9 Online Colleges That Accept Transfer Credits in Indiana

Switching to an online school that accepts transfer credits can help students earn their degrees even if they work full-time or have dependents to care for. These colleges allow students to study online and receive credit for prior coursework.

Many Indiana private and public colleges and universities have policies to help online transfer students. Keep reading to discover online colleges in Indiana and their policies for accepting transfer credits.

9 Best Online Colleges That Accept Transfer Credits in Indiana

Students can generally transfer credits from accredited schools and can even transfer credits from a previous degree program. Multiple colleges and universities in Indiana offer online degree programs and accept transfer credits. Below, we've featured nine of these institutions; each holds regional accreditation through the Higher Learning Commission.

1. Ball State University

Ball State University is a public research university in Muncie. Its Ball State Online system offers online associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees, as well as certificates.

The university has articulation agreements with Ivy Tech Community College and Vincennes University, providing a smooth transfer for students enrolled at these local institutions. Students from other institutions will work with the transfer team to create a customized Transfer Flight Path.

2. Bethel University

Bethel University is a private Christian university in Mishawaka. It offers on-campus and online programs, including online programs specifically for adult learners.

The university accepts transfer credits from both nationally and regionally accredited institutions. Transfer students can also take a prior learning assessment to gain credit based on what they already know.

3. Indiana Institute of Technology

The Indiana Institute of Technology is a private university in Fort Wayne offering various degrees. These include associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in person and online.

Indiana Tech has partnerships with several community colleges and online learning programs so students can get credit for all college-level coursework. Once you submit your official transcripts, an academic advisor will evaluate your college credits.

4. Indiana State University

Indiana State University is a public university in Terre Haute. It offers online undergraduate and graduate programs for first-time students and transfer students.

The university's transfer tool can help students see how their credit hours will transfer. Those who have completed the Indiana State General Education Core, an Indiana Transfer Single-Articulation Pathway, or an approved associate degree program may bypass the university's general education requirements and even some major requirements.

5. Indiana University

Indiana University is a system of public universities that is based in Bloomington but includes campuses in Indianapolis and throughout the state. Its IU online campus offers multiple online degrees in various subjects.

Students can transfer up to 64 course credits from a community college and up to 90 from four-year schools. The university accepts multiple forms of prior learning for college credit, and students can use the Credit Explorer tool to see how their credits will transfer.

6. Indiana Wesleyan University

Indiana Wesleyan University is a private evangelical Christian university based in Marion. Transfer students can earn undergraduate and graduate degrees online.

The university works with students so they can transfer as many course credits as possible toward their bachelor's degree. Students can transfer up to 90 undergraduate credits from nationally and regionally accredited institutions.

7. Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College

Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College (SMWC) is a private, Roman Catholic liberal arts college in Saint Mary-of-the-Woods. It offers online undergraduate and graduate academic programs.

Students at SMWC can earn credit from previous coursework and other prior learning experiences. The university has an articulation agreement with Ivy Tech Community College, but students can transfer coursework from any regionally accredited institution.

8. Trine University

Trine University is a private university with its main campus in Angola. It offers online degree programs through its TrineOnline system.

The university has a generous transfer policy, allowing students to transfer up to 45 credits for an associate degree and 90 credits for a bachelor's degree. Students can also earn credits for life experiences and training programs.

9. University of Southern Indiana

The University of Southern Indiana is a public university in Evansville. It offers online degree programs specifically designed for adult learners.

Transfer students will need to fill out an application, which will include their official transcripts, and will look at things like academic performance and GPA. Once accepted, students can run a degree audit or contact an academic advisor to learn how their credits will transfer.

How We Rank Schools

When evaluating online colleges in Indiana that accept transfer credits, we focus on institutions that make higher education affordable and accessible for returning students. Each college listed offers flexible online programs, generous transfer policies, and strong academic support.

• Accreditation: All featured schools are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, ensuring that transferred credits meet recognized academic standards.
• Credit transfer policy: We examine each school’s maximum credit limit, GPA requirements, and partnerships with Indiana community colleges to identify student-friendly transfer options.
• Affordability: Schools are chosen for their competitive tuition rates, transfer scholarships, and financial aid programs for adult learners.
• Program reputation: Each university is known for academic quality, online learning excellence, and strong outcomes for transfer and nontraditional students.

How To Transfer College Credits Step by Step

Transferring college credits in Indiana can help you save time, reduce costs, and finish your degree faster. Follow these three simple steps to make the process smooth and successful.

1. Research Accreditation and Course Equivalencies

Start by checking that your previous institution is regionally accredited and that your new school accepts credits from it. Many Indiana universities provide online transfer tools, like IU’s Credit Explorer, to help you see how your courses align.

2. Send Transcripts and Supporting Documentation

Request official transcripts from all previously attended colleges and send them directly to your new institution’s admissions office. Some universities may also request course syllabi, exam results, or prior learning documentation for credit review.

3. Review Evaluation and Finalize Your Degree Plan

Once your transfer credits have been evaluated, meet with an academic advisor to review your degree audit. Confirm how your credits apply toward major and general education requirements, and plan out the remaining coursework for graduation.

FAQs About Using Transfer Credits

If you’re planning to continue your education online in Indiana, understanding transfer credit policies can make your transition easier. Here are answers to common questions about how credits are evaluated and applied.

Should I Transfer Schools?

Transferring schools can be a great choice if your goals, schedule, or financial situation have changed. Many Indiana students transfer to finish a degree online, switch majors, or move from a community college to a four-year university.
Before deciding, research program costs, degree requirements, and transfer timelines to make sure your new college aligns with your career plans. Careful preparation ensures a smoother transition.

What Can Be Used as Transfer Credits?

Most Indiana universities accept credits from regionally accredited colleges and community colleges. However, additional forms of prior learning, like AP or CLEP exams, industry certifications, and military training, may also count.
Some schools even allow portfolio assessments that evaluate work experience for possible credit. If you’ve gained skills through employment or training, ask your school if these experiences qualify.

Will My Credits Transfer?

In general, credits earned at regionally accredited institutions transfer easily between Indiana colleges and universities. The state’s Transfer Single Articulation Pathways make moving from community colleges to four-year programs especially straightforward.
Still, major-specific courses and electives may transfer differently. Check with an advisor and review your school’s transfer guide to prevent surprises before enrolling.

How Many Credits Can I Transfer?

Most online colleges in Indiana accept between 60 and 90 transfer credits toward a bachelor’s degree. This range allows transfer students to save both time and money as they work toward completing their education.

Each university determines its own credit transfer cap and residency requirements for graduation. Confirming these details early helps you understand how many of your existing credits will count and how much coursework remains to finish your degree.

Find Flexible Online Degrees

Indiana offers transfer-friendly online programs that help you build on your past coursework and finish your degree with confidence. Explore accredited online colleges through Learn.org to find schools that match your goals and recognize the value of your previous education.