10 Online Colleges That Accept Transfer Credits in Missouri

If you're a transfer student planning to complete an online degree in Missouri, you may wonder which schools in your state have the most generous transfer policies. You want to be able to use your previously earned college credits toward your online program. Which colleges and universities will allow this?

Most of the higher education institutions in Missouri that offer distance learning are online colleges that accept transfer credits. Some have more generous transfer policies than others, allowing students to transfer unlimited credits as long as they were gained at an accredited school; others primarily accept transfer students from community colleges they have articulation agreements with and review all other applicants on a case-by-case basis. Keep reading to find out more.

10 Best Online Colleges That Accept Transfer Credits in Missouri

Online students can use their transfer credits at Missouri colleges and universities. Let's look at top schools with online learning opportunities that accept transfer credits from other institutions.

1. Northwest Missouri State University

Northwest Missouri State University is a public school in Maryville that offers a variety of online courses and degree programs. Students can study fields such as:

• business administration
• human resource management
• sociology

This school has a very straightforward credit transfer policy. Students must complete at least 30 hours and all major/minor requirements at the school, but an unlimited number of transfer credits will be accepted if they:

• come from a school accredited by a regional accrediting body such as the Higher Learning Commission
• are not vocational or technical (unless you enroll in a Bachelor of Applied Science program)
• are not developmental or remedial courses

2. Fontbonne University

Fontbonne University is a small Catholic school enrolling fewer than 1,000 students. Its physical campus is in Clayton, but it provides a variety of remote degrees for those interested in online education.

Students at this school can transfer unlimited credits, though no more than 64 can come from a two-year school. Those with an associate degree or who have completed a Missouri Core 42 program are exempt from the school's general education requirements. Students can transfer general education courses and electives with a grade of D or higher and major courses with a C- grade or higher. Additionally, transfer students must:

• complete at least 30 credit hours at Fontbonne
• complete their final semester and at least 15 hours of upper-division coursework at Fontbonne
• complete at least 50% of the major or minor required courses at Fontbonne

3. Maryville University

Maryville University is located in Town and Country. It provides a variety of online degrees in fields like criminal justice, social work, and digital media.

The school accepts credits from regionally accredited schools with a grade of C or better. Courses with a D grade are only accepted if you have an associate degree. The courses are not major or minor requirements. Additionally, you must:

• complete your last 30 credit hours at Maryville
• complete 50% of your major requirements at Maryville
• transfer no more than 68 credits from a two-year school

4. Saint Louis University

Saint Louis University is a private school located in St. Louis. It has been around since 1818 and provides online degrees in fields such as:

• data analytics
• emergency management
• nursing

You can transfer unlimited credits to this school if the courses are accepted. The school makes it easy to check your course equivalencies through Transferology. All transferred courses must:

• have a C grade or better
• do not count toward your GPA at the university
• come from a regionally accredited or approved international school

5. Columbia College

Columbia College is a private school with campuses throughout the country and online. It is headquartered in Columbia. Various online programs are available and include:

• healthcare
• business
• social sciences

Students at this school can transfer various kinds of credit, including college credit, military experience, and work or life experience. Dual enrollment and international baccalaureate credits are also accepted. Transcripts and other forms of credit are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

6. University of Central Missouri

The University of Central Missouri is located in Warrensburg. This public school offers college courses and degrees such as:

• human development
• marketing
• education

All credits obtained from regionally accredited schools will be accepted. Additionally, students can transfer credits from the following sources:

• exams
• military experience
• Core 42 program
• international schools
• prior learning experiences

7. University of Missouri

The University of Missouri is located in Columbia. This school offers many degree programs through its online campus, Mizzou Online. Areas of study include information technology, agriculture, and journalism.

The school provides a course equivalency tool to help you discover how courses from in-state and out-of-state institutions will transfer. Most courses from accredited schools are accepted, though some programs require transfer credit with a grade of C or better. Courses must not be:

• technical or remedial courses
• foreign language courses
• courses not intended for a bachelor's degree

8. Southeast Missouri State University

Southeast Missouri State University is located in Cape Girardeau. This public school offers a variety of online degrees and programs, including many master's degrees.

All accepted courses from regionally accredited schools transfer to Southeast Missouri regardless of grade and count toward your overall GPA. The school has articulation agreements with community colleges throughout Missouri, making it easy for students at those schools to transfer seamlessly after receiving an associate degree.

9. Missouri Baptist University

Missouri Baptist University is located in Creve Coeur. This private school offers various online degrees in an array of subjects. Any credits from an accredited school will transfer to Missouri Baptist. Students may transfer up to 70 total credit hours into their program of choice.

10. Missouri State University

Missouri State University is a public school in Springfield. An array of undergraduate and graduate degrees and minors are available online.

Students can transfer unlimited courses to the school if they come from an accredited school and are not remedial or technical. Transferred courses count toward your overall GPA. Core 42 or associate degree programs fulfill the school's general education requirements.

How We Rank Schools

We evaluate Missouri’s online colleges based on transfer flexibility, affordability, and accreditation quality. Below are the key factors we consider when determining which schools to feature.

• Accreditation: Each school must hold regional or national accreditation to confirm the integrity of its programs and credit transferability.
• Credit transfer policy: We review how many credits each college accepts and whether it honors prior learning, military training, or exam-based credit.
• Affordability: Schools are compared for tuition rates, financial aid access, and transfer-specific scholarships that help reduce total degree costs.
• Program reputation: We look at student outcomes, online learning quality, and institutional support for adult and transfer students.

How To Transfer College Credits Step By Step

Transferring credits can make it easier and faster to complete your degree online. Below are three simple steps to guide you through the process.

1. Gather and Review Your Academic Records

Start by collecting transcripts from every school you’ve attended. These documents will help your new college assess which courses are eligible for transfer.

2. Connect With a Transfer Specialist

Reach out to your prospective school’s admissions or transfer department for a credit evaluation. They’ll explain which credits apply to your degree and clarify any residency requirements.

3. Submit Official Documents and Confirm Results

After your evaluation, send official transcripts and supporting materials. You’ll receive a transfer report showing how your credits fit into your program and what coursework remains.

FAQs About Using Transfer Credits

Missouri offers many online options for transfer students ready to continue their education. Below are answers to common questions about how credit transfer works at accredited online colleges.

Should I Transfer Schools?

Many students transfer schools to pursue a new major, save on tuition, or find a program that better fits their lifestyle. If your current college no longer meets your academic or financial needs, switching may be worthwhile.

Consider how transferring will affect your long-term plans, including graduation timing and financial aid eligibility. Evaluating these details early helps ensure your transition supports your goals.

What Can Be Used as Transfer Credits?

Most colleges in Missouri accept coursework from accredited institutions, but other forms of learning may also qualify. Some schools award credit for military experience, industry certifications, or standardized exams like CLEP or AP.

Students can sometimes earn credit for professional or volunteer experience that demonstrates relevant knowledge. Checking your school’s transfer guide ensures you understand what documentation is required.

Will My Credits Transfer?

Credits from regionally accredited colleges typically transfer smoothly, but each institution makes its own determinations. Whether your credits apply depends on how well they match your new program’s requirements.

You can use online tools or meet with an academic advisor to preview transfer results. Having this information in advance can help you plan your degree path efficiently.

How Many Credits Can I Transfer?

Many Missouri schools allow students to transfer between 60 and 90 credits toward a bachelor’s degree. However, colleges also require a minimum number of credits to be completed at their institution before graduation.

Reviewing these policies before you enroll ensures you know how many of your previous courses will count. Doing so helps you finish your degree on schedule and avoid unexpected delays.

Find Flexible Online Degrees

Explore accredited online colleges that make transferring credits simple and affordable. Learn.org helps you compare programs, review transfer policies, and take the next step toward finishing your degree.