College students today are far from fitting the traditional college mold and typically attend more than one institution. This has lead to the need for a better understanding of college credit transfer policies as college students complete distance learning courses, attend community college, complete education courses and training while serving in the military, or are considered lifelong learners.
College credit transferable to another school is a primary concern for college students. Transferability is typically the focus of nontraditional working adults, adults seeking a career change, or laid off workers. These adults area also typically enrolled in part-time degree programs. Typically most institutions accept college credit for transfer, as long as the credits were earned at an accredited institution recognized by U.S. Council of Higher Education.
Acceptance of college credit is strictly dependent on the transfer credit policies of a program applying for or enrolled in at a given college or university. Typically the easiest college course credits to transfer are general education courses, which are considered first year or second year courses. However, many colleges and universities will accept upper level courses on a limited basis as long as the courses fit exactly within intended program parameters.
Community College Credit
For community college credit desired to transfer, receiving schools require a specific grade on all transferable courses. Transferable courses are those courses taken at a previous school that the receiving institution deems acceptable. This does not include remedial level courses which are designed to prepare a student for college level work. Remedial courses are typically required for under prepared students in English, math, and writing or composition.
College credit earned from technical or vocational courses, particularly those completed in a community college as part of a technical program, will not transfer. Any course passed with a grade of D and sometimes a C is not transferable. Students must check with counselors at receiving school to learn their policy is for acceptance of transfer courses.
Military Credit
Adults who are military veterans are often eligible for transferable college credit because of their military education and training. Part of the transition from military to civilian program involves requesting a Verification of Military Experience and Training (VMET) using the Department of Defense (DD) Form DD-2586.
The VMET form is a valuable document which compares military experience with civilian jobs and college credit equivalences. This form is available for any veteran who was in the military on or before October 1, 1990. Any veteran who separated or retired from the military prior to this date must submit a Form DD-295 is an application for the Evaluation of Learning Experiences during Military Service.
College Level Examination Program
The College Level Examination Program (CLEP) offers opportunity to earn college credit for knowledge gained from independent study, military training or education, and work experience. General education requirements in math, English, business, science, foreign languages and many others can often be met through successful completion of CLEP exams.
Training Programs
College credit can be earned for completion of employee training programs and transferable job skills which are recognized by the American Council on Education. This transfer credit is often acceptable based upon specific college program requirements. Contacting the academic advisor at the school of choice for advice and determination of transferability is important regarding credit earned from employee training program.
Making Connections Regarding College Credit Transfers
The college credit transfer process is based on the receiving college or university involved. This process is based on the receiving school’s policies, which are credit that will or will not be accepted. This is coupled with the enrollment resident requirements of the receiving school. Every school’s residence requirement is different, because limit it to a specific number of credits or stipulate no upper level courses are transferable.
One key point to remember is that admissions offices typically are quite liberal in their acceptance of transfer credit. Final approval is at the discretion of the dean’s office for the intended program for enrollment. Any appeal for credit transfer must be directed to the appropriate dean’s office.
Preparing for college credit transfer begins with planning and understanding the policies of the intended school for transfer. Reading the school’s undergraduate or graduate handbook and contacting the appropriate dean’s office in advance often resolves many questions. This proactive stance also helps smooth the transfer process and may lead to more credits being accepted that are often borderline acceptable.
David R. Wetzel - Dr. David Wetzel's experience includes more than 25 years in continuing, adult, and teacher education.
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