10 Online Colleges That Accept Transfer Credits in Michigan

Michigan students often start their education at a community college and then transfer to a four-year university to complete their degree. Transfer students with busy schedules and budgets typically choose online universities; however, it is important to choose an online school that accepts transfer credits.

The Michigan Transfer Agreement (MTA), or MITransfer, allows students to complete credits in select college courses and transfer them to 34 independent and state universities. The transfer equivalency of these college credits is guaranteed. This articulation agreement program allows students to complete the general education requirements of their bachelor's degree.

10 Best Online Colleges That Accept Transfer Credits in Michigan

MITransfer assures course equivalencies between Michigan community colleges and online courses offered at the top universities throughout the state. These transfer pathways allow students to use their associate degree or credits earned at an accredited college to complete a degree program without retaking any courses or being subjected to a transfer credit evaluation.

There are 34 schools in the Michigan Transfer Network, meaning students who complete their MTA courses will have assured credit equivalency. However, each school has additional criteria in their transfer guides that students should know about before applying.

1. Andrews University

Andrews University has its main campus in Berrien Springs, MI, but this Seventh-Day Adventist school offers distance education across Michigan. Students can choose from seven online degree programs including medical lab science, aviation, and business administration. Transfer credit policies are:

• Students must have a minimum 2.5 GPA and submit relevant official transcripts.
• All transfer credits must come from college-level courses at accredited schools.
• Students can transfer up to 70 credit hours, but no more than 30 can be used toward the major requirements of your degree.

2. Davenport University

Davenport University (DU) offers multiple options for its online courses, including fully asynchronous (on-demand), hybrid (on-campus and on-demand), and synchronous options (interactive live streams). Students who choose flex academic programs can even change their learning preferences weekly, based on other factors in their life.

Students can transfer up to 90 credit hours, DU also offers an A2B program where a student uses an associate degree to satisfy their general education requirements for a bachelor's degree. Transfer students to DU also qualify for financial aid offers that can help make their education more affordable.

3. Ferris State University

Ferris State University has multiple transfer pathways established with community colleges across Michigan. Enrollment in these transfer courses guarantees admission to Ferris State's online programs to complete a four-year degree. Courses must be completed with a passing grade set by the program you want to complete. Transfer credit policies include:

• Courses must be college-level (100 or above) from an accredited university.
• Students must complete at least 30 credit hours for a bachelor's degree at Ferris.
• Students must submit high school and college transcripts for transfer approval.

4. Siena Heights University

Siena Heights University (SHU) offers degree programs in 11 fields of study. Students at SHU can complete degrees in accounting, health care management, and RN-to-BSN programs. Many of these programs are offered fully online, but SHU also offers blended programs for students who want to pursue some on-campus coursework. Their transfer credit policies include:

• Students have completed a minimum of 12 credit hours or else they will need to apply as a first year.
• Applying students must have a minimum GPA of 2.0.

5. University of Michigan - Dearborn

Students at the University of Michigan-Dearborn may pursue online courses in any of its four colleges. These offerings allow students to pursue higher education from a distance from one of the top-ranking schools in Michigan. Online classes vary each semester, so you should review program requirements to help plan your academic progress.Transfer credit policies include:

• Each college has different GPA requirements; students will need a 2.5 minimum for most degree programs, but some require a 2.75.
• Students are allowed to transfer up to 70 credits from most Michigan schools, but they can transfer 90 from another University of Michigan campus (Flint or Ann Arbor).
• All students must submit college transcripts, but students who have completed less than 24 credits must include a high school transcript.

6. Baker College

Baker College allows students two online education paths: online and virtual face-to-face. These choices let students pursue a degree in their schedule by meeting certain deadlines or in virtual classes led live by an instructor. Students pursuing online education often prefer the flexibility that comes with distance learning and Baker can satisfy students regardless of their learning preference. Transfer credit policies are:

• Transfer students can bring up to 90 credits from an accredited community college or university.
• Students must maintain a minimum of 2.0 GPA before transferring.

7. Northwood University

Northwood University offers 15 business degrees offered fully online. The online courses at Northwood University aren't tethered to the on-campus semesters, allowing students the freedom to begin their program when they see fit. Each program has transfer requirements, so all transfer students should meet with admission advisors before transferring. Transfer credit policies include:

• Students can transfer a total of 90 credits before completing a bachelor's program.
• Students must submit transcripts from all previous schools.

8. The University of Olivet

The University of Olivet offers accelerated 8-week semesters for its online programs allowing you to complete your bachelor's degree program quickly. Students can complete four-year programs such as:

• business
• criminal justice
• social work

Their transfer credit policies include:

• Students can transfer up to 65 credits from a two-year program or 90 from a four-year program, there is no minimum.
• Transferring students must have a 2.0 GPA.

9. Grand Valley State University

Grand Valley State University offers students multiple online courses to complete degrees at one of many Michigan community colleges. GVSU has online degree programs in fields such as:

• education
• integrative studies
• business

The school’s transfer credit policies include:

• Students must have completed 30 credit hours to qualify for transfer.
• Official transcripts and applications must be filled by the deadline of your chosen starting semester.

10. Lawrence Technological University

Lawrence Technological University (LTU) is a school that focuses on practical sciences like architecture, design, and engineering, but it also offers business and arts degree programs. Students can earn many of these degrees online, allowing them to use credits earned elsewhere. LTU lets students transfer as guest students, where they can complete courses through LTU for graduation at another university. Transfer credit policies are:

• Students with over 30 credit hours will only need to submit their college transcripts, students with under 30 credit hours will need to submit high school transcripts.
• Students must apply and pay the $50 fee.

How We Rank Schools

We select Michigan’s best online colleges based on academic quality, affordability, and transfer student support. Each school featured here provides a clear, student-friendly path for applying previously earned credits.

• Accreditation: Every institution listed is regionally or nationally accredited, ensuring credit transferability and academic integrity.
• Credit transfer policy: We evaluate each school’s policy for accepting coursework, prior learning assessments, and professional or military training.
• Affordability: Tuition rates, financial aid availability, and transfer scholarships are reviewed to identify budget-friendly programs.
• Program reputation: We consider online learning flexibility, student outcomes, and employer recognition within each field of study.

How To Transfer College Credits Step By Step

Transferring college credits can simplify your path to a degree and help you graduate sooner. Below are three key steps to guide you through the process confidently.

1. Collect Your Academic Transcripts

Gather official transcripts from all previous institutions and any documentation for military, exam, or work-related credits. Having complete records helps schools assess your eligibility for transfer credit quickly.

2. Request a Credit Evaluation

Once you’ve chosen a school, submit your transcripts for review. Admissions advisors will determine which courses apply toward your new degree and whether they meet general education or major requirements.

3. Review Results and Plan Ahead

After your credits are evaluated, review your updated degree plan carefully. This step helps you confirm what transferred, identify remaining coursework, and plan your timeline to graduation.

FAQs About Using Transfer Credits

Online colleges in Michigan make it easier to turn past coursework into future progress. Below, we’ve answered a few common questions about how transfer credits typically work.

Should I Transfer Schools?

For many Michigan students, transferring schools is a practical way to continue education while saving time or money. Others transfer to pursue a program not available at their current college.

Before making the switch, confirm how your credits will transfer and how much tuition assistance you can receive. Careful research ensures that your transfer supports your long-term academic goals.

What Can Be Used as Transfer Credits?

Most Michigan colleges accept academic credits from accredited institutions, but other learning experiences can qualify. These include AP exams, CLEP results, and recognized military or professional training.

Some universities also evaluate prior learning or portfolio work for additional credit. Always check each school’s transfer guide to see which forms of credit they accept.

Will My Credits Transfer?

Credits from accredited schools usually transfer smoothly, especially through the Michigan Transfer Agreement (MTA) or the MACRAO framework. Statewide agreements help ensure consistent course equivalency.

If your coursework was completed out of state or in a specialized program, a transfer advisor can review your records to confirm eligibility. They can help prevent delays once you enroll.

How Many Credits Can I Transfer?

Most online universities in Michigan accept between 60 and 90 transfer credits toward a bachelor’s degree. Some schools also allow associate degree holders to apply their full general education requirements.

Knowing your transfer cap and residency requirements early lets you plan your remaining semesters effectively. This approach keeps your studies focused and efficient.

Find Flexible Online Degrees

Michigan’s accredited online colleges give you the opportunity to finish your degree without starting over. Explore programs through Learn.org to compare transfer options and find the school that best matches your goals.