Top 10 Colleges That Accept CCAF Credits 2026

Choosing a college after earning Community College of the Air Force (CCAF) credits can feel overwhelming, especially with varying transfer policies. Fortunately, many accredited schools recognize the value of military-earned credits, offering clear pathways toward completing a degree in fields like criminal justice.

This guide highlights top colleges that accept CCAF credits, with details on tuition rates, transfer limits, and program strengths. Whether you're seeking flexibility or career advancement, these schools provide strong options. Keep reading to explore your best choices.

What Are CCAF Credits?

CCAF credits are college-level credits earned by U.S. Air Force service members through training, technical education, and professional development. These credits represent recognized academic achievement and can often be transferred toward degree programs at accredited colleges and universities, helping military students advance their education and career goals more efficiently.

Do Colleges Accept CCAF Credits?

Yes, many accredited schools recognize CCAF coursework. When researching what colleges accept CCAF credits, students should verify transfer policies, especially for criminal justice programs. Acceptance depends on accreditation and alignment with degree requirements, but numerous universities nationwide provide pathways for military students to apply earned credits.

How To Transfer CCAF Credits to a College Program

To transfer CCAF credits to a school that accepts CCAF, request an official transcript through the Air University Registrar. Most accredited schools require transcripts sent directly from CCAF. Confirm transfer policies with your chosen institution to see how credits apply toward degree requirements and ensure maximum use of military-earned credits.

List of Colleges That Accept CCAF Credits

Here are some accredited schools that accept CCAF credits, providing criminal justice degree pathways tailored for military students seeking transfer opportunities.

1. Angelo State University

Angelo State University offers a Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences with a specialization in criminal justice through the Air University-Associate to Baccalaureate Cooperative (AU-ABC). It accepts the CCAF Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree, allowing service members to apply their military-earned credits and only complete 60 more semester hours.

The program includes coursework in security studies, border security, and criminal justice systems, with a binding degree completion contract for AU-ABC participants.

• Estimated tuition cost: $187 per credit (undergraduate); $425 per credit (graduate)
• Maximum transfer credits: 60
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

2. Southwestern College

As one of the colleges that accept CCAF degrees, Southwestern College offers an online Bachelor of Arts (BA) in criminal justice and legal studies via its professional studies division. Through its Category III AU-ABC program, airmen and guardians may transfer in their CCAF degree of 60 credit hours and then must complete up to 64 more credits.

The curriculum blends theory and practice, covering law enforcement, criminal law, corrections, and ethical decision-making in criminal justice professions. Military students benefit from a reduced undergraduate per-credit rate of $250.

• Estimated tuition cost: $250 per credit (undergraduate); $475 per credit (graduate)
• Maximum transfer credits: 60
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

3. University of Maryland Global Campus

UMGC is an online college that accepts CCAF credits and offers a Bachelor of Science (BS) in criminal justice with 120 total credits. The program allows up to 90 transfer credits, including military-earned coursework.

The fully online coursework emphasizes ethical decision-making, crime prevention, law enforcement administration, and social justice. UMGC extends tuition benefits with a $250 per credit military rate, making it highly affordable for active-duty service members.

• Estimated tuition cost: $318 per credit (undergraduate); $514 per credit (graduate)
• Maximum transfer credits: 90
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

4. Southern New Hampshire University

SNHU offers an online BS in Criminal Justice that accepts up to 90 transfer credits, including military training and experience. Military students benefit from discounted tuition of $250 per credit for undergraduates and additional assistance through Tuition Assistance (TA), the GI Bill, and spouse discounts. The program covers law enforcement, criminology, courts, corrections, and crisis response.

• Estimated tuition cost: $342 per credit (undergraduate); $659 per credit (graduate)
• Maximum transfer credits: 90
• Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)

5. Kent State University

Kent State Stark offers an Associate of Applied Science in criminology and justice studies, preparing graduates for para-professional criminal justice roles or as a stepping stone toward a bachelor's degree. The program emphasizes practical skills and real-world experience in law enforcement, courts, corrections, and social justice matters.

• Estimated tuition cost: $346 per credit (undergraduate in-state); $405 per credit (graduate in-state)
• Maximum transfer credits: Unavailable
• Accreditation: HLC

6. American Military University

The online BS in criminal justice at AMU emphasizes crime scene investigation, forensic analysis, legal and ethical issues, and digital evidence. Ideal for military students, the program accepts large numbers of transfer credits and offers online delivery with monthly start dates.

AMU also extends special tuition benefits, including a discounted rate of $250 per credit for active-duty military and reduced rates for veterans and eligible students through the Veteran Grant and APUS Opportunity Grant.

• Estimated tuition cost: $350 per credit (undergraduate); $455 per credit (graduate)
• Maximum transfer credits: 90
• Accreditation: HLC

7. ECPI University

ECPI University offers a BS in criminal justice that accepts CCAF credits through its AU-ABC partnership. As a Category III institution, ECPI requires CCAF AAS graduates to complete more than 60 semester hours beyond the AAS.

The program emphasizes practical skills in law enforcement, security, corrections, and criminal investigation, preparing graduates for diverse criminal justice careers. Military students using TA for AU-ABC pay $250 per credit hour.

• Estimated tuition cost: $389 per credit (undergraduate); $523.20 per credit (graduate)
• Maximum transfer credits: 90
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

8. Webster University

Webster University, one of the many colleges that accept CCAF through the AU-ABC partnership, helps airmen and guardians apply their Associate of Applied Science toward a bachelor's degree. The BA in criminology demands 43 credits in the major, including 18 upper-division courses.

Military students benefit from Webster's discounted $250 per credit undergraduate tuition rate.

• Estimated tuition cost: $450 per credit (undergraduate); $730 per credit (graduate)
• Maximum transfer credits: 60
• Accreditation: HLC

9. University of Arizona Global Campus

UAGC offers an online BA in social and criminal justice under the AU-ABC program, accepting up to 60 CCAF credits to count toward the degree. Military students receive reduced tuition under the Liberty Grant program with an undergraduate rate of $250 per credit.

The program explores corrections, criminology, law enforcement, and forensics, preparing graduates for advanced study or careers in criminal justice fields.

• Estimated tuition cost: $460 per credit (undergraduate); $740 per credit (graduate)
• Maximum transfer credits: 60
• Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

10. St. Joseph's University, New York

Through the AU-ABC partnership, SJNY accepts the CCAF AAS and allows service members to transfer in many military-earned credits for their online BS in criminal justice. The university also offers an affordable military discount of $250 per credit for undergraduate service members � active, guard, and reserve � spouses, and dependents. The criminal justice program includes coursework in criminal law, investigative techniques, corrections, and public safety policy.

• Estimated tuition cost: $820 per credit (undergraduate); $905 per credit (graduate)
• Maximum transfer credits: Unavailable
• Accreditation: MSCHE

How We Rank Schools

We evaluate colleges carefully to ensure military students receive the best academic value and transfer opportunities.

• Accreditation: We only include regionally accredited institutions, ensuring recognized quality standards and eligibility for federal financial aid programs.
• Credit-transfer policy: Schools must accept CCAF credits and allow significant transfer hours toward completing a criminal justice degree.
• Program reputation: We highlight colleges with respected criminal justice programs, strong faculty expertise, and positive outcomes for military and civilian graduates.

Factors That Influence CCAF Credit Transfer

Several factors determine how CCAF credits transfer into a college program. These include the type of degree (associate, bachelor's, online, or in-person), the school's military credit transfer policy, and the maximum number of transfer hours permitted.

Regional accreditation and articulation agreements are essential, as is participation in the Air University-Associate to Baccalaureate Cooperative (AU-ABC) partnership, which helps service members seamlessly apply their CCAF credits toward bachelor's degree completion.

FAQs About CCAF Credit Transfer

Students often have questions about how CCAF credits work when transferring to civilian colleges and universities.

Do All Colleges Accept CCAF Credits?

Not all colleges accept CCAF credits, as transfer policies vary widely. Regionally accredited schools with military-friendly policies, especially those in the AU-ABC partnership, are more likely to grant credit. Students should always confirm with admissions or transfer offices to ensure their CCAF credits apply toward the intended degree program.

How Many CCAF Credits Can I Transfer to a Bachelor's Program?

The number of CCAF credits transferable to a bachelor's program depends on the school's policy, accreditation, and articulation agreements. Many AU-ABC partner institutions accept up to 60 credits from a completed CCAF Associate of Applied Science degree, though limits may vary. Always confirm maximum transfer allowances with your chosen college.

Do Online Colleges Accept CCAF Credits?

Yes, many accredited online colleges accept CCAF credits, especially those with strong military transfer policies or AU-ABC partnerships. Online programs are often designed with flexibility for service members, making it easier to apply military-earned credits toward a degree. Always check each school's transfer policies to confirm acceptance and applicability.

Can I Finish a Degree Faster With CCAF Credits?

Yes, transferring CCAF credits can significantly shorten the time to complete a degree. Many schools allow airmen and guardians to apply up to 60 credits toward a bachelor's program, reducing required coursework. This advantage, especially through AU-ABC partner institutions, helps military students save both time and money on their education.

What If My CCAF Credits Don't Transfer?

If your CCAF credits don't transfer, you may need to take additional courses to meet degree requirements. Some schools offer credit for prior learning, military training, or exams like College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) and Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES) Subject Standardized Tests (DSST).

Exploring AU-ABC partner institutions or military-friendly colleges can also improve credit transfer opportunities and minimize lost progress.

Explore Colleges That Accept CCAF Credits

Earning a degree with CCAF credits can save time and money. Visit Learn.org to explore more programs that accept CCAF credits.