9 Online Colleges That Accept Transfer Credits in Minnesota

There are many reasons a student may want to transfer college, but transferring credits can feel overwhelming. Luckily, many online colleges in Minnesota strive to make this simple.

Students can transfer their credits into both on-campus and online programs. Keep reading to discover online schools that accept transfer credits.

9 Best Online Colleges That Accept Transfer Credits in Minnesota

Many colleges and universities in Minnesota offer online programs and accept transfer credits. We've highlighted nine of these schools below. All colleges and universities listed hold accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission.

1. Bemidji State University

Bemidji State University is a public university in Bemidji. It's a school within the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System offering online and hybrid bachelor's degrees and graduate programs.

About 50% of new students who enroll each year are transfer students. The bachelor's degree programs are designed for transfer students, but first-year students can still apply. Some programs are solely transfer pathways and require transfer credits.

Bemidji State has transfer agreements with several local community colleges. It accepts the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum (MNTC) to fulfill general education requirements; it may also approve other courses.

2. Concordia University, St. Paul

Concordia University, St. Paul is a private Christian university in Saint Paul that's part of the national Concordia University system. It offers on-campus and online associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees.

The university has a generous transfer policy, allowing undergraduate students to transfer up to 90 college credit hours out of the 120 typically required. Students can use Transferology, an online course transfer system, to determine how their courses will transfer to CSP.

3. Metropolitan State University

Metropolitan State University is a public university in the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area. It's another member of the Minnesota State system and offers various programs through online classes.

Students can transfer into Metro State, as long as they've attempted at least 16 college credit hours. The university uses Transferology so you can easily see what coursework will transfer.

4. Minnesota State University Moorhead

Minnesota State University Moorhead is a public university in Moorhead, Minnesota. It offers in-person and online learning programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels.

The university accepts the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum (MnTC) for general education requirements. Students can use Transferology to see how their credits will transfer and explore course equivalencies. Students can also fill out a preliminary credit evaluation to see which credits will transfer. Once accepted, you'll receive a full degree audit report.

5. Saint Mary's University of Minnesota

Saint Mary's University of Minnesota is a private Catholic university based in Winona, Minnesota. It offers online bachelor completion programs specifically for transfer students, as well as online graduate programs.

Students can transfer up to 90 credits from community colleges, technical colleges, and other four-year institutions; they may also transfer some accepted credits from military, industry, and business training. Students with associate degrees are eligible for the university's Associate Degree Scholarship.

6. Southwest Minnesota State University

Southwest Minnesota State University is a public university in Marshall offering various online undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs.

The university offers transfer pathways from all two-year colleges in the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system. This allows students to only pursue 60 credit hours after transferring within the same major. Credits from other two-year and four-year colleges are accepted as well.

7. St. Catherine University

St. Catherine University is a private Catholic university in Saint Paul, Minnesota. The school offers on-campus undergraduate programs for women, but all students are eligible to enroll online.

Students can transfer credits from regionally accredited colleges and universities. Specific scholarships are available for transfer students taking courses online.

8. University of Minnesota

The University of Minnesota is a public university system with its flagship campus based in the Twin Cities. It offers a wide range of online programs through its campuses.

In general, transfer applicants should have at least 26 college credits completed. Those who haven't completed this may need to submit high school information (i.e., GPA and test scores). Other transfer policies vary by campus.

9. Winona State University

Winona State University is a public university in Winona. It offers undergraduate and graduate programs online and on campus.

Students can transfer their college credits and even earn credit for other types of prior learning. Students can use Transferology to see how their credits will transfer, but they'll need to submit their official transcript to have them approved.

How We Rank Schools

We evaluate Minnesota’s top online colleges by examining accreditation, credit transfer policies, affordability, and academic reputation. Each featured institution supports transfer students seeking flexible, fully online degree options.

• Accreditation: All schools hold regional or national accreditation to ensure academic rigor and easy credit portability.
  
• Credit transfer policy: We assess how many credits each institution accepts, along with policies for prior learning, exams, or military experience.
• Affordability: Tuition rates, financial aid availability, and transfer-specific scholarships are compared to identify accessible options.
• Program reputation: Schools are selected for the quality of their online learning experience, student success outcomes, and transfer support services.

How To Transfer College Credits Step By Step

Planning your transfer early can save you time and tuition costs. Follow these three steps to make the process easier and ensure every eligible credit counts.

1. Gather Your Academic Records

Collect transcripts from every institution you’ve attended, along with documentation for any exams or professional certifications. Having these materials ready helps streamline your credit evaluation.

2. Contact a Transfer Specialist

Reach out to an advisor at your chosen college to discuss your prior coursework. They’ll guide you through the credit review process and clarify how your existing credits apply toward your new program.

3. Confirm Approved Credits and Next Steps

Once your evaluation is complete, review your official credit summary carefully. Knowing which credits transferred allows you to build your new course schedule efficiently and stay on track for graduation.

FAQs About Using Transfer Credits

Online colleges in Minnesota welcome transfer students from across the state and beyond. Below are answers to some common questions about how transfer credits work.

Should I Transfer Schools?

Students transfer for many reasons: changing majors, seeking affordability, or needing online flexibility. Whatever your motivation, transferring can be a positive move when it aligns with your academic and career goals.

Before deciding, review transfer policies and scholarship opportunities at your prospective institution. Careful planning ensures a smooth transition and helps you avoid repeating coursework.

What Can Be Used as Transfer Credits?

Most colleges accept credits from accredited institutions, but other experiences may qualify. You might receive credit for AP exams, CLEP tests, or prior military and industry training.

Some Minnesota schools also recognize the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum, allowing general education courses to move seamlessly between institutions. This can make completing your degree faster and more affordable.

Will My Credits Transfer?

In Minnesota, credits earned from regionally accredited schools typically transfer without issue. Programs within the Minnesota State system often have articulation agreements to simplify the process.

Your new college will evaluate your transcript to determine course equivalencies. Academic advisors can help you understand which credits will apply to your chosen major.

How Many Credits Can I Transfer?

Transfer credit limits vary by school, but most Minnesota colleges allow between 60 and 90 credits to count toward a bachelor’s degree. Associate degree holders often meet many general education requirements before transferring.

Knowing these limits helps you estimate your remaining coursework and timeline. Always confirm residency and upper-level course requirements before finalizing your enrollment.

Find Flexible Online Degrees

Minnesota’s accredited online colleges make it easier to complete your degree from anywhere. Explore programs on Learn.org to compare credit transfer policies and find the right fit for your educational goals.