Does Arizona State University Accept StraighterLine Credits?

StraighterLine offers self-paced online courses that allow students to complete college-level coursework outside of a traditional college setting. Because StraighterLine courses are recommended for credit by the American Council on Education (ACE), many colleges and universities accept them as transfer credit.

Arizona State University (ASU) follows its own transfer credit policies and does not evaluate all forms of alternative credit the same way. If you're considering StraighterLine courses before enrolling at ASU, it's important to understand what types of transfer credit the university accepts and whether StraighterLine coursework is likely to count toward your degree.

Does ASU Accept StraighterLine Credits?

Although there are many colleges that accept StraighterLine credits, ASU is typically not one of them. The university does not use ACE credit recommendations when evaluating transfer coursework. Since StraighterLine courses are typically recommended for credit through ACE rather than offered directly by a regionally accredited college or university, students should not assume that StraighterLine coursework will transfer to ASU.

ASU primarily awards transfer credit for coursework completed through regionally accredited institutions, along with certain approved credit-by-exam programs and other recognized sources of college credit. As a result, students planning to attend ASU should explore alternative options if their primary goal is to earn transferable college credit before enrollment.

Students who have already completed StraighterLine coursework can still contact ASU's admissions or transfer services offices to discuss their individual situation. However, based on ASU's published policies, StraighterLine credits are generally not considered transferable.

Why Doesn't ASU Accept StraighterLine Credits?

The primary reason is that ASU evaluates transfer credit differently than many universities that partner with alternative learning providers. While schools such as UMGC, CSU Global, and UMass Global recognize ACE-recommended coursework from providers like StraighterLine, ASU focuses on credit earned through regionally accredited colleges and universities, as well as approved examination programs.

StraighterLine itself is not a college or university and does not award degrees. Instead, it offers a variety of courses that have been reviewed by ACE for potential college credit recommendations. Some institutions choose to accept those recommendations, while others, including ASU, do not use ACE recommendations as part of their transfer credit evaluation process.

ASU's approach helps ensure that transfer credit comes from sources that align with the university's academic policies and accreditation standards. While this policy may limit the usefulness of StraighterLine coursework for future ASU students, the university still offers several other pathways for earning transferable college credit before enrollment.

For students planning to attend ASU, understanding this distinction before enrolling in StraighterLine courses can help avoid spending time and money on coursework that may not apply toward a future degree.

What Transfer Credits Does ASU Accept?

Although ASU generally does not accept StraighterLine credits, the university does recognize several other types of transfer credit. Understanding these options can help students earn college credit before enrolling while ensuring their coursework aligns with ASU's transfer policies.

Credits From Regionally Accredited Colleges and Universities

ASU accepts many transfer credits earned through regionally accredited colleges and universities. Community colleges are one of the most common pathways, allowing students to complete general education and introductory major courses before transferring to ASU. StraighterLine is not accredited the same way a typical college or university is, because it does not administer degrees.

Students can use ASU's transfer tools to see how specific courses may apply to degree requirements before enrolling.

AP, CLEP, and International Baccalaureate Credits

ASU awards credit for several standardized examination programs, including Advanced Placement (AP), College-Level Examination Program (CLEP), and International Baccalaureate (IB) exams. Students who earn qualifying scores may receive college credit without taking equivalent courses at ASU.

The number of credits awarded depends on the exam and score earned.

Dual Enrollment Credits

High school students who complete dual enrollment courses through eligible colleges may be able to transfer those credits to ASU. These courses can help students begin earning college credit before graduating from high school.

Transferability depends on the institution offering the course and how it aligns with ASU's academic requirements.

Military Credit

ASU evaluates military training and educational experiences for potential transfer credit. Veterans and active-duty service members may receive credit for certain military coursework, training programs, and educational experiences documented through official military records.

Other Approved Transfer Sources

ASU may also evaluate credits earned through certain approved educational programs, examinations, and partnerships. Students should consult ASU's transfer credit resources to determine whether a specific source of credit is eligible for review.

How ASU's Transfer Credit Process Works

Students planning to transfer credit to ASU should understand how the evaluation process works before enrolling in courses elsewhere. Following these steps can help ensure that credits are submitted correctly and evaluated as efficiently as possible.

1. Review ASU's Transfer Credit Policies

Before taking courses at another institution, review ASU's transfer credit requirements and transfer equivalency tools. This can help you identify courses that are more likely to apply to your intended degree program.

2. Complete Eligible Coursework

Earn credit through an approved source, such as a regionally accredited college, dual enrollment program, AP exam, CLEP exam, IB exam, or military education program. Because ASU generally does not accept ACE-recommended coursework, students should verify eligibility before enrolling.

3. Submit Official Transcripts or Score Reports

After completing coursework or exams, request that official transcripts or score reports be sent directly to ASU. Unofficial documents are typically not sufficient for transfer credit evaluation.

4. Receive Your Transfer Credit Evaluation

ASU will review your submitted records and determine which credits are eligible for transfer. Depending on the course or credit source, credits may transfer as direct course equivalents, elective credits, or may not transfer at all.

5. Meet With an Academic Advisor

Once your transfer credits have been evaluated, review the results with an academic advisor. An advisor can help you understand how your credits apply to degree requirements and identify the most efficient path toward graduation.

6. Build Your Degree Plan

After your transfer credits have been posted, work with your advisor to create an academic plan that incorporates your completed coursework. This step can help you avoid duplicating classes and stay on track toward completing your degree.

Colleges That Accept StraighterLine Credits

While ASU generally does not accept StraighterLine coursework, many colleges and universities have formal transfer partnerships with StraighterLine or regularly accept ACE-recommended credit. Students interested in using StraighterLine as part of their degree pathway may want to consider schools such as:

• University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC)
• CSU Global
• UMass Global
• Colorado Christian University
• National University
• Liberty University
• Purdue Global
• Excelsior University
• Thomas Edison State University
• Walden University

Many of these institutions publish transfer equivalency guides that allow students to see how StraighterLine courses apply before enrolling. This level of transparency can make it easier to plan a degree pathway and maximize transfer credits.

Students who know they want to use StraighterLine extensively may benefit from researching partner schools before committing to a university. Doing so can help ensure that completed coursework counts toward degree requirements rather than transferring only as elective credit or not transferring at all.

Should You Take StraighterLine Courses if You Plan to Attend ASU?

In most cases, students who are certain they plan to attend ASU should focus on transfer credit options that align with ASU's published policies. Because ASU generally does not accept ACE-recommended credit, StraighterLine courses may not provide the same value they would at schools that maintain formal partnerships with the platform.

Instead, prospective ASU students may benefit from taking courses through a regionally accredited community college, earning qualifying AP or CLEP scores, completing dual enrollment coursework, or pursuing other transfer pathways recognized by the university. These options are generally more likely to result in transferable credit.

That said, StraighterLine may still be useful for some learners. Students who are exploring different colleges, considering multiple transfer destinations, or using StraighterLine primarily for personal enrichment may still find value in its flexible and affordable course offerings.

Before enrolling in any StraighterLine course, students planning to attend ASU should review the university's current transfer policies and speak with an admissions representative or academic advisor. Confirming transferability in advance can help avoid spending time and money on coursework that may not apply toward a future degree.

FAQs About StraighterLine Credits at ASU

ASU follows different transfer credit policies than many universities that partner with alternative learning providers. The questions below address some of the most common concerns about StraighterLine credits and transfer options at Arizona State University.

Does ASU Accept StraighterLine Credits?

ASU generally does not accept StraighterLine credits because the university does not use ACE credit recommendations when evaluating transfer coursework. Since StraighterLine courses are typically recommended for credit through ACE rather than offered directly by a regionally accredited college or university, students should not expect them to transfer to ASU.

Students should review ASU's current transfer credit policies and consult with admissions representatives if they have questions about a specific course or credit source.

Does ASU Accept ACE Credits?

ASU is not typically one of the colleges that accept ACE credits. ASU's transfer credit process focuses on coursework completed through regionally accredited colleges and universities, along with certain approved examination programs and other recognized sources of college credit.

Because providers such as StraighterLine, Sophia Learning, and many Study.com courses rely on ACE recommendations, they may not fit within ASU's standard transfer credit policies.

Can I Transfer Community College Credits to ASU?

ASU accepts many credits earned through regionally accredited community colleges in Arizona and across the nation. In fact, community college coursework is one of the most common transfer pathways into ASU.

Students can use ASU's transfer tools to determine how specific courses may apply to degree requirements before enrolling.

Does ASU Accept CLEP Exams?

ASU awards credit for several CLEP examinations when students earn qualifying scores. Depending on the exam, CLEP credit may satisfy general education requirements, elective requirements, or specific course requirements, and can be one of the cheapest and fastest ways to earn college credit.

Students should review ASU's current CLEP credit policies to determine which exams are accepted and the scores required for credit.

Is StraighterLine Legit?

StraighterLine is a legitimate online learning platform that offers college-level courses recommended for credit by the American Council on Education (ACE). Many accredited colleges and universities recognize eligible StraighterLine coursework for transfer credit.

Although StraighterLine is not a college or university and does not award degrees, it provides students with an affordable and flexible way to earn college-level credit. The key consideration is whether your intended school accepts ACE-recommended coursework before you enroll.

Explore Online Degree Pathways

While ASU does not generally accept StraighterLine credits, there are other options available to students. To find out more about alternative credits and transfer pathways, check out the resources featured on Learn.org.