Best Online Colleges that Accept Transfer Credits for 2025

by Imed Bouchrika, Phd

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

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What can I expect from attending an online college that accepts transfer credits?

You can expect a straightforward process that happens in two main phases. First, the college's admissions team will conduct an official evaluation of your prior transcripts to determine exactly which credits they can accept. A dedicated transfer advisor is your key partner here, and they will help you navigate this process before you even enroll.

Once you're admitted, you can expect a flexible and self-directed learning environment. Reputable online programs aren't just a collection of videos; they are structured academic experiences with clear deadlines, accessible instructors, and robust technical support. It requires good time management, but it's designed for the realities of a working adult's schedule.

Where can I work with a degree from an online college that accepts transfer credits?

You can work in the exact same fields and roles as someone with a degree from an on-campus program. When a college is regionally accredited, the degree holds the same weight with employers regardless of how you attended classes. Your diploma won't say "online," it will simply name your degree and your university.

Hiring managers today are focused on your skills, your knowledge, and the quality of your credentialing institution—not the delivery format. The widespread adoption of remote work has made employers even more comfortable with online platforms, making this a non-issue for your career prospects.

How much can I make with a degree from an online college that accepts transfer credits?

Your earning potential is tied to your field of study and career path, not the fact that you earned your degree online. A bachelor's degree in engineering or nursing, for example, will command a certain salary range whether you completed the coursework on a campus or from your home office.

The key is that finishing your degree unlocks that next tier of earning potential. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median weekly earnings for a full-time worker with a bachelor's degree is $1,737. This financial step-up is the direct return on your investment.

Popular College Degrees Worth Considering in 2025

1. Business Administration

A business administration degree provides versatile skills in management, finance, and operations. It’s one of the most popular choices for students seeking leadership roles across industries.

2. Psychology

Psychology degrees explore human behavior, research, and mental processes. They prepare students for careers in counseling, research, and organizational development.

3. Counseling

Counseling programs train students to support individuals and communities with mental health and personal challenges. They often lead to careers in clinical settings, schools, or community organizations.

4. Nursing

Nursing degrees prepare students for essential roles in healthcare, blending clinical expertise with patient-centered care. This field offers strong job security and diverse career paths.

5. Social Work

Social work degrees focus on advocacy, community engagement, and direct service to individuals in need. Graduates often pursue roles in healthcare, education, and social service agencies.

List of the Best Online Colleges that Accept Transfer Credits for 2025

Finding the right school can be overwhelming, especially for adult learners or those returning to education after years in the workforce. Many students are also balancing jobs, families, or specialized career goals—whether that means choosing programs connected to healthcare or even the best degrees for working with animals.

1. Arizona State University Online

Arizona State University Online offers a robust academic experience from a top-ranked public research university, allowing students to transfer credits from both two-year and four-year institutions. The university is dedicated to providing broad access to quality education, preparing graduates for success in a global workforce.

• Program Length: Varies by program
• Required Credits to Graduate: ~120
• Cost per Credit: $641-749
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

2. Charter Oak State College

Charter Oak State College is Connecticut's public online college, designed to help working adults complete their degrees affordably and flexibly. The institution offers a generous transfer policy and specializes in validating prior learning, making it an excellent choice for students with significant life and work experience.

• Program Length: Varies by program
• Required Credits to Graduate: ~120
• Cost per Credit: $329
• Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)

3. Excelsior University

Excelsior University is a not-for-profit online institution focused on providing educational opportunities for adult learners from every background. With a highly flexible credit transfer policy, Excelsior designs personalized plans to help students finish their degrees and achieve their professional goals efficiently.

• Program Length: Varies by program
• Required Credits to Graduate: ~120
• Cost per Credit: $510
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

4. Franklin University

Franklin University has specialized in serving adult learners for over a century, offering a streamlined transfer process designed for maximum efficiency. As a nonprofit institution, it provides an employer-respected education that allows students to transfer up to 75% of their bachelor's degree credits.

• Program Length: Varies by program
• Required Credits to Graduate: ~120
• Cost per Credit: $398
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

5. Purdue University Global

Purdue University Global delivers a personalized online education tailored to the unique needs of working adults who have professional and life experience. The university values prior learning and offers a comprehensive credit transfer process to help students find the fastest, most affordable path to a respected degree.

• Program Length: Varies by program
• Required Quarter Credits to Graduate: 180
• Cost per Credit: $371
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

6. Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit institution known for its innovative and accessible online programs that serve a large and diverse student body. The university offers a generous transfer policy, allowing students to apply up to 90 credits toward their degree to save time and money.

• Program Length: Varies by program
• Required Credits to Graduate: ~120
• Cost per Credit: $330
• Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)

7. University of Phoenix

University of Phoenix is built for busy, ambitious adults, offering flexible online learning with a focus on career-relevant skills. The university is highly transfer-friendly, accepting credits from thousands of schools and evaluating life experience to help students get the credit they deserve.

• Program Length: Varies by program
• Required Credits to Graduate: ~120
• Cost per Credit: $398
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

8. Western Governors University

Western Governors University is a nonprofit online institution founded on a competency-based model that allows students to accelerate their progress based on demonstrated skills. WGU's flat-rate tuition and flexible credit transfer policies provide an affordable and personalized pathway for students to complete their degrees.

• Program Length: Varies by program and student pace
• Required Competency Units to Graduate: Varies by program (approx. 120)
• Six-Month Flat-Rate Tuition: $3,755 - $4,590 (undergraduate)
• Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)

How long does it take to complete a degree program at an online college that accepts transfer credits?

The time it takes to finish your degree depends entirely on how many credits you transfer in and the school's specific policies. A good rule of thumb is that transferring 60 credits—the equivalent of an associate degree—can cut the time to finish a bachelor's degree in half, from four years down to two.

The key term you need to know is the "residency requirement." This is the minimum number of credits you must earn at the new institution to get a degree from them. It's usually around 30 credits, or one year of full-time study. This policy is why you can't just transfer 110 credits and finish in a single semester.

More Students Are Taking Longer to Graduate

It's important to have a realistic perspective on degree timelines. The idea of a standard four-year path is becoming less common as more students work and manage other responsibilities while in school. This shift normalizes the experience of adult learners and transfer students.

Recent data shows this trend clearly, with a significant portion of students taking more than the traditional four years to complete their bachelor's degree. This reality resonates with students considering flexible professional programs like best online mha programs with no GRE requirement, which similarly accommodate working adults and nontraditional learners.

How does an online program at a transfer-credit-accepting college compare to an on-campus program?

When the institution is regionally accredited, an online degree is the same as its on-campus counterpart. The academic standards, curriculum, and diploma you receive are equivalent; the only difference is the method of delivery. What changes is not the quality of education, but how you experience it.

Online programs require greater self-discipline and time management. You gain flexibility to learn on your own schedule, but you trade the built-in structure of in-person classes for the responsibility of staying on track. Employers often view success in this format as proof that you are motivated, independent, and capable of managing complex responsibilities.

Online learning is now part of the mainstream in higher education. The idea that it is a lesser option is outdated and no longer reflects the reality of today’s universities or the job market. In fact, 61% of all undergraduates took at least one online course in fall 2021, and students can use resources like the FAFSA to help fund their degrees at accredited online colleges that accept transfer credits. This acceptance has grown in the same way people now ask practical questions such as how does teletherapy work—acknowledging online formats as legitimate, effective, and increasingly preferred.

What is the average cost of attending an online college that accepts transfer credits?

The total cost will almost always be lower than starting from scratch, because the main savings come from paying for fewer credits. Think of it this way: if you transfer 60 credits, you have eliminated half the tuition cost of a four-year degree right from the start.

Per-credit costs can vary widely between public and private schools, but your biggest financial win comes from maximizing the number of credits you bring with you. When reviewing programs in our list, remember that any costs shown are specific to that school and not a market-wide average. Your personal cost will depend on your unique situation.

The True Cost of a Traditional Degree

To understand the value of your transfer credits, it helps to see the big picture. The total investment for a traditional four-year degree can be substantial, reinforcing why using your existing credits is such a powerful financial strategy.

Managing this cost is one of the biggest challenges students face. By transferring credits, you are directly reducing the principal amount of your educational investment, which can significantly lower or even eliminate the need for student loans. This financial calculation is much like weighing professional paths—such as asking is a DNP worth it for nurse practitioners—where the return on investment depends heavily on time, cost, and career outcomes.

What are the financial aid options for students enrolling in an online college that accepts transfer credits?

Yes, as a transfer student, you are absolutely eligible for the same types of financial aid as first-time students. The most important step is to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This single form determines your eligibility for federal grants, work-study programs, and student loans.

Many schools also offer specific scholarships for transfer students, and exploring resources such as Scholarships for Online Students can make your education even more affordable. You can apply for this aid as soon as you are accepted into a program.

A Quick Note on Eligibility

One key detail for transfer students is "Satisfactory Academic Progress," or SAP. To remain eligible for federal aid, you need to show that you are successfully completing your coursework. If you had academic challenges at a previous school, an admissions counselor can help you understand the specific policies and what you need to do to qualify.

What are the prerequisites for enrolling in an online college that accepts transfer credits?

The main prerequisite is having existing credits from a regionally accredited college or university. This is the most important factor for a smooth transfer, as credits from unaccredited institutions are rarely accepted. Most schools will also want to see your official transcripts from every college you've previously attended.

Many transfer-friendly schools are more focused on your potential than on a perfect academic history. While some competitive programs may have a specific GPA requirement, many admissions departments look at applicants holistically, considering work history and life experience. An older, lower GPA may not be a barrier.

What if my credits are old?

For many fields, the age of your credits doesn't matter. However, for rapidly changing fields like technology or nursing, some of your core science and tech courses may need to have been completed within the last 5-10 years to be eligible for transfer. It's a key question to ask when you speak with an advisor about online colleges that accept transfer credits.

What courses are typically offered at online colleges that accept transfer credits?

You can expect to see a standard degree structure with a mix of general education requirements and courses specific to your major. The great advantage for you is that the credits you transfer in will likely satisfy most of your general education courses, like composition, math, history, and basic sciences.

This allows you to focus almost immediately on the core coursework for your chosen field. In some cases, schools have "articulation agreements" with community colleges, which guarantee that specific courses will count directly toward your major. This is common for students pursuing an accelerated online bachelor's degree for early childhood education who have already completed foundational coursework.

What degree programs are typically available at online colleges that accept transfer credits?

You will find a wide range of high-demand and popular degree programs. The old idea that only a few niche programs were available to transfer students is long gone. Today, universities offer their most marketable degrees in flexible online formats to attract experienced students like you.

This includes top fields like business administration, nursing (RN-to-BSN), computer science, and psychology. You will also find many options in education, criminal justice, and communications. Many schools now also provide fast-track online graphic design degrees and other creative or technical programs designed for a seamless transfer.

Popular Fields of Study for Bachelor's Graduates

The programs most widely available to transfer students align directly with the most popular fields in higher education. This ensures your degree is relevant to the current job market. Data on recent graduates shows a clear concentration in business, healthcare, and STEM fields, all of which are well-served by transfer-friendly online programs.

How to Choose the Best Online College that Accepts Transfer Credits

The best way to choose is to perform a "Strategic Credit Audit." This simple process puts you in control and ensures you find a quality program that maximizes the value of your existing credits.

• Gather your assets. Collect unofficial transcripts from every college you’ve attended so you have a complete record of your work.
• Research key policies. Focus on regional accreditation, transfer credit limits, and the school's residency requirement.
• Verify before you apply. Contact an admissions advisor, share your transcripts, and ask for an unofficial credit evaluation to avoid any surprises.

This methodical approach is your best defense against predatory schools and is the most reliable way to choose between online colleges that accept transfer credits. For some students, this process reveals that the fastest interdisciplinary studies degree online is the most efficient path, as it can accommodate the widest range of previous coursework.

What career paths are available for graduates of online colleges?

Graduates from accredited online colleges are prepared for the exact same career paths as their on-campus counterparts. Completing your degree is the key that unlocks professional roles and leadership opportunities across high-demand sectors.

• Business and Management: Roles in project management, human resources, marketing, and operations analysis.
• Healthcare and Social Services: Positions in healthcare administration, public health, and clinical support for those with the right credentials.
• Technology and Information Systems: Careers in cybersecurity, database administration, software development, and network support.
• Education and Training: Opportunities to work in corporate training, instructional design, or as a foundation for teacher certification.

The degree proves your expertise and opens doors. For instance, a business degree can be a great foundation for a specialized field, like pursuing a fast-track online sports management bachelor's degree. As the data shows, a bachelor's degree also directly correlates with higher earnings.

What is the job market outlook for online college graduates?

The job market outlook for workers with a bachelor's degree is very strong. The modern economy is built on knowledge and skills, and holding a four-year degree remains one of the most reliable differentiators for long-term career stability and growth. Employers consistently seek candidates with the critical thinking and problem-solving abilities developed during a bachelor's program, positioning you as a more competitive candidate.

Beyond your first job after graduation, a bachelor’s degree is often a prerequisite for career advancement and a necessary foundation for further education. For example, an undergraduate degree is the perfect launchpad for an accelerated online master's degree special education, opening up new and impactful career pathways. Projections show that the U.S. economy will continue to add millions of jobs that require this level of education, confirming that your investment is a secure one.

Here’s What Graduates Have to Say about Their Online Colleges that Accept Transfer Credits

Other Things You Should Know About Online Colleges that Accept Transfer Credits

What is the maximum number of credits I can transfer?

The maximum number of credits you can transfer to an online college is typically between 60 and 90 credits toward a bachelor's degree. Most universities have a "residency requirement," which means you must complete a minimum number of credits at their institution, usually around 30, in order to earn a degree from them.

Do college credits expire?

In most cases, college credits for general education courses like English, math, or history do not expire. However, for degree programs in fast-moving fields like nursing or information technology, schools may require core courses to have been completed within the last 5 to 10 years to ensure the knowledge is current.

Is there a difference between regional and national accreditation?

Yes, there is a major difference. Regional accreditation is the most widely accepted and respected standard for four-year colleges and universities. Credits from regionally accredited schools are almost always transferable to other regionally accredited institutions. National accreditation is common for career, vocational, or for-profit schools.

Can I transfer credits from a nationally accredited college to a regionally accredited one?

It is often very difficult to transfer credits from a nationally accredited school to a regionally accredited one. Most regionally accredited universities will not accept credits earned at a nationally accredited institution. This is a critical point to verify, as it can significantly impact your ability to transfer in the future.