10 Online Colleges That Accept Transfer Credits in Maryland

If you have some college experience and plan to enroll in an online bachelor's degree program in Maryland, you may be curious about which online schools accept transfer credits. If so, you've come to the right place.

Most colleges and universities in Maryland allow transfer students to bring in some or all of their previous coursework credits as long as they come from an accredited institution. Many of these schools offer online degree programs.

Read on to learn more.

10 Best Online Colleges That Accept Transfer Credits in Maryland

An online higher education program can make college accessible and affordable for many students. If you already started a degree at another college or community college, consider finishing it with an online program at one of the Maryland schools discussed below.

1. University of Maryland Global Campus

The University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) is the largest school in the University System of Maryland. It enrolls almost 56,000 students in primarily online programs ranging across a wide variety of subjects.

The following transfer credit policies apply at this school:

• students in associate degree programs can transfer up to 45 credits, including military and prior learning credits
• bachelor's degree students can transfer up to 70 credits from a community college and up to 90 total credits including military and prior learning credits
• graduate students may transfer six to 12 credits depending on the program
• grades of C or better are required for all transferred courses

2. Strayer University

Strayer University is a private, for-profit school with campuses throughout the country, including locations in Maryland. The school offers both on-campus and online degree programs in many areas.

This school uses a quarter credit system, meaning students need a minimum of 180 credits to graduate with a bachelor's degree. Strayer allows transfer students to transfer up to 126 quarter credits into a bachelor's degree program and 18 credits into a master's degree program.

3. Morgan State University

Morgan State University is a public four-year institution in Baltimore. It is a historically black school with an enrollment of around 9,800 students and various online degree and certificate programs.

The school has the following transfer credit policies:

• courses must come from regionally accredited schools and have a grade of C or better
• up to 70 community college credits and up to 90 total credits are accepted
• credit by examination, military credit, and some international credit may be awarded; remedial or developmental credits are not accepted
• transfer credits do not affect students' overall GPA

4. Stevenson University

Stevenson University is a private, nonprofit school located in Baltimore. It enrolls around 3,600 students and offers several online undergraduate and graduate programs.

The school has a very generous transfer policy and will accept up to 90 credit hours of undergraduate coursework and up to 15 credit hours of graduate coursework. Various other types of credit may be awarded, including:

• credit by examination
• credit by portfolio
• credit for certification
• credit by ACE recommendation

5. Coppin State University

Coppin State University is a public university in Baltimore. It offers affordable tuition rates for both in-state and out-of-state students and provides several online degree programs.

This school allows students to transfer up to 70 credits from a community college and up to 90 total credits. Students can also transfer credit by examination and other forms of prior learning credit.

6. Bowie State University

Bowie State University is located near Bowie in Prince George's County. This historically black school provides a variety of online degrees for high school graduates and transfer students.

Students can transfer up to 90 total credits, including up to 70 from a community college. It has articulation agreements with various Maryland community colleges and other schools in the University System of Maryland, making it easy for these students to transfer seamlessly.

7. Washington Adventist University

Washington Adventist University is a small private school in Takoma Park. It offers several online degree programs in areas such as:

• psychology
• business administration
• early childhood care

Students can transfer credit to this school if their grades are C or above. Students will need to submit official transcripts and may need to submit an interview. In addition, those who have not completed English 101 with a C or better may need to complete an English placement test.

8. Mount St. Mary's University

Mount St. Mary's University enrolls around 2,200 students in online and in-person programs. It is a private Catholic school in Emmitsburg.

Transfer students are encouraged to apply in either the fall or spring semester. They can transfer credits from accredited schools if they are in good standing with their previous institution and have maintained a GPA of 2.4 or better.

9. Frostburg State University

Frostburg State University is a public school in Frostburg with an enrollment of around 4,800. It offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs, many of which students can complete online.

The following transfer policies apply:

• up to 70 credits from a two-year school are accepted
• up to 90 total credits are accepted
• all transferred courses must have a grade of D or better (English and math courses must have a grade of C or better)

10. Notre Dame of Maryland

Notre Dame of Maryland University is a private school with around 2,900 students. Located in Baltimore, it offers several online degrees to serve the needs of remote learners.

Students must abide by the following transfer policies:

• no more than 68 credit hours can come from a community college
• up to 90 total transfer credits are accepted
• transferred courses must have a grade of C or better

Using Transfer Credits

Keep reading if you're still wondering how to use your transfer credit in an online degree program. We'll discuss some relevant questions you may be considering.

Should I Transfer Schools?

Transferring to a new school is a big decision only you can make. Consider the academic programs offered at your current and prospective school and why you want to switch. Is it for financial or academic reasons? Are you simply not happy with the school you currently attend? Understanding your reasons for transferring can help you decide whether doing so is right for you.

How Do I Use Transfer Credits?

Transfer credits enable you to complete undergraduate or graduate degrees in a shorter time because they prevent you from having to retake courses you've already completed. Depending on the types of college credit you have, they may meet:

• general education requirements
• major requirements
• be used as electives

Associate degrees often transfer seamlessly to four-year colleges, but any college credit can be beneficial. The greater your number of credits, the sooner you will potentially be able to graduate.

What Can Be Used as Transfer Credits?

College courses are the most common type of transfer credit; however, prospective students can also gain credit for various work and life experiences. For example, current or former servicemembers may receive credit for military experience; certain professionals may receive credit for professional certificates or licenses. You can also gain credit by examination by completing Advanced Placement (AP) exams, CLEP tests, and various other standardized credit exams.

Will My Credits Transfer?

Most schools accept course credits from regionally accredited schools. That said, every college has its transfer policy. Most transfer institutions will evaluate your transcripts to determine course equivalency with their courses. It's a good idea to talk with an academic advisor at your prospective school so they can guide you through the transfer process. Advisors can also help you understand which courses will and won't transfer.

How Many Credits Can I Transfer?

Depending on the school, you may be able to transfer an unlimited number of credits as long as you obtain the minimum number required to graduate from the school you transfer to. Most schools require you to complete at least 30 to 60 credits at the institution to graduate; some allow you to transfer a maximum of 60 to 90 credits from another school. Check with your potential institution to see how many transfer credits may be accepted.