20 Online Colleges That Accept Transfer Credits 2026
Updated on:
April 12, 2026
Considering transferring to finish your bachelor's degree? Check out our list of accredited online colleges that accept transfer credits and enroll today.
Transferring college credits is a smart way to save time and money toward your bachelor's or master’s degree. The process allows you to use the credits you have already earned, helping you to finish your education faster and earn a more affordable degree.
Below, we’ll take a look at accredited online colleges that accept transfer credits so you can find a program that’s the right fit for you. Keep reading to learn more about how to transfer credits and earn your degree.
Best Online Colleges That Accept Most Transfer Credits
Below are a few of the top online colleges that accept transfer credits. By enrolling in one of these colleges offering accredited distance learning, students can conveniently transfer their credits and continue their education anywhere.
1. Arizona State University
Arizona State University is based in Tempe, Arizona, and is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Through ASU Online, the university offers a wide range of fully online programs, including associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and certificate options across fields like business, engineering, health, and liberal arts.
ASU is known for its flexible transfer policies, though the exact number of transferable credits varies by program. Students can transfer credits from regionally accredited institutions, and ASU may also evaluate military training and prior learning experiences for credit.
2. Bellevue University
Bellevue University is located in Bellevue, Nebraska, and is designed with adult learners in mind. It offers a wide selection of online bachelor’s and master’s degrees in areas like business, information technology, healthcare, and management, with flexible scheduling options that work well for working students.
The university is accredited by the HLC. Bellevue is especially transfer-friendly, allowing students to transfer up to 90 credits toward a bachelor’s degree in many programs. In addition to traditional transfer credits, the university may award credit for military training, professional certifications, and prior learning assessments.
3. Charter Oak State College
Charter Oak State College offers flexible, primarily online programs designed for adult learners, including associate and bachelor’s degrees in fields like general studies, business, health care, and public safety. The school is known for its transfer-friendly approach and accepts up to 87 transfer credits from regionally accredited institutions.
Based in New Britain, Connecticut, Charter Oak State College is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) and is part of the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities system. It also accepts a wide range of alternative credit sources, including military training, exams like CLEP and DSST, and prior learning assessments, which can help you maximize previously earned credits.
4. Colorado State University Global
Colorado State University (CSU) Global is accredited by the HLC. It operates as a fully online public university, offering bachelor’s and master’s degrees in fields like business, information technology, criminal justice, and healthcare administration.
CSU Global, based in Aurora, Colorado, is designed specifically for online learners and adult students, with flexible transfer policies that vary by program. Students may transfer in up to 90 credits from regionally accredited institutions, and the university also evaluates military training, professional certifications, and prior learning for credit.
5. Columbia College
Columbia College is located in Columbia, Missouri, and is accredited by the HLC. The college offers a wide range of online associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degree programs in areas like business, education, criminal justice, and liberal arts.
Columbia College allows students to transfer a substantial number of credits, particularly from regionally accredited institutions and community colleges. Many bachelor’s programs accept up to 90 transfer credits, depending on the degree. The college also evaluates military training and prior learning experiences for credit, and it has a long history of serving military students.
6. Excelsior University
Excelsior University is based in Albany, New York. It’s primarily online and focuses on adult learners, offering associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees in fields like business, nursing, public service, and technology.
Excelsior is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). It’s known for its generous transfer credit policies, accepting up to 113 credits toward a bachelor’s degree in some programs. In addition to traditional transfer credits, the university accepts a wide range of alternative credit sources, including military training, professional certifications, and exams such as CLEP and DSST.
7. Franklin University
Franklin University offers a wide range of online associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degree programs in fields like business, information technology, healthcare, and public administration. The university is designed for adult learners and emphasizes flexible scheduling, making it a strong option if you’re balancing school with work or other responsibilities.
Based in Columbus, Ohio, Franklin University is accredited by the HLC. It has a transfer-friendly approach, allowing students to bring in up to 94 credits from regionally accredited institutions. Franklin also accepts military training, professional certifications, and prior learning assessments, which can help you reduce the number of courses needed to graduate.
8. Liberty University
Liberty University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). It offers a large selection of online programs at the associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels, with popular fields including business, education, psychology, and ministry.
Located in Lynchburg, Virginia, Liberty is a private Christian university, and its programs may incorporate faith-based perspectives. The university allows students to transfer up to 75 percent of a bachelor’s degree in many cases, depending on the program. It also evaluates military training, professional experience, and prior learning for credit, which can make it easier to apply past experience toward your degree.
9. National University
National University is based in San Diego, California, and is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). It offers a wide range of online and hybrid programs, including associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in areas like business, education, healthcare, and technology.
National University is known for its flexible transfer policies, often allowing students to transfer a substantial number of credits from regionally accredited institutions. The university also accepts military training and may award credit for professional experience or certifications.
10. Penn State World Campus
Penn State World Campus is the online division of The Pennsylvania State University, based in University Park, Pennsylvania. It offers a wide range of fully online programs, including bachelor’s and master’s degrees in fields like business, information sciences, healthcare, and liberal arts, with the same curriculum as its on-campus counterparts.
The university is accredited by the MSCHE. Penn State allows students to transfer credits from regionally accredited institutions, though the number accepted varies by program. In addition to traditional transfer credits, the university may evaluate military training and prior learning.
11. Southern New Hampshire University
Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) offers a large selection of online associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degree programs in fields like business, healthcare, information technology, and liberal arts. The university is widely known for its online learning platform and flexible scheduling, making it especially popular among adult learners and working professionals.
Based in Manchester, New Hampshire, Southern New Hampshire University is accredited by the NECHE. SNHU is highly transfer-friendly, allowing students to transfer up to 90 credits toward a bachelor’s degree in many programs. It also accepts military training, professional certifications, and prior learning assessments, which can help you move through your program more quickly.
12. SUNY Empire State University
SUNY Empire State University is accredited by the MSCHE and is part of the State University of New York (SUNY) system. It focuses on adult learners and offers flexible online associate and bachelor’s degree programs in areas like business, liberal arts, human services, and technology.
Based in Saratoga Springs, New York, SUNY Empire is known for its generous transfer credit policies and individualized degree planning. Students can transfer a significant number of credits from regionally accredited institutions, and the university also evaluates prior learning, including military training and professional experience, for credit.
13. Thomas Edison State University
Thomas Edison State University (TESU) is based in Trenton, New Jersey, and is accredited by the MSCHE. It is designed primarily for adult learners and offers flexible, mostly online associate and bachelor’s degree programs in fields like business, liberal arts, healthcare, and technology.
TESU is widely known for its generous transfer policies, often allowing students to transfer up to 90 credits toward a bachelor’s degree, with some programs accepting even more through alternative pathways. In addition to traditional transfer credits, the university accepts a broad range of prior learning, including military training, professional certifications, and exams such as CLEP and DSST.
14. University of Central Florida
The University of Central Florida (UCF) is located in Orlando, and offers a variety of online undergraduate programs through UCF Online, including degrees in business, healthcare, psychology, and communication. While not exclusively online, the university provides a growing number of fully online options alongside its traditional campus programs.
The university is accredited by the SACSCOC. UCF accepts transfer credits from regionally accredited institutions, with the number of transferable credits varying by program. It may also evaluate military training and prior coursework for credit.
15. University of Maryland Global Campus
University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) offers a wide range of online-focused programs, including associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees in fields like business, cybersecurity, healthcare, and public service. The university is designed for working adults and military-affiliated students, with flexible course formats and frequent start dates.
Based in Adelphi, Maryland, UMGC is accredited by the MSCHE. UMGC is known for its transfer-friendly policies, allowing students to transfer a substantial number of credits from regionally accredited institutions. It also accepts military training, professional certifications, and prior learning assessments.
16. University of Massachusetts Global
University of Massachusetts Global (UMass Global) is accredited by the WSCUC. It offers a range of online associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degree programs in areas like business, education, psychology, and information technology, with a strong focus on adult learners and flexible scheduling.
Based in Irvine, California, UMass Global operates primarily online and is designed to support working professionals. The university accepts transfer credits from regionally accredited institutions, with limits varying by program, and may also award credit for military training and prior learning.
17. University of Phoenix
University of Phoenix is a for-profit university based in Phoenix, Arizona, and is accredited by the HLC. It is a private for-profit institution that offers a wide range of online associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degree programs in fields like business, education, healthcare, and technology.
The university is designed for working adults and offers flexible course schedules with frequent start dates. University of Phoenix allows students to transfer credits from regionally accredited institutions, with specific limits depending on the program. It may also accept military training, professional certifications, and prior learning assessments for credit.
18. Walden University
Walden University is a for-profit university based in Minneapolis and offers a wide selection of online bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs in areas like business, education, public health, and psychology. The university is designed for adult learners and operates primarily online, with flexible scheduling options.
Walden University is accredited by the HLC. It accepts transfer credits from regionally accredited institutions, though the number varies by program. Walden may also evaluate prior graduate coursework, professional experience, and other forms of prior learning for credit.
19. Western Governors University
Western Governors University offers fully online bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in fields like business, information technology, healthcare, and education. The university is competency-based, meaning you progress by demonstrating mastery of course material rather than following a traditional semester schedule, which can help you move faster if you already have experience in a subject area.
Based in Salt Lake City, Western Governors University is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU). WGU accepts transfer credits from regionally accredited institutions, though the number varies by program. It may also award credit for industry certifications and prior learning.
20. Wilmington University
Wilmington University is accredited by the MSCHE. It offers a variety of online associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degree programs in fields like business, education, healthcare, and technology, with flexible scheduling designed for working adults.
Based in New Castle, Delaware, Wilmington University has transfer-friendly policies that allow students to bring in credits from regionally accredited institutions, with limits depending on the program. The university may also accept military training, professional certifications, and prior learning assessments for credit.
How To Transfer College Credits
Transferring college credits can help you save time and money, but the process isn’t always the same at every school. Below, we’ll walk through the general steps most colleges require so you know what to expect as you get started.
1. Request Your Official Transcripts
Start by requesting official transcripts from every college or university you’ve attended. Most schools require transcripts to be sent directly from the issuing institution, either electronically or by mail.
If you’ve taken courses through military training, certifications, or exams like CLEP, you may also need to request official score reports or military transcripts.
2. Apply to Your New School
Next, submit your application to the college you want to attend. Most schools allow you to indicate that you’re a transfer student during the application process, and some may have a specific application for transfer students.
Some colleges may offer application fee waivers or priority admission for transfer students, so it’s worth checking deadlines and requirements early.
3. Submit Transfer Credit Documentation
Once you’ve applied, send in all required documents, including transcripts, test scores, and any prior learning records. This step allows the school to evaluate which of your credits may transfer.
If you’re using alternative credits, like professional certifications or prior learning assessments, you may need to provide additional documentation or complete a portfolio review.
4. Review Your Transfer Credit Evaluation
After your documents are reviewed, the school will provide a transfer credit evaluation. This report shows which credits were accepted and how they apply to your new degree program.
Take time to review this carefully so you understand what requirements you’ve already met and what courses you still need to complete, and double-check for any missing credits.
5. Meet With an Academic Advisor
An academic advisor can help you make sense of your transfer credits and build a plan to graduate. They may also suggest ways to maximize your credits, such as testing out of certain courses or applying for additional prior learning credit.
Keep in mind that transfer policies vary by college and program, so working with an advisor can help you avoid surprises later on.
Types of Transfer Credits
Not all credits transfer the same way, but many colleges accept a mix of traditional and nontraditional learning. Understanding your options can help you get the most value from your previous education.
Common types of transferable credit include:
- Credits from regionally accredited colleges and universities
- Community college coursework (often widely accepted)
- Military training and service transcripts
- Exams like the College Level Examination Program (CLEP) and DANTES Subject Standardized Tests (DSST)
- Professional certifications in fields like IT or healthcare
- Prior learning assessments based on work experience
Each school sets its own policies, so it’s always worth confirming what your chosen college will accept.
Tips To Maximize Your Transfer Credits
If you’re planning ahead, there are a few ways to increase the number of credits that transfer:
- Choose regionally accredited schools whenever possible
- Keep detailed records of syllabi and course descriptions
- Ask about transfer agreements between schools
- Look for colleges that specialize in adult learners
- Consider testing out of courses with CLEP or similar exams
These steps can help you reduce the number of classes you need to take, which may lower your overall cost.
FAQs About Transferring College Credits
If you’re considering transferring credits, you probably have a few questions about how the process works. Below are answers to some of the most common concerns students have.
Do All Colleges Accept Transfer Credits?
Most colleges accept at least some transfer credits, especially if they come from regionally accredited institutions. General education courses like English, math, and science are often the most likely to transfer.
However, each school sets its own policies, and some programs may be more restrictive. It’s always a good idea to request a transfer credit evaluation to see how your specific courses will apply before enrolling.
How Many Credits Can You Transfer to an Online College?
The number of transfer credits you can apply depends on the school and program. Many colleges allow up to 60 credits for an associate degree or up to 90 credits for a bachelor’s degree, though some schools accept more.
It’s important to review each school’s policy and request a transfer evaluation to see exactly how your credits will apply.
Do Online Colleges Accept Credits From Community Colleges?
Most online colleges accept credits from accredited community colleges, especially for general education courses. These credits often transfer more easily than specialized or upper-level coursework.
However, how those credits apply to your degree can vary, so it’s a good idea to confirm with an admissions advisor before enrolling.
Can Work Experience Count as College Credit?
Some colleges offer prior learning assessments that allow you to earn credit for work experience, certifications, or training. This is more common at schools focused on adult learners.
You may need to submit a portfolio or documentation to demonstrate your knowledge, and not all programs accept this type of credit.
Will All My Credits Transfer?
Not all credits transfer, even if they come from an accredited institution. Schools may reject credits that are too old, don’t match your program, or don’t meet grade requirements.
That’s why reviewing your transfer credit evaluation carefully is important before committing to a program.
Find Online Colleges that Accept Transfer Credits Near You
Finishing your degree is more achievable than ever before with the availability of flexible online degree programs. Explore colleges that accept transfer credits in your state to start the path toward earning your degree.
