10 Online Colleges That Accept Transfer Credits in Tennessee

If you're a college student planning to transfer to a new school in Tennessee, you may be wondering about your options. You want to complete an online program, and you're curious about which schools in your state have the most generous transfer policies.

Most online colleges in Tennessee accept at least some transfer credits. Policies vary by institution, but some schools allow transfer students to transfer up to 90 credits or more into a bachelor's degree program. Keep reading to find out more about online colleges that accept transfer credits in the state

10 Best Online Colleges That Accept Transfer Credits in Tennessee

Completing an online education makes it easier for transfer students to finish their degree. They may even transfer credits from a previous degree earned at another school. Read on as we discuss some top schools in Tennessee that provide online academic programs and their transfer policies.

1. University of Tennessee Knoxville

The University of Tennessee Knoxville is the flagship member of the University of Tennessee System. It was founded in 1794 and enrolls more than 30,000 students.

The school has a generous transfer policy. Transfer courses do not count toward your overall GPA, and the school accepts most credits from other accredited schools as long as the following criteria are met:

• transfer students complete the last 30 credit hours of their degree at Tennessee
• none of the courses are remedial or developmental
• your grade was a D- or better in each transferred course

2. King University

King University is a private school in Bristol. It is a small school enrolling around 1,300 students, many of whom study online.

Students can transfer up to 76 total credit hours with no time limit for course completion. All courses transferred must have a grade of C- or better.

3. Johnson University

Johnson University is a private Christian school enrolling fewer than 1,000 students. It is located in Kimberlin Heights, and it offers degree programs both online and on campus.

Depending on the type of program, one-quarter to one-third of total credit hours must be obtained at Johnson. An unlimited number of transfer credits are accepted from other accredited colleges or vocational schools as long as residency requirements are met.

4. Tennessee State University

Tennessee State University is a public school in Nashville with around 9,200 students. Students pursuing higher education at this school can complete online courses and degrees in various subjects.

The school accepts transfer credits based on the quality of the institution you're transferring from and whether previous coursework applies to your major. Most courses from regionally accredited schools and credit by examination tests are accepted. Students transferring from a Tennessee Board of Regents school automatically meet general education requirements, so courses from these schools typically transfer seamlessly.

5. University of Memphis

The University of Memphis is a large public school offering an array of distance education programs. Online students at this school can choose from many different degrees in fields like English, criminal justice, and healthcare.

The school accepts transfer credits from regionally accredited universities, though courses from non-regionally-accredited schools may be considered case-by-case. All transfer credits are considered when calculating your overall GPA.

6. Middle Tennessee State University

Middle Tennessee State University is a public school located in Murfreesboro. The school offers more than 300 degree and certificate programs; many are available online.

The following transfer policies apply at this school:

• students from two-year colleges must complete at least 50 upper-level credit hours at a four-year school to earn their bachelor's degree
• 30 credit hours must be completed at Middle Tennessee State University to graduate
• transfer credits do not contribute to the overall GPA

7. East Tennessee State University

East Tennessee State University is a public school in Johnson City. It offers various online degree programs for busy adult students.

The school accepts transfer credits from regionally accredited institutions only. Transfer credits are reviewed case-by-case and must meet minimum GPA requirements depending on the number of courses being transferred.

8. Austin Peay State University

Austin Peay State University is located in Clarksville. This public school offers various degrees that can be completed entirely online.

Students who obtain an associate degree at any Tennessee community college can transfer seamlessly to this school thanks to the Tennessee Transfer Pathways program. Students at other schools can submit their transcripts and have potential transfer credits reviewed. Courses from accredited institutions are commonly accepted, but all transfer credits must be reviewed and approved case-by-case.

9. Bethel University

Bethel University is a private school with about 4,600 students in McKenzie. Several graduate and undergraduate programs are available for online students.

Transfer students with more than 12 credit hours obtained at other colleges can apply at Bethel. Credits are reviewed case-by-case, though they are commonly accepted from regionally accredited institutions.

10. Bryan College

Bryan College is a private Christian school in Dayton. It enrolls around 1,600 students and offers various in-person and online degree programs.

The school holds articulation agreements with public community colleges throughout the state, allowing for seamless transfer. Students can transfer credits from other institutions, but coursework will be evaluated case-by-case. All transferred credits must have a grade of C- or better.

How We Rank Schools

Our rankings highlight accredited online colleges that make transferring simple and affordable. Below are the main factors we consider when evaluating each school.

• Accreditation: Each institution must hold regional or national accreditation to ensure credit transferability and academic quality.
• Credit transfer policy: We review how many credits each school accepts and whether they honor community college, military, or prior learning credits.
• Affordability: Schools are compared based on tuition rates, available financial aid, and transfer-specific scholarships that help reduce overall costs.
• Program reputation: We look for schools with positive student outcomes, flexible online learning options, and a record of supporting transfer students.

How To Transfer College Credits Step By Step

Transferring credits can save you time and money as you earn your degree. Below are three simple steps to make your transition as smooth as possible.

1. Gather and Review Your Transcripts

Start by collecting transcripts from every college you’ve attended. Reviewing your completed coursework helps you understand which credits may transfer and what requirements you’ve already met.

2. Contact an Admissions or Transfer Counselor

Reach out to your prospective school’s admissions or transfer department. They’ll walk you through the evaluation process, explain residency requirements, and confirm how many credits you can apply.

3. Submit Official Documents and Finalize Your Plan

Once you’ve verified eligible credits, send official transcripts and any required documentation. After evaluation, you’ll receive a transfer credit report outlining what remains to complete your degree.

FAQs About Using Transfer Credits

Students in Tennessee have plenty of online options that make continuing their education easier. Below are answers to common questions about using transfer credits when earning your degree online.

Should I Transfer Schools?

Transferring schools can open doors to new academic opportunities and greater flexibility. Many students make the switch to pursue their desired major or to finish a degree more efficiently.

Before committing, take time to evaluate how transferring supports your long-term goals. Think about program cost, format, and credit acceptance to ensure the move benefits you academically and financially.

What Can Be Used as Transfer Credits?

Most colleges in Tennessee accept transfer credits from accredited institutions. However, schools may also recognize professional training, military service, or standardized exams like CLEP or AP.

Students sometimes receive additional credit for prior learning or work experience. Always check with your transfer counselor to see what documentation your new school requires.

Will My Credits Transfer?

In most cases, credits from regionally accredited colleges will transfer to Tennessee schools without much trouble. Still, whether they apply toward your new major depends on how closely previous courses align with your current program.

You can contact an academic advisor or use online tools to preview how courses may transfer. Getting clarity early helps you avoid surprises and plan your next steps confidently.

How Many Credits Can I Transfer?

Many Tennessee colleges accept up to 90 credits toward a bachelor’s degree, though limits vary by school. Some institutions also set minimum residency requirements to ensure students complete a portion of their degree in-house.

Confirming these details before enrolling helps you understand exactly how many credits will apply. This step ensures your transfer saves both time and tuition as you finish your degree.

Find Flexible Online Degrees

If you’re ready to finish your degree, explore accredited online programs that accept transfer credits. Learn.org makes it easy to compare schools, review tuition options, and find a transfer pathway that fits your goals.