10 Online Colleges That Accept Transfer Credits in Michigan

Michigan students often start their education at a community college and then transfer to a four-year university to complete their degree. Transfer students with busy schedules and budgets typically choose online universities; however, it is important to choose an online school that accepts transfer credits.

The Michigan Transfer Agreement (MTA), or MITransfer, allows students to complete credits in select college courses and transfer them to 34 independent and state universities. The transfer equivalency of these college credits is guaranteed. This articulation agreement program allows students to complete the general education requirements of their bachelor's degree.

10 Best Online Colleges That Accept Transfer Credits in Michigan

MITransfer assures course equivalencies between Michigan community colleges and online courses offered at the top universities throughout the state. These transfer pathways allow students to use their associate degree or credits earned at an accredited college to complete a degree program without retaking any courses or being subjected to a transfer credit evaluation.

There are 34 schools in the Michigan Transfer Network, meaning students who complete their MTA courses will have assured credit equivalency. However, each school has additional criteria in their transfer guides that students should know about before applying.

1. Andrews University

Andrews University has its main campus in Berrien Springs, MI, but this Seventh-Day Adventist school offers distance education across Michigan. Students can choose from seven online degree programs including medical lab science, aviation, and business administration.

Transfer credit policies:

• students must have a minimum 2.5 GPA and submit relevant official transcripts
• all transfer credits must come from college-level courses at accredited schools
• students can transfer up to 70 credit hours, but no more than 30 can be used toward the major requirements of your degree

2. Davenport University

Davenport University offers multiple options for its online courses, including fully asynchronous (On-demand), hybrid (on-campus and on-demand), and synchronous options (interactive live streams). Students who choose flex academic programs can even change their learning preferences weekly, based on other factors in their life.

Students can transfer up to 90 credit hours, DU also offers an A2B program where a student uses an associate degree to satisfy their general education requirements for a bachelor's degree. Transfer students to DU also qualify for financial aid offers that can help make their education more affordable.

3. Ferris State University

Ferris State University has multiple transfer pathways established with community colleges across Michigan. Enrollment in these transfer courses guarantees admission to Ferris State's online programs to complete a four-year degree. Courses must be completed with a passing grade set by the program you want to complete.

Transfer credit policies:

• courses must be college-level (100 or above) from an accredited university
• students must complete at least 30 credit hours for a bachelor's degree at Ferris
• students must submit high school and college transcripts for transfer approval

4. Siena Heights University

Siena Heights University offers degree programs in 11 fields of study. Students at SHU can complete degrees in accounting, health care management, and RN-to-BSN programs. Many of these programs are offered fully online, but SHU also offers blended programs for students who want to pursue some on-campus coursework.

Transfer credit policies:

• students have have completed a minimum of 12 credit hours or else they will need to apply as a first year
• applying students must have a minimum GPA of 2.0

5. University of Michigan - Dearborn

Students at UM-Dearborn may pursue online courses in any of its four colleges. These offerings allow students to pursue higher education from a distance from one of the top-ranking schools in Michigan. Online classes vary each semester, so you should review program requirements to help plan your academic progress.

Transfer credit policies:

• each college has different GPA requirements, students will need a 2.5 minimum for most degree programs, but some require a 2.75.
• students are allowed to transfer up to 70 credits from most Michigan schools, but they can transfer 90 from another University of Michigan campus (Flint or Ann Arbor)
• all students must submit college transcripts, but students who have completed less than 24 credits must include a high school transcript

6. Baker College

Baker College allows students two online education paths: online and virtual face-to-face. These choices let students pursue a degree in their schedule by meeting certain deadlines or in virtual classes led live by an instructor. Students pursuing online education often prefer the flexibility that comes with distance learning and Baker can satisfy students regardless of their learning preference.

Transfer credit policies:

• transfer students can bring up to 90 credits from an accredited community college or university
• students must maintain a minimum of 2.0 GPA before transferring

7. Northwood University

Northwood University offers 15 business degrees offered fully online. The online courses at Northwood University aren't tethered to the on-campus semesters, allowing students the freedom to begin their program when they see fit. Each program has transfer requirements, so all transfer students should meet with admission advisors before transferring.

Transfer credit policies:

• students can transfer a total of 90 credits before completing a bachelor's program
• students must submit transcripts from all previous schools

8. The University of Olivet

The University of Olivet offers accelerated 8-week semesters for its online programs allowing you to complete your bachelor's degree program quickly. Students can complete four-year programs such as:

• business
• criminal justice
• social work

Transfer credit policies:

• students can transfer up to 65 credits from a two-year program or 90 from a four-year program, there is no minimum
• transferring students must have a 2.0 GPA

9. Grand Valley State University

Grand Valley State University offers students multiple online courses to complete degrees at one of many Michigan community colleges. GVSU has online degree programs in fields such as:

• education
• integrative studies
• business

Transfer credit policies:

• students must have completed 30 credit hours to qualify for transfer
• official transcripts and applications must be filled by the deadline of your chosen starting semester

10. Lawrence Technological University

Lawrence Technological University is a school that focuses on practical sciences like architecture, design, and engineering, but it also offers business and arts degree programs. Students can earn many of these degrees online, allowing them to use credits earned elsewhere. LTU lets students transfer as guest students, where they can complete courses through LTU for graduation at another university.

Transfer credit policies:

• students with over 30 credit hours will only need to submit their college transcripts, students with under 30 credit hours will need to submit high school transcripts
• students must apply and pay the $50 fee

Using Transfer Credits

Transfer credits allow Michigan students to complete their degrees without retaking courses. Knowing how to make the most of your transfer credits can help you graduate on time, or even ahead of schedule with accelerated courses.

Should I Transfer Schools?

Transferring schools should be limited to necessity. Many schools in Michigan make transferring easy because of articulation agreements, but you should only take advantage of these programs to complete a degree program more flexibly or affordably.

How Do I Use Transfer Credits?

Your new school will apply transfer credits to allow you to avoid retaking qualifying courses. Most students won't have to do anything to use their credits other than submit their official transcripts.

What Can Be Used as Transfer Credits?

Most transfer credits are earned by completing college-level courses at accredited colleges and universities. Some schools also accept Advanced Placement scores, CLEP results, and military and work experience.

Will My Credits Transfer?

Most credits earned at accredited higher education institutions will be accepted. However, the list of accepted courses will vary from program to program, even within a single school. To avoid confusion, meet with a transfer advisor.

How Many Credits Can I Transfer?

There is no universal standard, but most schools accept up to 90 credit hours for four-year degrees. Some schools also have minimums to qualify as a transfer student instead of a first-year student.