10 Online Colleges That Accept Transfer Credits in Florida

Students may want to transfer to online schools for numerous reasons. Maybe you've found your dream academic program at a different institution; maybe you're interested in lowering your tuition costs.

No matter your reason for transferring, you'll want the college credits you've already earned at another university or community college to follow you to your new school. Online colleges that accept transfer credits help you enjoy the fruits of your hard work while potentially lowering the cost of your tuition and fees.

Many online colleges in Florida, like Florida Atlantic University, the University of West Florida, and the University of Florida accept transfer credits. Below, we'll explore the transfer policies of these schools and other accredited colleges in Florida. We'll also look at frequently asked questions regarding transfer credits.

10 Best Online Colleges That Accept Transfer Credits in Florida

You might be hesitant to transfer to a new school if you're not sure whether the coursework you've completed can transfer with you. Fortunately, the following online colleges accept transfer credits in Florida.

University of Florida

The University of Florida offers dozens of online undergraduate and graduate programs. Students can choose from various majors, including computer science, aerospace engineering, English education, and classical civilization.

The university sets transfer policies for lower-division (12-59 credits) and upper-division (60+ credits) students. The transfer credit policies at the University of Florida include:

• secondary school completion with a minimum 2.5 GPA (lower division)
• minimum ACT/SAT/CLT scores, if applicable (lower division)
• minimum 2.0 GPA in all college coursework (lower and upper division)
• minimum GPA and prerequisites for major (upper division)

University of Central Florida

The University of Central Florida offers more than 100 online degree programs. Transfer students can choose from programs like:

• criminal justice, BA, BS
• forensic science, MS
• nursing practice, DNP

To transfer, students must submit their official transcripts and indicate a minimum 2.0 GPA at their prior school. If applicable, they'll also need to submit their SAT/ACT scores. Students must show competency in a high-school-level foreign language (or ASL). Students must also receive minimum grades in specific transfer courses.

Transfer credit requirements vary based on students' credit hours and other factors. Students are encouraged to speak with an academic advisor before transferring.

Florida International University

At Florida International University, students can choose from numerous online degrees. Some include Asian studies (BA), economics (BA), hospitality management (MS), and athletic training (DAT).

Transfer credit policies include:

• lower division University Core Curriculum (UCC) completion
• summer enrollment
• foreign language competency
• global learning courses
• test scores and high school transcript (for international students)

Transfer requirements depend on factors like the number of credit hours students have and whether they possess an associate degree or bachelor's degree.

Florida State University

Students can transfer to Florida State University to pursue an online undergraduate degree or enroll in a graduate program. Options include:

• computer science, BS
• business administration, MBA
• nursing, PhD

Students transferring with an Associate of Arts from a Florida public community college might qualify for direct admission. Other transfers might need to complete prerequisite coursework before applying. Transfer students can apply after meeting all undergraduate and program requirements.

University of North Florida

The University of North Florida offers fully online bachelor's and graduate degrees. Here are a few:

• nursing, RN-BSN
• healthcare management, BHM
• criminal justice, MS
• health administration, DHA

Transfer to the university is based on transferable semester hours: lower level (12-29 hours), mid-level (30-59 hours), or upper level (60+ hours).

The transfer credit policies at the University of North Florida include:

• high school transcripts (lower and mid-level)
• transcripts from credit-earning mechanics and post-secondary institutions, including military and dual enrollment (all levels)
• CLT/SAT/ACT scores (lower and mid-level)

Florida Atlantic University

At Florida Atlantic University, students can choose from several online programs. Students can earn a BS or MS in geosciences or exercise science and health promotion, as well as an MST in mathematics.

Transfer credit policies include:

• 12 or more college credits after high school
• official transcripts for all attended colleges/universities
• test scores (SAT/ACT/CLT/International Baccalaureate - IB/College Level Examination Program - CLEP/Advanced International Certificate of Education - AICE), if applicable
• high school transcripts, if applicable

Florida State College at Jacksonville

Florida State College at Jacksonville offers fully online associate and bachelor's degree programs. Some include:

• accounting technology, AS
• clinical research professional, AS
• early childhood education, BS
• logistics, BAS

To transfer, students must submit official high school and college transcripts with their application. If they're seeking financial aid, they'll need to submit the FAFSA form. Advanced placement assessments should also be submitted, if applicable.

University of West Florida

The University of West Florida has been ranked among the best public universities in the South. Online degree programs at this school include maritime studies (BA), cybersecurity, (MS), and curriculum and instruction (EdD).

Transfers are categorized as freshman (12-29 credits), sophomore (30-59 credits), and upperclassman (60+ credits or AA). These transfer credit policies include:

• 12-29 credit hours earned after high school (freshman)
• minimum 2.0 GPA from college-level courses (all levels)
• freshman admission requirements (freshman)
• official transcripts from all colleges (all levels)

Nova Southeastern University

Nova Southeastern University offers dozens of online degrees at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Programs cover various subjects including speech-language and communication disorders, counseling, and criminal justice.

Transfer students can count up to 90 transfer credits toward an NSU degree. Nova Southern University's transfer credit policies include:

• official transcript submission (for high school if fewer than 24 college credits)
• test score submission (ACT, SAT, or CLT)
• transfer report completed by college official with disciplinary report access

Barry University

Barry University tailors its online programs to the needs of working adults. Some degree options include:

• organizational leadership, BS
• business administration, MBA
• sport management, MS
• social work, DSW

Transfer students should have at least 12 college credits from an institution with regional accreditation. High school students with advanced placement and fewer credits are considered first-year applicants. To transfer, students should submit their post-secondary transcripts and check for the appropriate course equivalency (AP, CAPE, CLEP, DSST, IB, GCE A Level).

Using Transfer Credits

A large number of students transfer to new schools each year. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), more than 1.2 million undergraduate students were enrolled in colleges and universities as transfer-in students in fall 2022. If you're interested in transferring schools, the following questions can help.

Should I Transfer Schools?

Your decision to transfer schools depends on personal circumstances. Maybe you've found a school and academic department with a better reputation, or you've found you could save money with another school that offers lower tuition. No matter the reason, the key to a successful transfer is ensuring you meet all GPA, prerequisite, general education, and other transfer requirements.

How Do I Use Transfer Credits?

Students use transfer credits to receive credit for the coursework they've completed at another institution of higher education. Transferring credits means you don't have to retake courses at your new school.

What Can Be Used as Transfer Credits?

Most students use credits earned through college courses as transfer credits. However, you can also use knowledge gained through life and military experience, professional credentials, job training, and more.

Credit-by-exam lets students earn credits for subjects mastered. Examples include the CLEP, AP, DSST, and IB. The American Council on Education (ACE), which recommends courses for students to earn college credits, is also a great tool for gaining transfer credits.

Will My Credits Transfer?

Each school has different criteria for credits they'll accept. Your school might share a course equivalency chart to help you determine which courses you've taken align with theirs. You could also try a popular course equivalency network called Transferology, which more than 400 colleges and universities use � including the University of Florida.

How Many Credits Can I Transfer?

The number of credits you can transfer varies by institution. Some schools accept up to 90 transfer credits, which means students might only need 30 more credits to complete a 120-credit program.