How to Transfer Credits From a Community College to a University

Four-year colleges will only accept transfer credits from accredited schools.

Completing a four-year college degree requires that you attend a college or university that offers such degrees. While many people begin their college education at a community college, four-year degrees are not offered at this level. Instead, you can request a transfer of the credits earned at a community college to a university and complete the remainder of your chosen degree requirements there.

Instructions

1. Meet with an academic adviser at the community college you attend and inform her of your desire to transfer to a specific four-year college. Discuss the degree you want to complete and ask the adviser to determine how many of your current credits are eligible for transfer.

2. Obtain an admissions and course catalog for the specific college you want to attend. Find out about admissions and transfer requirements. Verify the course requirements for the degree you want to complete.

3. Complete an admissions application for the four-year college. Order a transcript from the registrar's office at the community college you attend. Deliver or mail the application and the transcript to the school you are applying to.

Tips & Warnings

• Community colleges often work in partnership with at least one four-year college to allow direct transfer of credits.

• Most four-year colleges require successful completion of a certain number of credit hours in order to admit transfer students.

• If you receive financial aid, find out if it will transfer to the four-year school. You will likely need to complete additional paperwork.

• Strive to achieve the highest grades possible when at a community college. Most four-year colleges require a certain grade point average on completed credits for admission.

• Be aware that four-year universities only accept transfer credits from accredited community colleges.

• Check to make sure that the four-year institution is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission before enrolling. If it isn't, your degree may not be recognized as valid.

References

• Sallie Mae College Answer: Community College-Transferring to a Four Year School

Resources

• Sallie Mae College Answer: Search for Specific Schools
• North Central Association Higher Learning Commission: Directoy of HLC Institutions