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.

How We Rank Schools

When selecting online colleges in Virginia that accept transfer credits, we focus on institutions that combine flexibility, affordability, and academic quality. Each featured school offers accredited programs with transfer-friendly pathways designed to help students complete their degrees faster.

• Accreditation: Every college listed is accredited by a recognized agency, ensuring transferred credits meet national academic standards.
• Credit transfer policy: We review each school’s GPA minimums, credit limits, and transfer evaluation processes to determine how easily prior coursework applies.
• Affordability: The colleges chosen provide reasonable tuition rates, financial aid options, and scholarship programs that make continuing education accessible.
• Program reputation: We include schools with strong online learning options, positive student outcomes, and respected degree programs across Virginia.

How To Transfer College Credits Step by Step

Transferring college credits in Virginia can save both time and money as you work toward completing your degree. Follow these three steps to make the process as smooth as possible.

1. Confirm Accreditation and Course Compatibility

Start by confirming that your previous school is accredited by a recognized agency. Then, review your new college’s transfer guide or use tools like Transfer Virginia to see how your completed courses align with your intended degree.

2. Send Official Transcripts and Required Documentation

Request official transcripts from every college you’ve attended and send them directly to your new school’s admissions office. Some institutions may also ask for additional documents such as course syllabi, test results, or military transcripts.

3. Review Credit Evaluation and Complete Enrollment

Once your credits are evaluated, you’ll receive a summary showing how they apply to your new degree plan. Review this information with an advisor, finalize your degree requirements, and complete enrollment to continue your education.

FAQs About Using Transfer Credits

If you plan to attend an online college in Virginia, understanding how transfer credits work can help you maximize your past academic experience. Below are answers to common questions students often ask.

Should I Transfer Schools?

Transferring can be a great choice if you’ve found a program that better fits your goals, budget, or schedule. Many Virginia colleges offer online options and partnerships with community colleges to make the process easier.

Before you transfer, evaluate tuition costs, program outcomes, and credit acceptance policies. Doing your research ensures your transfer supports your long-term academic and career objectives.

What Can Be Used as Transfer Credits?

Transfer credits typically come from accredited college coursework, but many Virginia schools also accept alternative learning experiences. These can include AP or CLEP exams, military service, or credit by portfolio for professional experience.

Some universities also evaluate nontraditional credentials, such as workplace training or licensure. If you have prior learning that might qualify, contact your admissions office for evaluation details.

Will My Credits Transfer?

Most accredited colleges in Virginia accept general education and core academic credits from other institutions. However, specialized or upper-division courses are reviewed on a case-by-case basis for content equivalency.

You can use tools like Transfer Virginia or Transferology to check how your credits may apply before enrolling. These resources simplify the process and help avoid surprises later.

How Many Credits Can I Transfer?

Many online colleges in Virginia accept up to 60 to 90 credits toward a bachelor’s degree, depending on the program. Some schools also allow students to transfer up to 75% of the required credits for graduation.

Each college sets its own rules for transfer caps and residency requirements. It's best to confirm these details with your advisor before you apply.

Find Flexible Online Degrees

Finishing your degree in Virginia is easier when you choose a school that values your previous academic experience. Explore accredited online programs through Learn.org to find transfer-friendly colleges that fit your schedule, goals, and budget.