Transfer Credits & Course Codes: How to Ensure Successful University Transfer for 2025

by Imed Bouchrika, Phd

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

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There could be different ways to attain a bachelor’s degree. One of them is by enrolling in a community college. With their low-cost tuition and fees, community colleges allow you to save some money complete general education requirements or an associate degree. You can then go for your bachelor’s degree through credit transfer programs.

Credit transfers can be a bit complicated. Different schools can have different policies. But fortunately, general rules also apply.

Understanding these rules entails understanding what transfer credits are (how do transfer credits work?) and the structure of a bachelor’s degree program requirements. Moreover, the key to understanding these transfer credit rules is a good notion of what course codes are. Basically, they show the level of difficulty of courses and the required order of taking them. This information will help guide you on how to choose the classes in the best community colleges that are likely to earn you transfer credits at a university level.

Why the Community College Route Is Popular

Undergraduate enrollment in two-year postsecondary institutions has become more popular since the 1970s. In fact, enrollment in two-year public institutions has grown 146% from 1970 to 2019 (National Center for Education Statistics, 2021). That is from 2.19 million to 5.39 million. The community college route is very popular for many reasons. Maybe, the most popular ones are affordability and accessibility.

Affordability

In 2021, the average annual tuition and fees for attending a community college in your district are only $3,770 (American Association of Community Colleges, 2021). On the other hand, $10,560 is the average in-state tuition and fees in a four-year public college. That is 180.11% more expensive than the former. The community college route to a bachelor’s degree will potentially allow you to pay less for two years as you take general requirements classes and prerequisites before pursuing your bachelor’s degree at a university, which will cost you a whole lot more.

Accessibility

Community colleges are also very accessible. Currently, out of a total of 1,044 community colleges in the United States, almost 90%, at 936, are public community colleges. Out of the 51 states, only four do not have public two-year post-secondary institutions (NCES, 2020). These states are Alaska, Delaware, the District of Columbia, and Nevada. They do, however, have private for-profit and non-profit two-year institutions available. For the rest of the states, there is at least one community college available with a median of 14 and an average of 16.7. The states with the most number of community colleges are

• California (102)
• North Carolina (58)
• Texas (56)
• Illinois (48)
• New York (36)

Given the affordable average cost of community colleges and their accessibility, it is no wonder that 41% of undergraduate students in the United States are enrolled in community colleges (AACC, 2021).

A Stepping Stone: Further Education and Financial Health

Most undergraduates enroll to earn their associate degrees. This, for some, is preparation for bigger and better things. In 2019, associate degrees made up 57.85% of the total degrees conferred by community colleges in the U.S. (American Association of Community Colleges, 2021). That is 878,900 out of the total of 1.51 million. The total certificates awarded are 40.79% of the total at 619,711. Community colleges only awarded 20,700 baccalaureate degrees during the year, making up only 1.36% of the total degrees conferred.

All things considered, associate degrees are stepping stones to full-fledged bachelor’s degrees. This is considering both the degree of difficulty of earning these two types of degrees (intellectual advancement) and the potential earning these can afford you.

This is because a bachelor’s degree is usually required to enroll in graduate degree programs. Of course, there are exceptions like dual degree programs. Generally, however, baccalaureate coursework is requisite before moving on to the more advanced and specialized topics in one’s field.

Financially, and career-wise, bachelor degree holders earn more than associate degree holders. The median salary of bachelor degree holders is $64,896 while the figure is $46,124 for associate degree holders.

What are transfer credits and what are they for?

What is transfer credit in university? Firstly, transfer credits come in various terms. These include credit transfer and advanced standing. These terms are being used by post-secondary educational institutions to refer to a process of granting credit for educational experiences or courses taken from another institution. This is done when one student moves from one institution to another, especially for foreign students. Also, this is the process where students who finished courses (or earned an associate degree) from a community college apply to have these recognized at their target institution.

To apply for a transfer, students usually need to submit their transcripts. This is basically a report card and is usually referred to as a student’s permanent record. The record contains information like:

• Course codes
• Title of the courses
• Course duration
• Grades received
• Honors awarded
• Degrees conferred
• School accreditation

Students can easily ask for their transcripts from their home institution. When they submit it to their target institution, the receiving school or department will have to decide which courses they will give credit to. They will select which courses completed by the applicant they will recognize as being on par with their own standards. In other words, they will give credits to, more or less, course equivalents.

Often, courses taken from community colleges are core curriculum requirements. Thus, if all are given credit, they can proceed with working on their majors. There are also times when courses taken from the home institution can count as major credits. Generally, however, courses taken from community colleges are basic-level classes that just introduce students to a field. Also, they are usually prerequisites for taking more advanced classes that would count as major credits.

This is why it is important to have an idea of which courses you need to take in a community college that would not only be credited by your target university but also count as prerequisites to more advanced classes for major credits. This, however, is more nuanced than it sounds.

The Dreaded Credit Loss Issue

As Giani (2019) pointed out, despite the “centrality and growing prevalence of transfer in the American postsecondary system, students, college professionals, and policymakers decry the lack of credit transferability between colleges." This lack of transferability leads to students experiencing what is called ‘credit loss’ where “the receiving institution does not accept credits previously earned by the student." In his paper, “The correlates of credit loss: How demographics, pre-transfer academics, and institutions relate to the loss of credits for vertical transfer students," published in Research in Higher Education, Giani pointed out three principal issues.

• Prevalence of non-traditional pathways and student “swirl."
• Inability to transfer credits from one type of institution to another.
• Inability to apply transfer credits to their chosen degree plan.

Prevalence of non-traditional pathways and student “swirl"

The “traditional student," stated Giani (2019), could be a misnomer. This is because a high school graduate who “enrolls directly in a postsecondary institution, attends only that institution, and earns a credential within the recommended timeframe is the exception rather than the rule."

Post-secondary students today are not only more likely to transfer than their peers in previous cohorts. They are also more likely to “complete multiple transfers, reverse transfers (4-year to 2-year), and lateral transfers (e.g., 2-year to 2-year)" (Adelman, 2006 in Giani, 2019).  Transfer credits systems were designed for more traditional transfers. As transfer pathways have become more complex, overseeing bodies like the state and the institution themselves have a hard time keeping up.

Inability to transfer credits from one type of institution to another

Giani cited a 2017 study by the United States Accountability Office (U.S. GAO) that uses the Beginning Post-secondary Students (BPS) longitudinal survey. In it, the office found that students transferring between for-profit and non-profit institutions, whether two-year or four-year colleges, lost more than 90% of their credits on average. Transfers between two two-year public colleges have an average credit loss of 69%. The lowest rate of average credit loss, at 22%, is from the transfers from public two-year to four-year institutions—the traditional transfer route.

Inability to apply transfer credits to their chosen degree plan

While students may be successful in transferring their credits, they do not always get to use them for their chosen degree plan. This is a common problem for many. Giani (2019) suggested that the inability to apply credits or “program credit loss" might just be a bigger issue. In general, transfer students accumulate more credits than students. Citing the study of Belfield and colleagues (2017), Giani (2019) “found that bachelor’s completers who started at a 2-year college attempted 153.8 credits on average compared to 129.1 credits for native students, a difference of approximately one year (24.7 credits) of courses." These data points, even though limited when it comes to qualitative reasons, lend evidence to the potentially greater problem of program credit loss.

Should an Associate Degree Enhance My Transfer Prospects?

Evaluating an associate degree program for transfer purposes goes beyond low tuition—it requires assessing how closely the curriculum aligns with your intended bachelor’s degree requirements. Choosing a program that is recognized for its clear articulation with four-year institutions can mitigate credit loss and streamline your academic progression. Prospective transfer students should verify if the associate degree demonstrates compatibility with major-specific prerequisites and academic standards of their target institution. Additionally, comparing programs that have established transfer networks can offer a smoother transition. Consider reviewing options such as the easiest associates degree that pays well to determine if the program’s curriculum supports your long-term educational and career objectives without unnecessary credit discrepancies.

How to Ensure Transfer Credit

The problem of credit loss is experienced by the majority of transfer students. Most “lose at least some credits at the time of transfer, and only about half of transfer students are able to bring in all or nearly all of their credits to the receiving institution (Giani, 2019)." There are even studies, Giani (2019) found, that show students having lost 90% or more of their credits. The causes for these are very complex and span across different levels: states, institutions, and students themselves. These include state policies and institutional relationships that could be improved.

In U.S. GAO’s (2017) report, Students Need More Information to Help Reduce Challenges in Transferring College Credits, the agency recommended that the Department of Education should “1) require schools to disclose on their websites (a) the list of other schools with which they have articulation agreements and (b) when no such agreements are in place; and (2) provide general transfer information to students and families." However, the Department of Education “disagreed with the first and agreed with the second recommendation." Thus, even though some progress has been achieved, an overarching policy is not attained as of yet.

The specifics of this progress, however, are better not discussed in this article as they are outside of our scope. Instead, we are going to focus on the factors that we can control. That is on the student’s side of the game.

So, how do you ensure transfer credit? The short answer is you cannot fully. There is virtually no way of getting every course you take from one institution to get credited in another. This is especially for major courses. However, there are some rules of thumb that you can follow to help you save as many credits as possible. The best general advice is for you to have a long-term plan and cover all your bases.

1. Have a long-term vision and plan

Firstly, to ensure that most, if not all, of your credits are transferrable, you should have a set idea of what degree you will be gunning for and which school you plan to transfer to, and their transfer policies. In this way, you can create a personalized pathway that will enable you to save on valuable time and resources and graduate on the intended time.

2. Do your research and get help

There are several things that you need to consider in your target school, given the three principal credit loss issues discussed in the previous section. They are:

• What kind of transfer credit is accepted?
• What is the minimum grade to qualify for credits?
• Is there a limit to the transfer credits accepted?
• Will the credits that get accepted count towards my target degree program?

This is because, as implied, institutions evaluate transfer credits according to their own standards. And these standards usually differ from school to school. This information, however, is relatively easy to find. Firstly, you can check your target school’s website. There is a great chance that information about transfer policies and transfer credits are there. Secondly, you can contact the registrar as they oversee the transcription of credits. You, of course, can help this process along by requesting a copy of your transcript from your home institution. In this way, both you and the registrar can see which courses will count towards earning a degree from your target school.

3. Take general education classes

Most, if not all, colleges and universities want students to take courses for their majors from them. So, if you are looking to earn an associate’s degree for a transfer or just taking courses to jump-start your credit requirements, take general education courses. This is because, typically, general education courses are easily transferrable and credited to a target school’s general education requirements. Taking practical or vocational courses have the least chance of getting credit, especially if you want to enroll in an academic track. They can be useful for an associate’s degree or to get a job right after graduation. However, they do not translate well for pursuing an academic major.

If you are aiming for an academic track, take many general education courses that would fit the core curriculum requirements of your target college or university. It is the safest way to go towards getting into a major program at your prospective school. And the one important aspect to knowing which previous credits are transferrable and applicable (again, both are different) is the use of course codes.

4. Get familiar with course codes

What are course codes?   Course codes are tools that colleges and universities use to show the organization of their courses. Course codes can look like ENG 101, ENG 201, and BIO 101.  These codes signify not just the subject area of the course but also the degree of difficulty that determines whether one needs to take prerequisite courses or not. These are made quite easy to understand to aid departments and students alike to plan educational pathways. You can even use this tool yourself when independently evaluating which classes you can take in your home institution may get counted by your prospective school.

There are schools, however, that make it easier for students to assess for themselves without the help of registrars. One of these schools is the University of Arizona. The university provides prospective transfer students with an online transfer tool where they can check for equivalency. Note, however, that transfer tools, typically just cover in-state institutions. It is because the transferability of credits is, to a good degree, influenced by state legislation. Policies can include “common course numbering, common core courses, and transfer-oriented associate’s degrees (Giani, 2019)." And course numbering is one aspect of course codes.

In practice, however, Giani (2019) noted that “these frameworks may be voluntary or may give the state little recourse to enforce compliance even when they are mandatory." So, it is best to check with your target institution through its transfer tool, sample degree plans, and the school’s registrar.

Can Alternative Education Paths Complement Your Credit Transfer Strategy?

In addition to traditional transfer routes, exploring alternative education options may offer flexible pathways toward career advancement. Evaluating vocational programs, certification courses, or skills-based training alongside academic credit transfer initiatives can help diversify your educational portfolio. This strategy enables you to balance theoretical coursework with practical learning that is increasingly valued by employers. For instance, reviewing the trade school careers list can provide insight into lucrative opportunities aligned with non-traditional academic credentials.

How College Course Codes Work

How do transfer credits work? College course codes provide students with clues on what courses get transfer credits. The course codes usually have two elements:  the prefix and the course numbering. They signify the subject area, the level of difficulty, and are attached to the proper course name and its description. These can vary from institution to institution. They are used to construct a school’s entire course catalog. No two courses have the same course code. They are usually determined by the State Department of Education level to ensure transferability.

Now, let us discuss how to use course codes to help determine transfer credits.

Course Prefix

Examples of course prefixes are ENG, BIO, MAT, and CS. They are usually abbreviations or acronyms of the subject areas. In those examples, you can easily infer that ENG stands for English, BIO stands for biology, and MAT stands for mathematics. CS, in many schools, usually stands for computer science. The course prefix is very useful in knowing if two courses are given by the same department. They also let you know what course can be credited for your minor, major, or general requirements. So, if you need three MAT classes for your major, you need to take courses with an MAT course prefix.

Course Numbers

Course numbers are the second part of course codes. Most of the time, they are three digits long. Examples are 101, 201, 301, and 401. These, however, vary from one institution to another. The basic thing to understand, however, is that they signify course level and difficulty. Normally, they are:

Some institutions use four digits like 1000, 2000, and so on. However, the first digit is the most useful to look at. This is because, in general, most institutions represent the increasing level of specialization (and difficulty) of their courses using ascending numbers starting from the first digit. The higher the number is, the more prerequisite classes are needed to take it.

Moreover, there are also 500-level and 600-level classes that are for graduate students. Some seminars and other special types of credit-earning classes usually have different numerical codes as well.

Course Names and Course Descriptions

These are probably the most important parts of the course catalogs. While course prefixes and course numbers indicate which department supervises the course and the course level respectively, course names and course descriptions show you more specific information. So, for instance, BIO 101 can stand for General Biology 1, its course name. A course description usually gives a cursory look at the topics covered, the methods of delivery, and the importance of the course. An example would be:

From the table, you can see that some course names can have different course codes. Usually, as discussed, course prefixes signify which department supervises the course. However, it can also be based on the major program a student is enrolled in. This ultimately depends on the institution. This is why course names and descriptions are very important. The course prefix and numbering can only tell so much.

For instance, MCDB 320a and NSCI 320a are both neurobiology courses. The former, however, is for molecular, cellular, and developmental biology (MCDB) majors supervised by the MCDB department. On the other hand, NSCI 320a is also a neurobiology course for an interdisciplinary neuroscience major program where the MCDB department is a co-sponsor of the program together with the Department of Psychology (PSYC). Also, the faculties supervising could overlap or even be one and the same.

The same course code can also be used by the same institutions but their course names can be different. For instance, the course code would be ENG 101 for two separate institutions. For institution A, ENG 101 is Writing 1. On the other hand, the course name is English Composition 1. While both have different names, the course description can be the same. Thus, taking ENG 101 from institution A is highly likely to get credited by institution B and vice versa. Of course, the likelihood of getting transfer credits is much higher if the course names and descriptions match.

How Do Federal and State Regulations Influence Transfer Credit Policies?

Federal and state guidelines directly impact the design of transfer credit systems by setting standards for course equivalency, credit recognition, and articulation agreements. Institutions must align their policies with regulatory requirements, which can affect the acceptance rate of transfer credits and mitigate credit loss. Being aware of these regulatory frameworks empowers students to navigate complex credit-transfer processes and strategically select institutions that comply with evolving education policies. This informed approach not only protects your academic trajectory but also accelerates access to opportunities in quick careers.

How Are Online Course Credentials Evaluated for Transfer Credits?

Institutions often assess online coursework based on accreditation status, curriculum rigor, and alignment with traditional academic standards. Prospective transfer students should verify that their online courses meet clearly defined learning objectives and equivalency criteria established by their target institution. Coordinating with academic advisors and consulting institutional transfer policies can help ensure that online academic experiences are recognized. For example, exploring accredited programs such as easy master degree online can provide clarity on quality benchmarks and facilitate smoother credit evaluation.

What should you know about financial aid options when transferring between institutions?

Transferring to a four-year institution can bring financial changes that may affect your eligibility for scholarships, grants, or federal financial aid. Understanding and navigating these changes can help you make a smoother financial transition.

• Research Institutional Scholarships: Some universities offer scholarships specifically for transfer students, such as merit-based awards or need-based grants. Check the financial aid section of your target institution’s website to learn about these opportunities and application deadlines.
• Understand Federal and State Aid Requirements: When transferring, your financial aid eligibility may change based on the credit hours you've already completed. It’s essential to know if your new school has requirements for satisfactory academic progress (SAP) that may affect federal and state aid eligibility.
• Consult on Pell Grant Eligibility: If you’ve been receiving a Pell Grant, understand that it has a six-year limit for full-time enrollment. Ensure you know how much eligibility remains and check how the transfer might impact your grant, especially if your course load will change.
• Apply for Transfer-Specific Grants: Some states and institutions provide grants for students transferring from community colleges to four-year universities. These funds can help cover costs that your financial aid package may not.
• Submit a FAFSA Update: Ensure that your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) information is updated to include your new institution. This allows the new school’s financial aid office to consider you for aid based on your current financial information.
• Ask About Work-Study Programs: Many four-year institutions offer work-study opportunities that weren’t available at community colleges. This program can help you offset tuition costs by working part-time on campus while continuing your studies.

How Do Articulation Agreements Facilitate Seamless Credit Transfer?

Articulation agreements are formal arrangements between institutions that establish clearly defined course equivalencies, ensuring that credits earned at one school meet the specific requirements of another. These agreements minimize ambiguity in the transfer process and help prevent substantial credit loss by outlining which courses will count toward degree completion. Students are advised to verify the existence and specifics of any articulation agreement before enrolling in courses at a community college to align their academic progress with advanced study pathways. For those considering further specialization, reviewing these agreements may also clarify how to transition into graduate-level pursuits, including options like online PsyD programs, while safeguarding the value of their completed coursework.

How Can You Assess the Long-Term Value of Your Transfer Credits?

When evaluating your transfer strategy, it is important to measure how each course contributes to your long-term career objectives. Analyze whether the course content aligns with current industry standards, addresses skills in high demand, and supports progression in your chosen field. Incorporate insights from market research and employer feedback to determine if a course adds measurable value to your academic profile and future earning potential. For additional guidance, consider reviewing programs known for balancing academic rigor with favorable employment outcomes, such as easy degrees that pay well.

Can Transfer Credits Support Your Pursuit of Graduate Studies?

Graduate admissions committees often evaluate the rigor of your academic background, including the quality and alignment of previously earned credits. In some cases, a well-planned transfer strategy can help demonstrate your preparedness for advanced coursework by showcasing a solid foundation in core disciplines. This approach may be particularly beneficial when considering alternative graduate pathways where traditional academic metrics are complemented by comprehensive portfolios. For instance, candidates interested in non-dissertation doctoral programs might benefit from a diverse academic record, as these programs tend to value flexible criteria and practical expertise alongside conventional prerequisites.

Follow Through on Your Transfer Credit Request

Once you have laid out your goals, have done your research, and have a plan in place, it is time to follow through. However, keep in mind that there could be hiccups along the way. As the statistical data have shown, many students still lose a lot of potential transfer credits due to many factors. Thus, one should temper their expectations. But there are ways to make you more successful. They involve social skills.

The best way to ensure that most, if not all, of your community college courses will get credited by your target school for transfer is to ask for guidance along the way. Follow-through not just on your original plan but make a few calls and inquiries as you go from semester to semester. You can build good relationships with your home institution’s registrar, guidance counselor, and even your target school’s faculty and admissions office. In this way, you will not only have a good network source of information but also good advisors and potential mentors.

Community colleges offer a way to affordable college degrees. For further reading, you can also check free college education statistics and learn how this concept is helping shape higher education across the globe.

Key Insights

• Growing Popularity: Enrollment in community colleges has surged since the 1970s, with a significant increase of 146% from 1970 to 2019. This trend underscores the growing appeal of community colleges for their affordability and accessibility.
• Affordability: Community colleges offer a cost-effective pathway to higher education, with average annual tuition and fees of $3,770 compared to $10,560 for in-state tuition at four-year public colleges. This cost difference makes community colleges an attractive option for many students.
• Accessibility: Almost every state in the U.S. has at least one public community college, with a median of 14 and an average of 16.7 community colleges per state, making higher education accessible to a broader population.
• Transfer Credits: Successfully transferring credits from community colleges to four-year institutions can be complex due to varying transfer policies. Understanding course codes and degree program requirements is essential for maximizing credit transfer.
• Credit Loss Issues: Students often face credit loss when transferring, with significant variability depending on the type of institutions involved. Traditional transfers (from two-year to four-year public colleges) tend to have lower credit loss rates.
• Planning and Research: Effective planning and thorough research into transfer policies and course requirements at target institutions are crucial for minimizing credit loss and ensuring a smooth transfer process.
• Course Codes: Familiarity with course codes, which indicate subject areas and levels of difficulty, is vital for understanding which courses are likely to be transferable and applicable to degree programs at four-year institutions.
• Social Skills and Networking: Building relationships with registrars, guidance counselors, and faculty members can provide valuable guidance and support throughout the transfer process, increasing the likelihood of successful credit transfer.

FAQ

1. What is the main advantage of starting at a community college? The main advantage of starting at a community college is the cost savings. Community colleges offer significantly lower tuition and fees compared to four-year institutions, allowing students to complete general education requirements and potentially earn an associate degree at a fraction of the cost.
2. How can I ensure that my credits will transfer to a four-year university? To ensure your credits will transfer, you should research the transfer policies of your target four-year university, understand the course codes and degree requirements, and plan your coursework accordingly. It's also helpful to consult with academic advisors and use any available transfer tools provided by the university.
3. What are course codes, and why are they important? Course codes are alphanumeric identifiers assigned to courses, indicating the subject area and level of difficulty. They are important because they help determine whether a course from one institution is equivalent to a course at another institution, which affects credit transferability.
4. Why do some students experience credit loss when transferring? Students may experience credit loss due to differences in transfer policies between institutions, non-equivalent coursework, and the inability to apply transferred credits to their chosen degree plan. This issue is more common in transfers between for-profit and non-profit institutions or between different types of institutions.
5. What steps can I take to minimize credit loss? To minimize credit loss, plan your coursework with transferability in mind, choose general education courses that are more likely to be accepted, and consult with academic advisors at both your current and target institutions. Regularly review and update your transfer plan as needed.
6. Can I transfer credits from a community college to any four-year university? While many four-year universities accept transfer credits from community colleges, policies vary by institution. It's essential to research specific transfer agreements and policies at your target university to ensure your credits will be accepted.
7. What are articulation agreements? Articulation agreements are formal agreements between two or more colleges and universities outlining specific courses and programs that will transfer seamlessly from one institution to another. These agreements help streamline the transfer process and reduce credit loss.
8. How do I find out if my target university has an articulation agreement with my community college? You can find out if your target university has an articulation agreement with your community college by checking the university's website, consulting with academic advisors, or contacting the admissions office. Many institutions provide lists of partner schools and specific transfer pathways.
9. What role do general education courses play in the transfer process? General education courses are foundational courses required for most degree programs. They are often more easily transferable between institutions because they cover broad, introductory topics. Completing these courses at a community college can help ensure you meet general education requirements at your target university.
10. What should I include in my transfer plan? Your transfer plan should include your target degree and university, a list of transferable courses and their equivalents at the target institution, a timeline for completing your coursework, and regular consultations with academic advisors to ensure you stay on track and make any necessary adjustments.

References:

• Adelman, c. (2006). The toolbox revisited: Paths to degree completion from high school through college. U.S. Department of Education.
• American Association of Community Colleges. (2017, September 17). Fast facts. AACC. Retrieved October 28, 2021, from AACC.
• Belfield, C., Fink, J., & Jenkins, P. D. (2017). Is it really cheaper to start at a community college? The consequences of inefficient transfer for community college students seeking bachelor’s degrees. Community College Research Center.
• Giani, M. S. (2019). The correlates of credit loss: How demographics, pre-transfer academics, and institutions relate to the loss of credits for vertical transfer students. Research in Higher Education, 60(8), 1113-1141. Springer.
• National Center for Education Statistics. (2021, January 31). Digest of education statistics 2020. Statista.
• United States Government Accountability Office. (2017, August 14). Higher education: Students need more information to help reduce challenges in transferring college credits. U.S. GAO.