10 Online Colleges That Accept Transfer Credits in Massachusetts

Students often transfer schools to finish degree programs, but sometimes their college credits don't transfer. Finding a school that accepts transfer credits allows you to complete a bachelor's degree without retaking courses you've already completed.

Students looking to transfer to an online school in Massachusetts to finish their four-year degree have several options. Several top universities in Massachusetts offer online programs and accept transfer credits, making it easy for students to continue their higher education without going on campus.

10 Best Online Colleges That Accept Transfer Credits in Massachusetts

Multiple schools in Massachusetts offer online bachelor's degrees. Because there are so many options, students should be able to find the right school for their educational goals. Prospective students should review the individual transfer policies of their new school before applying to make their transfer as smooth as possible.

Schools in the MASSTransfer program accept the 34 credit hours earned in this general education program. Students can complete their general education credits at any approved Massachusetts community college.

1. Northeastern University

Northeastern has 13 campuses in multiple countries. However, its primary campus is in Boston. In addition to these physical locations, NU has a diverse offering of online learning opportunities including multiple dual-degree programs that allow students to bring credits and work towards a bachelor's and a master's degree.

Transfer credit policies:

• courses must be completed at a university with regional or national accreditation
• students must have earned at least a C or 2.0 GPA in the course
• transfer evaluation happens after admission

2. Lasell University

Lasell University offers fully online courses to students throughout Massachusetts. LU's online degree options include undergraduate and graduate degrees. They also include many professional studies and certifications. College students enrolled in an online college degree program at LU receive virtual access to the same tech support and other resources as in-person students.

Transfer credit policies:

• LU accepts MASSTransfer General Education credits, allowing students to bring their 34 general education credits automatically
• Lasell University accepts up to 90 credits from accredited universities
• students must have a 2.0 or C at the time of application

3. University of Massachusetts-Lowell (UMass Lowell)

There are 11 online undergraduate degree programs offered at UMass Lowell. These high-quality programs include criminal justice, business administration, and more. Online students also qualify for financial aid programs which can help with the affordability of these bachelor's degree programs.

Transfer credit policies:

• UMass Lowell accepts up to 36 credits for associate degree transfer students and 90 for bachelor's degree programs
• International students can use credits earned in their home nations before transferring to UMass Lowell, but transcripts must be translated into English

4. Cambridge College

Cambridge College offers online programs with an emphasis on flexible scheduling and affordability. The online education courses at Cambridge College are designed for working adults to fit in coursework around other responsibilities, like a current job and their family. Available degree programs include healthcare administration, computer science, and more.

Transfer credit policies:

• students must complete one-quarter of their undergraduate credits at CC
• credit hours must be earned from an accredited institution with a 2.0 GPA or C

5. Fitchburg State University

Fitchburg State University offers multiple fully online programs, including an accelerated business administration program with five concentrations. Students at Fitchburg State have access to various resources to make their online education productive.

Transfer credit policies:

• Fitchburg State accepts up to 90 credit hours, but students must complete half of their major coursework and one-quarter of their total credits at Fitchburg
• FSU participates in MASSTransfer
• transfer students with fewer than 23 credit hours will need a 2.5 GPA and meet first-year admission requirements, students with 24 credit hours will need a 2.0 GPA

6. University of Massachusetts Amherst - University Without Walls

The University Without Walls is a fully online college offered through UMass Amherst. Students can complete a bachelor's degree through the Department of Interdisciplinary Studies. This program allows students to complete a degree program in 40 different academic departments, including liberal arts, human services, and health sciences, from the top-ranking online college in the New England area.

Transfer credit policies:

• students must have a minimum of 12 credit hours but not more than 75 from an accredited college
• students must have a 2.0 GPA from their previous schools
• UWW is part of the MASSTransfer program to meet general education requirements

7. Nichols College

Nichols College offers 27 total undergraduate degree programs and certificate programs. Transferring to Nichols College allows students to complete a degree program with multiple specially accredited paths like sports management. Students can take accelerated online classes to speed up their degree path.

Transfer credit policies:

• students can bring their entire associate degree through the Community College ABLE Initiative
• students without a degree can bring up to 90 transfer credits
• students with qualifying work experience can earn up to 45 credits upon transferring

8. Boston University

Boston University is a top-ranked university that offers on-campus and distance education enrollment opportunities to in-state and out-of-state learners. BU offers a wide selection of concentrations and certificates for students.

Transfer credit policies:

• transferring students must fill out the common application and application essay
• students must also submit a transfer report and transcripts for their previous college and high school

9. Westfield State University

Westfield State University offers students multiple opportunities to complete their degree programs. In-state and out-of-state students can choose from 10 degree programs, including history, marketing, and liberal studies. Students transferring from a non-community college must meet with an academic advisor before transferring.

Transfer credit policies:

• students who qualify for MASSTransfer must file a free application and submit official transcripts
• students who didn't complete a program at a community college will also need to submit their high school transcripts
• transferring students can submit an optional essay and letters of recommendation

10. Simmons University

Simmons University was founded in the late 19th century and included a diverse selection of online programs in 2013. Simmons was originally a women's college but now accepts all students. Students at Simmons can pursue 13 undergraduate degree programs in areas of study like social work, computer science, and applied psychology.

Transfer credit policies:

• students must have completed more than 16 credit hours
• SU accepts up to 96 credit hours
• students must submit high school and college transcripts, an essay, and one letter of recommendation

Using Transfer Credits

Transferring students often question how their credits can be applied to their new school. There are no universal rules for transfer credits, so it's important to review your new school's requirements before applying.

Should I Transfer Schools?

Transferring schools should only be done if you are trying to complete a degree program that your school doesn't offer or you are moving and can't complete your degree at your current school. Transferring can be a difficult process and shouldn't be done lightly.

How Do I Use Transfer Credits?

Transfer credits are used to let students skip over equivalent classes that they already completed. These credits often come from community colleges. However, they can come from any accredited college or university.

What Can Be Used as Transfer Credits?

Transfer credits aren't only credit hours from previously completed classes. Previous work and military experience, CLEP, and AP test results can all be used as transfer credits at certain universities.

Will My Credits Transfer?

Credits from accredited community colleges and universities will usually be accepted, but it will depend on your major. Many schools also have minimums and maximums for transfer credits.

How Many Credits Can I Transfer?

It will vary from school to school, but most schools have a limit of around 90 transfer credits. For most degree programs, this represents three years of college education, meaning your final year will be completed at your new school.