10 Online Colleges That Accept Study.com Credits in California 2026

California students have more options than ever to earn college credit before enrolling in a degree program. Through Study.com, you can complete online courses that may transfer to participating colleges and universities, potentially helping you save both time and tuition costs on your degree. There are many colleges that accept Study.com credits, including in California

Whether you're returning to school as an adult learner, working toward a bachelor's degree online, or looking for a flexible way to complete general education requirements, several California schools offer pathways for transferring Study.com coursework. Some institutions partner directly with Study.com, while others evaluate eligible coursework through transfer credit, prior learning, or American Council on Education (ACE) recommendations. Below, we'll go over California colleges and universities that may allow you to apply Study.com credits toward a degree.

Do California Schools Accept Study.com for College Credit?

Many California schools accept Study.com coursework in some form, but policies vary by institution. Several colleges and universities have formal partnerships with Study.com that make it easier to transfer eligible credits into specific degree programs. These partnerships often provide transfer guides showing how individual Study.com courses may apply to degree requirements.

Other California schools do not have direct partnerships but may still evaluate Study.com coursework on a case-by-case basis. In many cases, colleges review credits through American Council on Education recommendations, prior learning assessment programs, or standard transfer credit evaluations. Because transfer policies can change and individual degree programs may have different requirements, it's important to confirm credit acceptance with an admissions advisor before enrolling.

Students who plan ahead can often use Study.com courses to complete general education requirements, lower-division coursework, or elective credits before transferring into a degree program. This approach can be especially helpful for online learners and transfer students looking for flexible ways to earn college credit.

Top Colleges and Universities in California That Accept Study.com Credits

The schools below offer pathways for students who have completed coursework through Study.com. Some are official Study.com partner institutions with established transfer guides, while others evaluate eligible coursework through ACE recommendations or other prior learning assessment processes. In every case, transfer credit decisions are made by the receiving institution and may vary by degree program.

All schools on this list are accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), ensuring they meet recognized standards for academic quality. Many also offer online or hybrid degree programs, making them a good fit for students who have already earned credits through online learning and want to continue working toward a degree with maximum flexibility.

1. California Institute of Integral Studies

California Institute of Integral Studies (CIIS) is located in San Francisco and is one of Study.com's official partner institutions. Students who complete eligible Study.com courses may transfer credits in subject areas such as business, computer science, humanities, and psychology. Because CIIS provides established transfer pathways through its partnership with Study.com, students can often identify how specific courses may fit into degree requirements before enrolling.

The university offers several online undergraduate programs, including bachelor's degrees in interdisciplinary studies, psychology, and psychedelic studies. Students pursuing these programs may be able to use transferred Study.com coursework to satisfy general education requirements, electives, or prerequisite coursework, depending on their chosen degree plan.

2. California State University, Chico

California State University, Chico, located in Chico, has established policies for evaluating nontraditional learning experiences. The university accepts elective credit recommended through ACE and the National Guide and National College Credit Recommendation Service (NCCRS), creating a potential pathway for students seeking to transfer eligible Study.com coursework. Students should work with an academic advisor to determine how transferred credits may apply to specific degree requirements.

The university offers online undergraduate programs in areas such as business, nursing, liberal arts, and humanities. Students who complete eligible Study.com courses before enrolling may be able to apply those credits toward elective requirements or other degree components, potentially reducing the number of courses needed after transfer.

3. California State University, East Bay

Serving students from its Hayward campus in the San Francisco Bay Area, California State University, East Bay offers several pathways for transferring nontraditional college credit. The university awards undergraduate credit for eligible non-collegiate instruction recommended by the ACE and the NCCRS. As a result, students who complete ACE-recommended Study.com coursework may be able to apply those credits toward a bachelor's degree, subject to university evaluation and degree requirements.

Cal State East Bay is one school offering accelerated online bachelor’s programs in California. Online undergraduate options include programs in business administration, social work, and social sciences. Students pursuing these degrees can work with advisors to determine how transferred Study.com coursework may fit into elective requirements or other components of their academic plan.

4. California State University, Fullerton

Known for its large transfer student population, California State University, Fullerton has policies that allow credit for certain forms of non-collegiate learning recommended by the American Council on Education. This creates a potential transfer pathway for students who have completed eligible Study.com courses before enrolling. Transfer evaluations are conducted individually, and the applicability of credits may depend on the student's major and degree requirements.

The university's online degree completion offerings include bachelor's programs in business administration, humanities and social sciences, and sociology. Students entering these programs with previously earned Study.com credits may be able to reduce the number of courses needed after transfer by applying approved coursework toward their degree.

5. Claremont Lincoln University

Located in Claremont, California, Claremont Lincoln University is an official Study.com partner institution with established transfer pathways for online learners. Through this partnership, students can transfer eligible Study.com coursework into select degree programs, making it easier to apply previously earned credits toward graduation requirements. The partnership helps provide greater transparency regarding how specific courses may transfer into university programs.

Claremont Lincoln University focuses on flexible online education and offers bachelor's degrees in Organizational Leadership and Land Policy and Real Estate Development. Students can use Study.com courses to complete certain general education and lower-division requirements before enrolling, potentially accelerating progress toward a bachelor's degree.

6. Fresno Pacific University

Fresno Pacific University offers a transfer-friendly option for students looking for online degree completion programs in California. The university allows a combined maximum of 30 units from sources such as Advanced Placement exams, College Level Examination Program credits, International Baccalaureate exams, military credit, American Council on Education credit, and transfer credit from unaccredited institutions. For Study.com students, this means eligible ACE-recommended coursework may be reviewed as part of the university’s broader alternative credit policy.

Fresno Pacific, one of the top colleges in Fresno, California, offers several online undergraduate degree completion programs, including options in business, early childhood development, health care administration, liberal arts, and organizational leadership. Students who have completed Study.com courses may be able to use approved credits toward electives, general education requirements, or lower-division coursework, depending on the program.

7. Golden Gate University

Based in San Francisco, Golden Gate University is an official Study.com partner institution through Golden Gate University Aspire. This partnership gives students a clearer pathway for transferring eligible Study.com coursework toward a degree, especially if they are looking for a flexible online program built for working adults. Transfer equivalencies may help students see how completed Study.com courses can apply before they enroll.

Golden Gate University offers online bachelor’s programs in areas such as business, management, accounting, data analytics, and technology-focused fields. Students entering with Study.com credits may be able to apply approved coursework toward general education, electives, or major-related requirements, helping them build on credits they have already earned online.

8. Pathways College

Pathways College offers an online-centered option for students who want to turn prior college credit or alternative credit into progress toward a bachelor’s degree. As a Study.com partner institution, Pathways College provides a direct transfer route for eligible Study.com courses, which can be especially useful for students who have completed multiple online courses before enrolling.

The college offers a Bachelor of Arts in liberal arts designed for students who want a broad, flexible degree path. Study.com credits may help students satisfy general education requirements, elective credits, or other applicable coursework within the program, depending on transfer review and degree planning. The college has campuses in both Tempe, Arizona, and Pasadena, California.

9. University of Massachusetts Global

Designed with adult learners and transfer students in mind, University of Massachusetts Global is an official Study.com partner institution that provides established transfer pathways for eligible coursework. Students can transfer approved Study.com credits in a variety of subject areas and apply them toward undergraduate degree requirements, helping reduce the number of courses needed after enrollment.

University of Massachusetts Global, located in Aliso Viejo, California, offers a wide range of online bachelor's degree programs, including business administration, psychology, criminal justice, information technology, liberal studies, and organizational leadership. Because the university specializes in flexible online education, students who have completed Study.com courses can often build on those credits while continuing their degree in a fully online format.

10. University of the People

Students searching for tuition-free online colleges may find University of the People especially appealing. Headquartered in Pasadena, University of the People is a Study.com partner institution that allows students to transfer eligible Study.com coursework into select degree programs. This partnership can help students apply previously earned credits toward graduation requirements while taking advantage of the university's low-cost educational model.

University of the People offers fully online bachelor's degrees in business administration, computer science, health science, and education. Students who complete eligible Study.com courses before enrolling may be able to satisfy certain general education, elective, or program requirements, creating a more flexible pathway toward earning an online bachelor's degree.

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.

Because this ranking focuses specifically on colleges that accept Study.com coursework, we place special emphasis on factors like:

• Accreditation: We prioritize institutions accredited by recognized institutional accreditors. Accreditation helps ensure that credits, degrees, and academic programs meet established quality standards and may be more widely recognized by employers and other colleges.
• Transfer credit policy: Schools receive stronger consideration when they have direct partnerships with Study.com or clearly documented policies regarding ACE recommendations, NCCRS evaluations, prior learning assessment, or alternative credit transfer opportunities.
• Online availability: Since many Study.com students complete coursework online, we favor colleges and universities that offer fully online or hybrid bachelor's degree programs. Flexible scheduling, degree completion pathways, and online student support services are also considered.
• Student outcomes: We review factors such as graduation rates, retention rates, transfer student support, and overall student success indicators. Schools that demonstrate strong outcomes while providing flexible pathways for adult learners and transfer students receive additional consideration.

Learn more about our ranking methodology.

How To Transfer Study.com Credits To a California School

Transferring Study.com credits to a California college or university starts with confirming whether your target school accepts Study.com coursework directly or evaluates it through American Council on Education recommendations. Since transfer policies vary by institution and degree program, it's important to review the school's transfer credit guidelines before enrolling.

Follow these general steps to maximize your chances of receiving transfer credit:

1. Complete eligible Study.com courses and meet all course requirements.
2. Request an official transcript through Study.com's credit recommendation partner.
3. Verify that your California college accepts Study.com coursework, ACE recommendations, or other forms of alternative credit.
4. Submit all required transcripts and supporting documentation during the admissions process.
5. Meet with an academic advisor to determine how transferred credits apply to your degree plan.
6. Review your transfer credit evaluation carefully and ask about appeals if a course is not initially accepted.

Many students use Study.com courses to complete general education requirements, introductory major courses, or electives before transferring into a bachelor's degree program. Planning your coursework in advance can help you avoid taking classes that may not transfer.

Ways To Maximize Your Online Transfer Credits in California

The more strategic you are before enrolling, the more likely you are to receive credit for the coursework you've already completed. California colleges often have different transfer policies, so researching your options early can save both time and money.

Choose Schools With Established Transfer Pathways

Some colleges partner directly with Study.com, while others have published policies for accepting ACE-recommended credit. These schools often provide clearer guidance about which courses may transfer and how they fit into degree requirements.

Focus on General Education Courses

General education requirements are often among the most transferable credits. Completing subjects such as English composition, mathematics, social sciences, and humanities through Study.com may provide more transfer opportunities than highly specialized courses.

Confirm Credit Acceptance Before Enrolling

Even when a school accepts Study.com coursework, transfer decisions can vary by major. Contacting an admissions counselor or transfer advisor before taking courses can help ensure you're earning credits that align with your academic goals.

Consider Online Degree Completion Programs

Many California colleges offer online bachelor's degree completion programs specifically designed for transfer students. These programs often accept a significant number of transfer credits, making them a strong option for students who have already completed coursework through Study.com.

Keep Detailed Records of Your Coursework

Save course descriptions, syllabi, transcripts, and any documentation related to completed Study.com courses. Having these materials available can make the transfer evaluation process smoother and may help if additional review is required.

FAQs About Transferring Online College Credits from Study.com in California

If you're considering earning credits through Study.com before enrolling in college, you may have questions about accreditation, transfer policies, and how California schools evaluate alternative credit. Below are answers to some of the most common questions students ask before transferring Study.com coursework. 

Is Study.com Accredited?

Study.com is not a college or university and does not hold institutional accreditation. Instead, many Study.com courses have been reviewed by the American Council on Education, which recommends them for college credit. Colleges and universities can choose whether to accept these recommendations, so transferability ultimately depends on each school's policies and your specific degree program. 

Do Study.com Courses Count for College Credit in California?

Several California colleges have direct partnerships with Study.com, while others evaluate eligible coursework through ACE recommendations, NCCRS evaluations, or prior learning assessment policies. Because transfer decisions vary by institution, students should confirm credit acceptance with their intended college before completing coursework. 

Does National University Accept Study.com Credits?

National University does not currently appear as an official Study.com partner institution. While the university accepts various forms of transfer credit and alternative learning experiences, students interested in transferring Study.com coursework should contact National University directly to determine whether specific courses may qualify for transfer credit under current policies. 

How Many Study.com Credits Can Transfer to a California College?

The number of transferable credits varies by school and degree program. Some institutions place limits on alternative credit sources, while others evaluate coursework individually. Students often have the greatest success transferring general education courses, introductory major courses, and elective credits. Reviewing transfer policies before enrolling can help you understand how many credits may apply toward your degree.

Can You Earn a Degree Mostly With Transfer Credits?

Many California colleges allow students to transfer a substantial number of credits from previous coursework, including eligible Study.com courses. However, most institutions require students to complete a minimum number of credits directly through the university before earning a degree. Degree residency requirements, major coursework requirements, and accreditation standards all influence how many transfer credits can be applied.

Find Transfer-Friendly Colleges Online

Find the perfect pathway for your college credits by exploring the transfer-friendly California schools featured on Learn.org. Reach out to individual institutions to find out more about admissions, enrollment, and transfer policies.