10 Colleges That Accept Alternative Credits in 2026

Alternative credits can help students save money, graduate faster, and receive college credit for prior learning experiences outside a traditional classroom. Many colleges now accept alternative credits earned through exams, military training, workplace certifications, online learning providers, and prior learning assessments, especially schools that serve adult learners and transfer students.

As flexible online education continues to grow, more universities are expanding transfer policies to recognize nontraditional learning pathways. In this guide, you’ll learn about colleges that accept alternative credits, how these credits work, common transfer policies, and schools known for generous alternative credit acceptance.

What Are Alternative Credits?

Alternative credits are college credits earned outside traditional semester-based college coursework. Students may earn these credits through programs such as CLEP or DSST exams, military training, Advanced Placement (AP) exams, International Baccalaureate (IB) coursework, professional certifications, workforce training, or prior learning assessments that evaluate real-world experience.

Many colleges evaluate alternative credits using recommendations from organizations such as the American Council on Education (ACE) or the National College Credit Recommendation Service (NCCRS). However, transfer policies vary significantly between schools, and some colleges limit how many nontraditional credits can apply toward a degree program.

10 Colleges That Accept Alternative Credits

Many colleges and universities now offer flexible transfer policies that allow students to apply alternative credits toward undergraduate degrees. The schools below are known for supporting adult learners, military students, and transfer students through generous alternative credit acceptance policies and online learning opportunities.

1. Thomas Edison State University

Thomas Edison State University (TESU) is widely recognized as one of the most transfer-friendly colleges in the country. Often referred to as part of the “Big Three” degree completion institutions, TESU allows students to transfer up to 117 of the 120 credits required for a bachelor’s degree. The university accepts a broad range of alternative credits, including CLEP and DSST exams, ACE-recommended coursework, military training, and prior learning assessments.

TESU operates entirely online and offers flexible bachelor’s degree programs in business administration, cybersecurity, homeland security, liberal studies, and other professional fields. Its highly customizable degree pathways make the university especially appealing for adult learners seeking to maximize previously earned credits.

2. Excelsior University

Excelsior University is another well-known institution that specializes in flexible degree completion pathways for adult learners. The university accepts up to 113 transfer credits toward a 120-credit bachelor’s degree and evaluates alternative learning experiences such as professional certifications, corporate training, military service, and workforce credentials.

The university delivers fully online undergraduate programs in healthcare management, nursing, information technology, and business. Excelsior’s strong transfer infrastructure and career-focused programs make it a popular option for working professionals seeking flexible online degree completion opportunities.

3. Charter Oak State College

Charter Oak State College completes the group commonly known as the “Big Three” alternative credit institutions. The college allows students to transfer up to 105 credits toward a bachelor’s degree and accepts alternative credit sources including CLEP, DSST, AP exams, ACE-evaluated training, and military experience.

As a fully online public college, Charter Oak offers flexible undergraduate programs in business administration, public safety, and health information management. Its general studies structure can make it easier for students to apply nontraditional credits toward degree requirements.

4. Western Governors University

Western Governors University (WGU) uses a competency-based education model that aligns well with alternative credit pathways. Students may transfer up to 75% of a degree through transfer credits and other approved learning experiences. WGU also allows students to demonstrate knowledge through assessments that function similarly to internal credit-by-exam systems.

All WGU programs are delivered fully online and focus heavily on career-oriented fields such as information technology, nursing, business, and education. The university’s flexible pacing model allows students with existing professional knowledge to potentially accelerate degree completion.

5. Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) maintains one of the largest online learning platforms in the country and accepts up to 90 transfer credits toward online bachelor’s degrees. In addition to traditional coursework, SNHU accepts alternative credits from providers such as Sophia Learning and StraighterLine, along with certain professional certifications.

SNHU offers hundreds of online degree programs in areas including psychology, marketing, accounting, creative writing, and business administration. Flexible scheduling and transfer-friendly policies make the university especially attractive to adult learners and students seeking affordable online degree completion pathways.

6. University of Maryland Global Campus

University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) serves a large population of adult learners and military-affiliated students through flexible transfer and alternative credit policies. UMGC accepts up to 90 undergraduate transfer credits and provides credit opportunities for military training, corporate learning experiences, and prior learning portfolios.

The university offers fully online degree programs in cybersecurity management, data analytics, legal studies, and human resource management. UMGC’s strong military partnerships and distance learning infrastructure make it a popular choice for students seeking flexible online education and accelerated degree completion options.

7. Colorado State University Global

Colorado State University (CSU) Global allows students to transfer up to 90 credits toward a bachelor’s degree, including up to 60 credits earned through alternative sources. Accepted alternative credits may include prior learning assessments, workplace experience evaluations, professional licenses, and credit-by-exam programs such as CLEP and DSST.

CSU Global operates entirely online and offers asynchronous degree programs in project management, criminal justice, computer science, and business-related fields. The university emphasizes flexibility for working adults and transfer students who want to apply previous learning experiences toward a degree.

8. Liberty University Online

Liberty University Online accepts up to 90 transfer credits toward many bachelor’s degree programs, including credits earned through alternative pathways. The university also permits some students to earn credit for workplace experience, corporate training, aviation licenses, and civic involvement through prior learning portfolio evaluations.

Liberty offers a large selection of online undergraduate programs in psychology, business, aviation management, information systems, and related fields. Flexible online scheduling and transfer-friendly policies support adult learners and working professionals seeking accelerated degree completion opportunities.

9. Franklin University

Franklin University allows students to transfer up to 94 credits toward a bachelor’s degree, making it highly attractive for adult learners and transfer students. The university evaluates technical certifications, workplace training, and nontraditional exam scores to help students maximize previously earned learning experiences.

The university offers fully online programs in financial management, healthcare administration, operations management, and business. Franklin’s academic structure is designed specifically for working adults who need flexible scheduling and efficient transfer pathways to degree completion.

10. Metropolitan State University of Denver

Metropolitan State University of Denver (MSU Denver) maintains a dedicated Alternative Credit Team that evaluates nontraditional learning experiences for possible college credit. Students may receive credit for military occupations, standardized exams such as CLEP and DSST, and departmental portfolio assessments aligned with university course requirements.

MSU Denver offers a variety of online and hybrid bachelor’s degree programs designed to support flexible scheduling for adult learners and transfer students. Students can pursue degree completion opportunities while benefiting from transfer support services and alternative credit evaluation resources.

How We Rank Schools

To create this list, we review data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), along with program-level details published by each university.

For colleges that accept alternative credits, we focus on schools that provide flexible transfer pathways, strong support for adult learners, and broad acceptance of nontraditional learning experiences. We also evaluate online availability, degree flexibility, transfer support resources, and career-focused outcomes.

• Accreditation: We prioritize schools that hold institutional accreditation from recognized accrediting agencies to help ensure academic quality and transfer credibility.
• Alternative Credit Flexibility: We review how many transfer and alternative credits schools accept, including CLEP, DSST, military training, ACE recommendations, and prior learning assessments.
• Online Availability: We consider whether schools offer fully online or hybrid programs that support adult learners and transfer students.
• Transfer Support: We evaluate advising services, credit evaluation systems, and transfer-friendly policies that help students maximize previously earned credits.
• Student Outcomes: We examine graduation rates, retention rates, and career-focused academic opportunities that may contribute to student success.

Learn more about our ranking methodology.

How Colleges Evaluate Alternative Credits

Colleges evaluate alternative credits using a variety of standards and review processes. Many schools rely on recommendations from organizations such as the American Council on Education (ACE) or the National College Credit Recommendation Service (NCCRS) when determining whether nontraditional learning experiences qualify for college credit. Admissions and registrar offices may also review exam scores, military transcripts, workplace training documentation, and prior learning portfolios during the evaluation process.

Even when schools accept alternative credits, transfer limits and residency requirements may still apply. Some colleges restrict how many nontraditional credits students can use toward a degree or limit certain credits within specialized majors such as nursing, engineering, or education.

Types of Alternative Credits Colleges May Accept

Many colleges accept several forms of alternative credits that allow students to apply previous learning experiences toward degree requirements. These credits can come from standardized exams, military service, workplace certifications, online learning providers, or portfolio-based assessments that demonstrate college-level knowledge.

CLEP and DSST Exams

CLEP and DSST exams allow students to earn college credit by demonstrating knowledge in specific subject areas. Many colleges accept these exam scores as substitutes for introductory courses in subjects such as math, history, business, and English composition.

Military and CCAF Credits

Military training and education may qualify for college credit through Joint Services Transcripts (JST) or Community College of the Air Force (CCAF) transcripts. Colleges that support CCAF often evaluate occupational training, leadership experience, and technical instruction using ACE recommendations.

ACE and NCCRS Credits

The American Council on Education (ACE) and National College Credit Recommendation Service (NCCRS) evaluate nontraditional learning experiences for possible college credit equivalency. Many colleges accept ACE- or NCCRS-approved coursework from online learning providers, workforce training programs, and professional development organizations.

Prior Learning Assessments (PLA)

Prior learning assessments allow students to earn credit for professional or life experiences that demonstrate college-level competency. Students may submit portfolios, complete evaluations, or participate in faculty reviews to determine whether their prior knowledge aligns with course requirements.

Professional Certifications

Some colleges award credit for industry-recognized certifications in areas such as information technology, healthcare, project management, and business. Certifications from organizations such as Google, AWS, CompTIA, or Cisco may qualify for transfer credit depending on the institution and degree program.

PLTW Credits

Project Lead The Way (PLTW) courses may qualify for college credit at PLTW participating colleges and universities, particularly in engineering, computer science, biomedical science, and technology-related programs. Some schools award credit based on PLTW coursework completion, end-of-course assessments, or articulation agreements with high schools and technical education programs.

AP and IB Credits

Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) programs allow high school students to earn college credits through advanced coursework and exam performance. Many colleges accept IB scores or AP credits for general education requirements or introductory classes.

Nationally Accredited Credits

Some colleges accept credits from nationally accredited institutions, although transfer policies vary more widely compared to regionally accredited coursework. Transfer-friendly universities and adult-focused online colleges may evaluate nationally accredited credits individually, especially when coursework aligns closely with degree requirements or includes ACE recommendations.

Benefits of Colleges That Accept Alternative Credits

Alternative credit policies can help students complete degrees more efficiently while reducing educational costs. These pathways are especially valuable for adult learners, transfer students, military-affiliated students, and working professionals with previous learning experiences.

Save Money on Tuition

Applying alternative credits toward a degree may reduce the number of courses students need to complete at a college or university. Fewer required classes can help lower overall tuition costs and reduce student loan borrowing.

Graduate Faster

Students who transfer alternative credits may complete degree requirements more quickly than traditional students starting from scratch. Accelerated graduation timelines can help learners enter the workforce sooner or pursue graduate education earlier.

Reduce Repeated Coursework

Alternative credit policies help students avoid repeating material they have already mastered through work experience, military training, certifications, or prior coursework. This flexibility can make degree completion more efficient and personalized.

Support Adult Learners

Adult learners often bring substantial professional and life experience into higher education. Colleges that recognize alternative credits may provide more accessible pathways for working professionals balancing education with careers and family responsibilities.

Increase Degree Flexibility

Transfer-friendly institutions often allow students to combine credits from multiple sources into a single degree pathway. This flexibility can make it easier for students to continue their education after military service, workforce training, or attendance at multiple colleges.

Potential Limitations of Alternative Credits

Although many colleges accept alternative credits, transfer policies can vary significantly between institutions and academic programs. Some schools limit the number of nontraditional credits that can apply toward a bachelor’s degree or require students to complete a minimum number of credits directly through the institution.

Alternative credits may also face restrictions within specialized majors such as nursing, engineering, or education. In some cases, graduate schools or licensing boards may prefer coursework completed through regionally accredited institutions. Students should carefully review transfer policies and speak with admissions advisors before relying heavily on alternative credits for degree completion.

How To Transfer Alternative Credits Successfully

Transferring alternative credits successfully often requires careful planning and early communication with colleges or universities. Because transfer policies vary widely between schools, students should review admissions requirements and degree pathways before enrolling in a program.

Review Transfer Policies Early

Many colleges publish transfer credit guides that explain which alternative credits they accept and how those credits apply toward degree requirements. Reviewing these policies early can help students avoid taking courses or exams that may not transfer successfully.

Keep Documentation Organized

Students should keep copies of transcripts, exam scores, military records, certifications, and ACE or NCCRS evaluations related to their alternative credits. Organized documentation can help speed up the transfer evaluation process and reduce delays during admissions.

Verify Accreditation and ACE Recommendations

Some colleges only accept alternative credits tied to accredited institutions or ACE- and NCCRS-reviewed learning providers. Verifying approval status before completing a course or certification may improve the chances of successful transfer.

Speak With an Admissions Advisor

Admissions and transfer advisors can help students understand residency requirements, transfer limits, and degree applicability. Speaking directly with an advisor may also help students identify the most transfer-friendly pathways for their educational goals.

Understand Residency Requirements

Even highly transfer-friendly schools often require students to complete a minimum number of credits directly through the institution. Understanding residency requirements can help students estimate how many remaining courses they must complete after transferring alternative credits.

FAQs About Colleges That Accept Alternative Credits

Students exploring alternative credit pathways often have questions about transfer policies, credit evaluations, and degree requirements. The FAQs below address some of the most common concerns about colleges that accept alternative credits.

Do All Colleges Accept Alternative Credits?

No, not all colleges accept alternative credits to the same extent. Some schools maintain highly flexible transfer policies, while others limit or reject certain forms of nontraditional learning. Acceptance policies may also vary by academic department and degree program.

Can Alternative Credits Count Toward a Bachelor’s Degree?

Yes, many colleges allow alternative credits to count toward bachelor’s degree requirements. Depending on the institution, these credits may apply to general education courses, electives, or major-specific coursework. However, schools often limit the total number of transfer credits allowed.

Are ACE Credits Legitimate?

ACE credits are widely recognized by many colleges and universities across the United States. The American Council on Education evaluates nontraditional learning experiences and recommends college credit equivalencies for approved programs. Individual schools still decide whether and how to apply ACE-recommended credits.

Can Military Experience Count as College Credit?

Yes, many colleges award college credit for military training and occupational experience. Schools often evaluate military transcripts through ACE guidelines or Joint Services Transcript reviews. Military-affiliated students may receive credit for leadership training, technical instruction, and specialized occupational skills.

Do Online Colleges Accept More Transfer Credits?

Many online colleges are designed to serve adult learners and transfer students, which can make them more flexible regarding alternative credits. Some online institutions allow students to transfer large portions of a bachelor’s degree from exams, certifications, workplace training, and prior learning assessments. Transfer limits and residency requirements still vary by school.

What Is Prior Learning Assessment?

Prior learning assessment, or PLA, is a process that evaluates knowledge gained outside traditional college coursework. Students may submit portfolios, complete assessments, or participate in faculty evaluations to demonstrate competency in a subject area. Approved PLA evaluations may result in college credit toward a degree program.

Explore Colleges That Accept Alternative Credits

Colleges that accept alternative credits can provide flexible and affordable pathways toward earning a degree, especially for adult learners, transfer students, and military-affiliated students. Explore programs on Learn.org to compare transfer-friendly colleges, review alternative credit policies, and connect with schools that fit your educational and career goals.