10 Online Colleges That Accept Transfer Credits in Wisconsin

There are many reasons students switch to online colleges that accept transfer credits. Sometimes it's to save money, sometimes their life has become too busy to take on-campus courses. 

Whatever the reason, there are many institutions that students can choose in Wisconsin and around the country. Keep reading to discover online colleges that accept transfer credits in Wisconsin.

10 Best Online Colleges That Accept Transfer Credits in Wisconsin

Multiple colleges and universities in Wisconsin offer online degree programs and accept transfer credits. We've highlighted ten of these programs below. All programs listed hold regional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission.

1. Concordia University Wisconsin

Concordia University Wisconsin is a private, nonprofit Lutheran university based in Mequon, WI. It's part of the national Concordia University system and offers several online undergraduate and graduate degrees. Concordia allows students to transfer up to 84 college credits and credits for prior learning. It also has an articulation agreement with the community colleges in the Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS).

2. Herzing University

Herzing University is a private, nonprofit university system. It's based in Milwaukee, but has campuses in the USA and offers degree and certificate programs online. Students can transfer credit from previous coursework, training, work experience, or military experience. Contact the university to learn more about its transfer credit policy.

3. Lakeland University

Lakeland University is a private, nonprofit Christian university in Herman, Wisconsin. It offers bachelor's degrees and master's degrees on campus and online.

The university allows students to transfer up to 72 credits from two-year colleges and 90 credits from four-year colleges and universities. It also offers a financial aid incentive to transfer students, with a 20% discount to transfer students who earned their associate degree from one of Wisconsin's technical colleges and enroll in a bachelor's degree program.

4. University of Wisconsin-Madison

The University of Wisconsin-Madison is a public research university in Madison. It's the flagship university of the University of Wisconsin system and offers a handful of online programs. Students must have 24 college credits earned after high school to transfer to UW-Madison. You can use Transferology to understand course equivalents or submit your official transcript for a formal credit evaluation.

5. University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee is a public research university in Milwaukee. It's the largest university by enrollment in the UW system and offers a variety of online programs to college students.

The Transfer Wisconsin program allows students to seamlessly transfer to UW-Milwaukee from other UW schools, WTCS schools, and Tribal College schools. Students from other accredited colleges can use Transferology or reach out to their academic advisor to find out how their credits will transfer and to learn more about the university's admissions requirements.

6. University of Wisconsin Oshkosh

The University of Wisconsin Oshkosh is another public school in Wisconsin. It offers in-person and online associate degrees, bachelor's degrees, master's degrees, and doctoral degrees.

UW Oshkosh considers students who have earned at least 60 college-level credits or completed an associate degree to have completed their general education requirements. Students can use Transferology to see what degree requirements they may still need to fulfill.

7. University of Wisconsin-Platteville

University of Wisconsin-Platteville is a public university in Platteville, Wisconsin. It's another member of the UW system and offers a range of online programs. UW-Platteville has transfer specialists available to help prospective students complete their transfer application. Students can transfer in a maximum of 72 credits.

8. University of Wisconsin-Stout

The University of Wisconsin-Stout is a member of the UW system in Menomonie, WI. It offers several programs through distance education and online courses. Students can get an idea of how their credits will transfer using Transferology. UW-Stout has transfer agreements with several colleges and universities and offers financial aid for transfer students.

9. University of Wisconsin-Superior

The University of Wisconsin-Superior is a public college in Superior, Wisconsin. This campus of the University of Wisconsin system focuses primarily on liberal arts programs both on campus and online. Students can use Transferology to see how their credit transfer may look, or they can speak to the academic advising office. The university allows students to transfer credits from other institutions and other forms of prior learning.

10. University of Wisconsin-Whitewater

The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater is a public university in Whitewater, Wisconsin. It's another University of Wisconsin system member and offers online undergraduate and graduate programs. Generally, students can transfer up to 72 college credits from another institution. Students must have already earned at least 12 transferable credits with a GPA of at least 2.0.

How We Rank Schools

We evaluate Wisconsin’s online colleges based on their accreditation, transfer flexibility, and affordability. Each institution on our list meets high academic standards and supports students transitioning from other schools.

• Accreditation: All featured institutions are regionally or nationally accredited to ensure program quality and the transferability of credits.
• Credit transfer policy: We review each college’s guidelines for accepting prior coursework, military training, and credit by examination.
• Affordability: Tuition rates, financial aid options, and transfer-specific scholarships are compared to determine cost-effectiveness.
• Program reputation: We assess student satisfaction, online program quality, and the level of support offered to adult learners.

How To Transfer College Credits Step By Step

Understanding the transfer process helps you make the most of your previous coursework. Below are three practical steps to follow as you prepare to continue your education online.

1. Collect and Review Your Transcripts

Gather transcripts from every college or university you’ve attended. This documentation helps your new school assess which courses align with its curriculum.

2. Meet With a Transfer Counselor

Contact your prospective school’s admissions office to request a preliminary evaluation. A transfer counselor can explain which credits will apply and what additional requirements you’ll need to meet.

3. Submit Required Documents for Evaluation

Once you’ve gathered all materials, send your official transcripts for review. You’ll receive a summary showing how your transfer credits fit into your degree plan and what coursework remains.

FAQs About Using Transfer Credits

Wisconsin offers many accredited online schools that make it easy to transfer previously earned credits. Below are answers to some of the most common questions students have about the process.

Should I Transfer Schools?

Students transfer schools for many reasons—some to change majors, others to lower tuition costs or gain more flexible course options. Whatever your reason, transferring can help align your education with your goals.

Before making the move, research transfer agreements and financial aid options at your prospective institution. Planning ahead helps ensure your credits transfer smoothly and your transition goes as planned.

What Can Be Used as Transfer Credits?

Most Wisconsin colleges accept coursework from accredited institutions, including community and four-year colleges. Additional options often include military experience, AP exams, and professional training programs.

You may also earn credit through prior learning assessments that recognize industry certifications or work experience. Each school sets its own limits, so confirm which types apply before applying.

Will My Credits Transfer?

Credits earned at regionally accredited colleges typically transfer without issue, but every school has unique requirements. How your credits apply depends on course equivalencies and your chosen major.

Working with an academic advisor early helps you understand transfer rules before enrolling. That preparation can prevent unnecessary delays and help you stay on track to graduate.

How Many Credits Can I Transfer?

Most Wisconsin schools allow students to transfer between 60 and 90 credits toward a bachelor’s degree, though limits may vary by program. The University of Wisconsin system generally accepts up to 72 transfer credits.

Knowing these limits can help you plan your timeline and anticipate how long your remaining coursework will take. Understanding your residency requirements ensures you meet all graduation conditions.

Find Flexible Online Degrees

Wisconsin’s online colleges make it easier to finish your degree without starting over. Explore accredited programs through Learn.org to compare transfer policies, discover affordable options, and continue your education on your schedule.