10 Online Colleges That Accept Transfer Credits in North Carolina

If you're a transfer student planning to attend an online college in North Carolina, you might wonder about your options. You're working toward a bachelor's degree, but you want to ensure your previous coursework will be accepted at your new institute of higher education.

Students often transfer from North Carolina community colleges to four-year institutions, but they may also choose to move from one university to another. Most schools in North Carolina accept transfer credits, but different schools and degree programs may have different policies about the types and amount of credit a college student can transfer.

Read on for further information to learn more about online colleges that accept transfer credits and see examples of schools in the state.

10 Best Online Colleges That Accept Transfer Credits in North Carolina

Online programs offer busy students an accessible and affordable way to finish their education. Let's look at some of the best private and public universities in North Carolina that offer online degree programs and accept transfer credits.

1. University of North Carolina Wilmington

The University of North Carolina Wilmington is a member of the University of North Carolina System. This public school enrolls around 14,500 students and provides many degree programs for online students.

The school now allows an unlimited number of transfer credits from any regionally accredited school. Transfer credit policies include:

• 50% of major requirement credits must be earned at a four-year institution
• in most cases, transfer credits do not affect your overall GPA at the school
• all transfer courses must have a grade of C or better

2. East Carolina University

East Carolina University is one of the largest public universities in the state. Located in Greenville, it enrolls more than 28,000 students. It provides various undergraduate degree completion programs, master's, and doctoral degrees; it also offers specialist programs, certificates, and licensures online.

The school accepts all transfer credits from a regionally accredited institution along with credit by examination, foreign credit (in English), and Early College program credit. The following policies apply:

• all transfer credits must have a C- grade or better
• a minimum of 60 total credits must be completed at East Carolina
• students with an associate degree from an NC community college may qualify to have their general education requirement at East Carolina waived

3. North Carolina State University

North Carolina State University is another public school within the University of North Carolina System. It is located in Raleigh and offers several online graduate and undergraduate degrees and certificate programs.

Students at this school can transfer credits from regionally accredited institutions or credit by examination tests. All grades must be C- or better (or equivalent for credit by examination).

4. North Carolina Central University

North Carolina Central University is a historically Black university in Durham. It is a member of the University of North Carolina System and enrolls around 7,500 students.

Transfer credit is accepted from regionally accredited schools. Students can also transfer military credit and credit by examination. Transfer policies include:

• at least 30 credit hours must be completed at North Carolina Central
• up to 64 credit hours are accepted from two-year schools; an unlimited number of credits may be accepted from four-year schools as long as the residency requirement is met
• all grades must be a C- or better

5. North Carolina Wesleyan University

North Carolina Wesleyan University is a private, multicampus school headquartered in Rocky Mount. The school provides various online degree programs tailored to busy adult students.

The school is transfer-friendly with articulation agreements and partnerships with various schools throughout North Carolina to ensure a smooth transfer experience. Policies include:

• up to 75 transfer credits from two-year schools and up to 90 transfer credits total are accepted
• transfer students must have a cumulative GPA of 2.00 or better
• GPA from other institutions does not transfer to North Carolina Wesleyan

6. Campbell University

Campbell University is a private school located in Buies Creek. It provides a wealth of flexible online programs and enrolls around 5,600 students.

Up to 90 transfer credits may be accepted from a two-year school; there is no limit on the amount of credit you could transfer from a four-year school. The following policies apply:

• students must complete the final 32 hours of their degree at Campbell
• at least 12 of the final 32 credit hours must be in upper-division courses
• the school will evaluate all potential transfer credits on a case-by-case basis

7. University of North Carolina Charlotte

The University of North Carolina Charlotte is a public school in Charlotte. It enrolls nearly 30,000 students and offers various online programs for graduate and undergraduate students.

Students at this school can receive many different types of transfer credit. Options include:

• course credit from an accredited college or university
• AP, CLEP, and other exams
• military credit
• dual enrollment credit

8. Appalachian State University

Appalachian State University is a public school in Boone. Many online degree and certificate programs are available at this school. Appalachian State has the following transfer policies:

• at least 18 undergraduate and 9 graduate credit hours in the chosen major must be completed at Appalachian State
• at least 25% of the total credits for the degree program must be completed at Appalachian State
• only credits with a grade of C or better will transfer

9. University of North Carolina Greensboro

The University of North Carolina Greensboro is another member of the University of North Carolina System. Many online degree programs are available.

The school accepts many types of transfer credits, as long as residency and degree requirements are met. The types of transfer credit that are accepted may include:

• college credit from other schools
• military credit
• correspondence credit
• credit by examination
• extension credit

10. University of North Carolina Pembroke

The University of North Carolina Pembroke is a public university with around 7,600 students. Various options for online education exist at this school.

Transfer courses are evaluated case-by-case, but credit is frequently awarded for classes taken at other accredited schools. All transfer credits must have a grade of C or better.

How We Rank Schools

When evaluating online colleges in North Carolina that accept transfer credits, we focus on accessibility, affordability, and support for transfer students. Each school listed offers accredited programs and clear pathways for students to continue their education.

• Accreditation: Every institution featured is accredited by a recognized agency, ensuring your transferred credits meet academic standards.
• Credit transfer policy: We review each school’s requirements for GPA minimums, credit limits, and articulation agreements within the North Carolina higher education system.
• Affordability: Colleges are selected for their competitive tuition rates, financial aid options, and scholarship opportunities for transfer students.
• Program reputation: We consider universities known for academic excellence, student satisfaction, and strong online learning options across North Carolina.

How To Transfer College Credits Step by Step

Transferring college credits in North Carolina can simplify your path to earning a degree. Follow these three steps to make sure your previously earned coursework applies smoothly to your new program.

1. Check Accreditation and Course Alignment

Begin by verifying that your previous school is accredited by a recognized agency. Then, review your prospective college’s transfer credit guide or articulation agreements to determine which courses are likely to transfer.

2. Submit Official Transcripts and Materials

Gather official transcripts from every college you’ve attended and send them to your new school’s admissions office. Some institutions may also ask for additional materials, such as syllabi or test results, to confirm credit eligibility.

3. Review Evaluation and Confirm Your Plan

After your credits are evaluated, you’ll receive a report showing how your previous courses apply to your new degree. Work with an academic advisor to confirm your degree plan, register for upcoming courses, and stay on track for graduation.

FAQs About Using Transfer Credits

If you plan to attend an online college in North Carolina, understanding how transfer credits work can help you make informed decisions. Here are answers to common questions from students preparing to transfer.

Should I Transfer Schools?

Students transfer for many reasons, such as changing majors, pursuing online programs, or reducing tuition costs. Transferring can also help you complete a degree more efficiently if you’ve already earned college credits.

Before transferring, think about your goals and how a new program aligns with your career plans. Evaluating your motivation ensures the move supports your long-term success.

What Can Be Used as Transfer Credits?

Transfer credits usually come from coursework at accredited colleges or universities, but other experiences may qualify as well. Many North Carolina schools accept credits from AP or CLEP exams, military service, or professional certifications.

Some institutions also consider life experience or prior learning assessments for credit. Ask your admissions counselor if your background or experience may qualify.

Will My Credits Transfer?

Transfer credit acceptance varies by school and degree program. Most colleges in North Carolina accept general education courses from accredited schools, while major-specific courses are reviewed individually.

You can use transfer guides or talk to an advisor to learn how your credits will apply. Checking this early helps you avoid retaking similar classes later.

How Many Credits Can I Transfer?

Many online colleges in North Carolina allow students to transfer between 60 and 90 credits toward a bachelor’s degree. Some schools even accept unlimited credits as long as residency requirements are met.

Each institution determines how many credits you must complete with them—usually between one-fourth and one-half of your total degree. Verifying these limits ensures you know exactly how your credits will apply.

Find Flexible Online Degrees

Completing your degree in North Carolina is easier when you choose a college that values your prior learning. Explore accredited online programs through Learn.org to find transfer-friendly options that align with your academic goals.