10 Colleges That Accept CCAF Credits in 2026

Community College of the Air Force (CCAF) credits can help active-duty Airmen and veterans apply military training and technical coursework toward a bachelor’s degree. Many colleges and universities now accept CCAF credits, associate degrees, military occupational training, and Air Force educational experience through transfer-friendly policies designed for military learners.

Several schools also participate in the Air University Associate-to-Baccalaureate Cooperative (AU-ABC) program, which helps students transfer CCAF credits efficiently into civilian degree programs. In this article, you’ll learn about colleges that accept alternative credits, how military transfer policies work, and schools known for supporting Air Force-affiliated students through flexible online learning pathways.

What Are CCAF Credits?

CCAF credits are college credits earned through the Community College of the Air Force, an accredited institution that awards associate degrees to enlisted Air Force and Space Force personnel. These credits may include military technical training, leadership coursework, general education classes, and occupational experience completed during military service.

Many colleges evaluate CCAF transcripts through military transfer partnerships and AU-ABC agreements that map Air Force training directly into bachelor’s degree programs. However, transfer policies vary between institutions, and some schools may apply military coursework differently depending on the student’s intended major and degree requirements.

10 Colleges That Accept CCAF Credits

Many colleges and universities support military learners through transfer-friendly policies that recognize CCAF associate degrees and military occupational training. The schools below are known for flexible transfer pathways, AU-ABC participation, and online degree options designed for active-duty service members and veterans.

1. Southwestern College

Southwestern College is a long-standing AU-ABC partner institution that offers degree plans specifically designed for Airmen transferring CCAF credits. Through its Category I degree pathways, students who complete an approved CCAF Associate in Applied Science degree may transfer a full 60 credits toward a bachelor’s degree, leaving only 60 additional credits required for graduation.

The college operates fully online undergraduate programs in strategic leadership, criminal justice, and operations management. Flexible online scheduling and military-focused transfer policies make Southwestern College appealing for active-duty personnel balancing education with military responsibilities.

2. Bellevue University

Bellevue University maintains a generous transfer credit framework that accepts completed CCAF associate degrees through AU-ABC partnerships. Military training and occupational coursework may satisfy both general education requirements and portions of major coursework, helping students avoid unnecessary repeated classes.

Bellevue offers accelerated online degree programs in business administration, cybersecurity, and security management. Its military-friendly online campus and flexible course formats support working adults, veterans, and active-duty students pursuing degree completion opportunities.

3. University of Maryland Global Campus

University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) is one of the best-known military-friendly universities in the country and accepts up to 90 transfer credits toward a bachelor’s degree. UMGC participates in the AU-ABC program and works closely with CCAF transcripts to translate military training and occupational specialties into civilian degree pathways.

The university offers more than 90 online degrees and certificates in areas such as cyber operations, computer science, homeland security, and business. Flexible online scheduling and extensive support services make UMGC especially attractive for military students stationed around the world.

4. Troy University

Troy University is an official AU-ABC partner institution that maximizes transfer opportunities for Airmen completing CCAF degrees. The university aligns military occupational specialties with civilian degree pathways, allowing many students to complete a bachelor’s degree with fewer remaining credits.

Troy offers fully online programs in criminal justice, political science, resources and technology management, and related professional fields. The university’s distance learning infrastructure is designed to support military learners who may relocate frequently or maintain unpredictable schedules.

5. Columbia Southern University

Columbia Southern University participates fully in the AU-ABC network and accepts CCAF technical credits through streamlined transfer pathways. Airmen transferring a completed CCAF associate degree may apply their credits directly into several Bachelor of Science (BS) programs without duplicating previously completed coursework.

The university specializes in asynchronous online learning designed for military students and working professionals. Popular online programs include occupational safety and health, fire administration, and business administration. Flexible scheduling options help students continue degree progress while managing work or deployment responsibilities.

6. Waldorf University

Waldorf University supports military students through its participation in the AU-ABC program and streamlined transfer pathways for CCAF graduates. Students transferring a completed CCAF associate degree may enter approved bachelor’s programs with junior-level standing after applying the full 60-credit transfer block.

The university delivers fully online undergraduate programs in organizational leadership, emergency management, psychology, and business-related fields. Flexible online scheduling is designed to accommodate active-duty personnel, veterans, and adult learners balancing education with military or professional responsibilities.

7. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide (ERAU Worldwide) is especially well known for supporting military-affiliated students in aviation and aerospace fields. Through AU-ABC pathways, ERAU accepts CCAF technical credits related to aircraft maintenance, logistics, systems engineering, and aviation operations, allowing students to apply military experience directly toward civilian degree programs.

ERAU Worldwide offers highly ranked online bachelor’s programs in aeronautics, aviation business administration, technical management, and related technical disciplines. Its strong ties to the aerospace industry make the university particularly attractive for Airmen pursuing aviation or engineering-focused career pathways.

8. Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) accepts up to 90 transfer credits and evaluates both CCAF transcripts and Joint Services Transcripts during the admissions process. Military leadership training, technical coursework, and general education classes may transfer directly into undergraduate degree pathways.

SNHU offers a large catalog of asynchronous online programs in operations management, marketing, business administration, and human services. Flexible scheduling and transfer-friendly policies support military learners seeking to complete degrees while balancing work, family, or deployment obligations.

9. Northern Arizona University

Northern Arizona University (NAU Online) participates in the AU-ABC program and supports military students transferring completed CCAF associate degrees. Airmen entering approved programs may satisfy general education requirements through transferred CCAF coursework, helping streamline the path toward bachelor’s degree completion.

NAU Online offers flexible online degree pathways, including competency-based Personalized Learning programs in small business administration, computer information technology, and related professional fields. Self-paced learning formats can be especially beneficial for active-duty students with changing schedules.

10. Amridge University

Amridge University maintains dedicated AU-ABC degree plans designed to help Airmen maximize their CCAF transfer credits. The university accepts the full 60 credits from completed CCAF associate degrees, allowing students to apply military training directly toward undergraduate degree requirements.

The university offers fully online programs in management, criminal justice, human development, and business-related disciplines. Flexible course scheduling and military-focused support services help students continue their education while managing military or civilian career responsibilities.

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 military transfer policy details and AU-ABC partnership information published by each university.

For colleges that accept CCAF credits, we focus on schools that provide strong military transfer pathways, flexible online degree options, and support services for active-duty personnel and veterans. We also evaluate transfer flexibility, degree completion accessibility, and career-focused academic opportunities.

• Accreditation: We prioritize schools that hold institutional accreditation from recognized accrediting agencies to help ensure academic quality and transfer credibility.
• CCAF Transfer Support: We review AU-ABC participation, military transcript evaluation practices, and transfer block policies for CCAF graduates.
• Military-Friendly Policies: We consider support services, tuition policies, and degree pathways designed for active-duty service members and veterans.
• Online Availability: We evaluate whether schools provide fully online or flexible learning formats that support military schedules and remote learning needs.
• Student Outcomes: We examine graduation rates, retention rates, and career-focused learning opportunities that may contribute to long-term student success.

Learn more about our ranking methodology.

How Colleges Evaluate CCAF Credits

Colleges evaluate CCAF credits using military transcript reviews, AU-ABC agreements, and transfer credit mapping systems that align military occupational specialties with civilian degree requirements. Many schools review technical training, leadership coursework, and general education credits completed through the Community College of the Air Force when determining transfer eligibility.

Some colleges apply CCAF credits directly toward bachelor’s degree requirements, while others classify portions of military coursework as electives. Transfer limits, residency requirements, and major-specific restrictions may also affect how credits apply within a degree program. Students should review transfer policies carefully and speak with military admissions advisors before enrolling.

Benefits of Transferring CCAF Credits

CCAF credits can help Airmen and veterans accelerate degree completion while applying military training toward civilian education pathways. Many military-friendly colleges recognize the technical and leadership skills developed during Air Force service, allowing students to build on prior learning experiences instead of repeating coursework.

Save Time Toward a Bachelor’s Degree

Students who transfer CCAF credits may enter bachelor’s degree programs with significant progress already completed. AU-ABC partnerships and military transfer agreements can help reduce the number of remaining courses needed for graduation.

Reduce College Costs

Applying previously earned military credits toward a degree may lower overall tuition expenses and reduce the need for additional coursework. Completing a degree more quickly can also help minimize student loan borrowing and related educational costs.

Apply Military Training Toward Civilian Careers

CCAF coursework often includes technical and occupational training that aligns closely with civilian industries such as cybersecurity, aviation, business management, and information technology. Transferring these credits may help students transition military experience into career-focused degree pathways.

Support Active-Duty and Veteran Students

Military-friendly colleges frequently provide flexible transfer policies, advising services, and online learning options designed for service members and veterans. These support systems can help students balance education with deployments, relocations, or civilian employment responsibilities.

Access Flexible Online Learning

Many colleges that accept CCAF credits specialize in online education and asynchronous coursework. Flexible online formats allow military learners to continue their education from different duty stations or while managing changing schedules.

Potential Limitations of CCAF Credits

Although many colleges accept CCAF credits, transfer policies can vary significantly between institutions and degree programs. Some schools may apply military coursework only as elective credit rather than directly toward major requirements, particularly in specialized academic disciplines.

Transfer maximums and residency requirements may also limit how many CCAF credits students can apply toward a bachelor’s degree. Colleges that do not participate in AU-ABC partnerships may conduct more restrictive transfer evaluations, which can affect how military training applies within a degree pathway.

How To Transfer CCAF Credits Successfully

Students hoping to transfer CCAF credits successfully should research military-friendly colleges early and understand how specific degree programs evaluate Air Force training. Because transfer requirements vary between schools, planning ahead can help maximize previously earned credits and reduce unnecessary coursework.

Request Official CCAF Transcripts

Most colleges require official Community College of the Air Force transcripts before evaluating transfer eligibility. Students should request transcripts early during the admissions process to help avoid delays in transfer evaluations.

Research AU-ABC Partner Schools

AU-ABC partner institutions maintain structured transfer agreements specifically for Airmen with completed CCAF associate degrees. Reviewing approved degree pathways can help students identify schools that maximize military transfer credits efficiently.

Speak With Military Admissions Advisors

Military admissions advisors can help students understand transfer limits, residency requirements, and military-specific degree pathways. These advisors may also explain how occupational training and leadership coursework apply toward civilian degree programs.

Review Degree Transfer Maps

Many military-friendly colleges publish transfer maps or degree completion guides that outline how CCAF credits apply toward specific bachelor’s programs. Reviewing these resources can help students estimate remaining coursework requirements before enrolling.

FAQs About Colleges That Accept CCAF Credits

Students exploring military transfer pathways often have questions about AU-ABC partnerships, transfer policies, and degree applicability. The FAQs below address some of the most common questions about colleges that accept CCAF credits.

What Is the Community College of the Air Force?

The Community College of the Air Force is an accredited institution that awards associate degrees to enlisted Air Force and Space Force personnel. CCAF programs combine military technical training, leadership education, and general education coursework. Many colleges recognize CCAF credits through military transfer partnerships and transcript evaluations.

What Is the AU-ABC Program?

The Air University Associate-to-Baccalaureate Cooperative program, commonly called AU-ABC, connects Airmen with colleges that accept completed CCAF associate degrees toward bachelor’s degree pathways. Participating schools create structured transfer plans that minimize lost credits and simplify degree completion. Many AU-ABC programs are available fully online.

Do All Colleges Accept CCAF Credits?

No, transfer policies for CCAF credits vary between institutions and academic programs. Military-friendly colleges and AU-ABC partner schools are generally more flexible when evaluating military coursework and occupational training. Some schools may still limit how military credits apply within specialized majors.

Can Veterans Transfer CCAF Credits After Leaving the Military?

Yes, veterans may continue using CCAF credits after separating from military service. Many colleges evaluate military transcripts for both active-duty personnel and veterans seeking civilian degree completion. Transfer eligibility depends on the receiving institution’s policies and degree requirements.

Do Online Colleges Accept CCAF Credits?

Many online colleges actively support military learners and accept CCAF credits through transfer evaluations or AU-ABC agreements. Online learning formats can be especially helpful for active-duty personnel balancing education with deployments or changing duty assignments. Policies vary by institution and academic department.

Are CCAF Credits Considered Accredited College Credits?

Yes, the Community College of the Air Force is an accredited institution. Many colleges recognize CCAF coursework as legitimate college-level credit, particularly when evaluating military technical training and general education classes. However, transfer applicability still depends on each school’s individual policies.

Explore Colleges That Accept CCAF Credits

Colleges that accept CCAF credits can help Airmen and veterans apply military training toward flexible and affordable bachelor’s degree pathways. Explore programs on Learn.org to compare military-friendly colleges, review transfer policies, and connect with schools that support online learning and degree completion for service members.