Students typically participate in a free unofficial transfer evaluation with an enrollment coach to make transferring easier. ODU also offers bachelor's degrees with a guaranteed admission pathway to students with associate degrees from colleges in partnership with the university.

2. George Mason University

George Mason University provides more than 50 online and hybrid degree programs. Students can pursue online bachelor's and master's degrees like the following:

• information technology, BS
• nursing, RN-BSN
• computer science, MS
• social work, MSW

Transfer credit policies:

• minimum 2.5 GPA
• 24 earned credit hours
• English composition and college-level math completed
• high school coursework or test scores showing English language proficiency

3. Virginia Tech

Virginia Tech offers more than a dozen online master's programs in areas of study like engineering and information technology. Degrees include:

• business administration, MBA
• public administration, MPA
• natural resources, MNR

Transfer credit policies:

• grades of B or better on all transfer credits
• graduate courses numbered 5000 or higher
• grades earned while in good standing in graduate status

Transfer students can bring in 50% of the graded credit hours needed to earn a Virginia Tech graduate degree.

4. Virginia Commonwealth University

Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond offers VCU Online, which lets students choose from dozens of nationally ranked online programs. A few include:

• marketing, BS
• addiction studies, MS
• nursing, PhD

Transfer credit policies:

• good standing with previous institutions attended
• minimum cumulative 2.5 GPA from all accredited institutions (recommended)
• high school transcripts (students with fewer than 24 semester or 36 quarter hours)

Transfer applicants with at least 24 semester or 36 quarter hours will be given a priority application review.

5. Liberty University

Liberty University offers more than 700 online programs for undergraduate and graduate students. Some include:

• healthcare administration, BS
• cybersecurity, MS
• health sciences, PhD

Transfer students are encouraged to make a transfer plan to see how their college credits apply to their Degree Completion Plan. Liberty also has an agreement with the Virginia Community College System (VCCS) called the 'Guaranteed Admission Agreement.' It helps Virginia community college graduates with transfer-oriented associate degrees and a minimum 2.0 GPA easily transfer to Liberty.

6. Bluefield College

Bluefield College is a private, four-year institution with online bachelor's and master's programs. They include:

• nursing, RN-BSN
• special education, BS
• biomedical sciences, MABS
• education, MAEd

Students interested in transferring from a two- or four-year college with 12 or more completed college hours must have a 2.0 GPA or better. Students with fewer than 12 completed college hours must have the following:

• 2.0 high school GPA
• top 50% class rank
• 970 SAT Math a Verbal or 18 ACT

7. Norfolk State University

Norfolk State University offers online learning opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students. Programs options:

• psychology, BS
• health services management, BS
• cyberpsychology, MS
• urban education, MA

Transfer credit policies:

• official transcripts from all colleges attended
• 2.0+ minimum GPA from college with regional accreditation
• 12 minimum college credits from last school
• high school transcript and SAT/ACT results

Students can also use Transfer Virginia from the VCCS and the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) as a transfer guide.

8. Averett University

Averett University offers a flexible online education for working adults. Online programs include:

• hospitality management and tourism, BSBA
• computer information systems, BS
• business administration, MBA

Transfer credit policies:

• courses with a grade of C earned (undergraduates)
• up to 60 transfer credits accepted (undergraduates)
• courses with at least a B (graduates)
• up to six credit hours of graduate-level work accepted (graduates)

9. Hampton University

Hampton University is home to online associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees. Here are a few:

• business management, AS
• criminal justice, BS
• business administration, MBA
• educational management, PhD

Transfer credit policies:

• 'C' or better GPA from previous college(s)
• satisfactory credit from previous colleges
• honorable dismissal from previous colleges

Active duty military students can transfer up to 60 credit hours to Hampton U Online.

10. James Madison University

James Madison University offers several online undergraduate and graduate programs. Some include:

• nursing, RN-BSN
• mathematics, MEd
• counseling and supervision, PhD

Transfer credit policies:

• college courses and GPA
• high school courses and grades
• minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA in college core English, mathematics, social science, and lab science

The university's transfer program grants students with any college coursework the eligibility to apply as transfer students. Students not competitive for JMU admission from high school should complete 24 college credits before applying.

Using Transfer Credits

If you're thinking of transferring schools, you're not alone. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), more than 1.2 million undergraduate students attended institutions as transfer-in students in fall 2022. Want to learn more about transfer credits and how to use them? Explore the following FAQs.

Should I Transfer Schools?

Various factors could go into your decision to transfer schools. You might want to enroll in a degree program unavailable at your current school. Or, you could want to save money on tuition with a more affordable college. Your decision should come after conducting plenty of research on programs, school costs, and transfer policies.

How Do I Use Transfer Credits?

You'll use the transfer credits you've earned to get you steps closer to earning a degree at your new school. Instead of retaking the same courses, you can get credit for your hard work and focus solely on the courses you'll need to complete your studies.

What Can Be Used as Transfer Credits?

Credits earned through college coursework are commonly used as transfer credits. However, the following could also qualify as transfer credits.

• college credit exams like College-Level Examination Program (CLEP), Advanced Placement (AP), and DANTES Subject Standardized Test Scores (DSSTS)
• military training/experience (Joint Services Transcript)
• credit by portfolio (showcases your professional or life experience)

Will My Credits Transfer?

Whether credits attained at a different school will transfer depends on your new online college's transfer policy. Check for a course equivalency list at your new school to see if your courses will transfer. Transfer Virginia offers great transfer guides for students. Also, Transferology helps students understand how institutions award credits for transferable courses. James Madison University is one of more than 400 participating schools.

How Many Credits Can I Transfer?

Each online college determines the number of credits they will accept. Some take up to 60 credits and others may take up to 90 credits � or 75% of an undergraduate degree total. Contacting your school of choice is the best way to find out.