10 Best Online Colleges that Accept Transfer Credits in 2025-26

Looking to switch schools without losing progress? Discover the best online colleges that accept transfer credits in 2025–26. Some online colleges are making waves by offering transfer-friendly policies that save you time, money, and frustration. For a variety of reasons, students frequently move between schools and universities. You might decide to switch to a better program at another university, or decide you want to finish a degree you started. These 10 best online colleges that accept transfer credits could be your fast track to graduation.

Approximately 2.1 million students change colleges and institutions annually, according to Forbes Magazine. According to data released by the National Center for Education Statistics, 1,243,471 transfer students were enrolled in 3,443 schools. Roughly one-third of college and university students change schools.

According to the National Association of College Admission Counseling, roughly 66% of students transfer institutions; hence, transfer admissions procedures are made to facilitate the move as much as feasible. Transfer hour calculators are available on school websites, allowing students to determine which courses would be affected and for how many hours. Although it’s not always the case, transfer institutions may be more competitive than first-time college entrance. Some schools actively seek transfer students. The school determines everything.

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Why Should I Transfer Schools?

Transferring schools makes sense in several circumstances. Furthermore, these are by no means the only explanations:

• You are ready to enroll in a four-year university to finish your bachelor’s degree after earning your associate’s degree.
• It’s possible that the COVID pandemic led you to look for a degree program online rather than on campus.
• You have chosen to switch majors, and there is a better program at another university.
• You seek a degree completion program because you started your degree but, for whatever reason, never finished it.
• For example, you hold an RN diploma but wish to obtain a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree to increase your work prospects.

Does Earning an Associate’s Degree Qualify Me as a Transfer Applicant?

According to Columbia University’s Community College Research Center, 80% of community college students plan to pursue a bachelor’s degree; thus, there are strong reasons why more and more students are starting their college journeys with an associate degree. Associate degrees enable you to enroll in a university as a third-year student and often receive required general education courses completed at a reduced (if not free) tuition cost.

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What Do I Need to Become a Transfer Student?

First, you should always inquire about the requirements of the transfer school you are interested in. For financial aid consideration at the new school, you will often need to apply for admission as a transfer student, provide transcripts from your current (and previous) school or schools, and update your FAFSA. You won’t need to submit your ACT or SAT results to transfer to many colleges. To determine whether a transfer makes sense for your objectives and what actions you should take, you should schedule a meeting with an admissions advisor.

Will All My Grades Transfer?

Most likely not. Colleges and universities have varied requirements for classes, and not all courses are made equal. Courses in the lower category usually transfer more readily than those in the upper division. Some schools may have minimum criteria, and many will have a maximum number of hours that can be transferred (usually 60 credit hours, but it can be higher).

You should look for any articulation agreements between your present school and your transfer institution if you’re moving from a community college to a university. Formal agreements for course evaluation between community colleges and universities are known as articulation agreements. To help you understand what will transfer and how many hours, the website of the school you wish to attend might have a transfer calculator.

When Can I Transfer?

Are you thinking about changing schools? Maybe you’re simply seeking a change, or perhaps you’ve discovered a superior academic program. Whatever your motivation, it’s critical to understand that students frequently have the choice to transfer.

Generally speaking, you can transfer whenever you’d like. Even though the majority of online universities that accept transfer credits welcome transfer students all year long, it’s a good idea to check the admission office’s transfer policy. You can be sure you’re choosing the best course of action for your education and future by doing this. However, some institutions only accept transfer students during the fall semester or quarter, so be sure to verify with the school.

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10 Best Online Colleges That Accept Transfer Credits

1. Arizona State University

One of the best online colleges that accept transfer credits is Arizona State University. With its cutting-edge programs, national rankings, and dedication to students’ success, ASU Online has a lot to offer. More than 41,000 students can choose from 138 undergraduate degree programs offered by ASU Online. With a thorough catalog and 140 well-regarded online degrees, you are sure to find a program that will meet your specific requirements for a BS or BA.

Because of its easy transfer process and generous acceptance of 64 semester hours, we rank this school among the top 10 for transfer students. Nearly 72% of ASU students transfer from another school with an associate degree or at least 12 credits of post-secondary education. You will be assisted by an enrollment coach during the four-step transfer procedure at the institution. In addition to using MyPath2ASUTM, which automatically assesses transfer courses, you should be sure to talk about how to submit your FAFSA for financial aid consideration.

2. California State University-Fullerton

A degree completion program in sociology, business administration, and the humanities and social sciences available at California State University-Fullerton made it one of the best online colleges that accept transfer credits. The Extension and International Programs division of the Professional Development department of the institution offers this “best 10” program. You can only transfer as an upper-division student because this is a degree completion program.

It’s not too difficult to transfer lower-division coursework from an authorized school. To be admitted, you must have a minimum GPA of 2.0 and 60 transferable semester hours (90 quarter hours). Thirty of the sixty hours must be completed in general education classes with a minimum grade of “C.” CSUF mandates what it refers to as “The Golden Four”: courses in math and quantitative reasoning, critical thinking, and oral and written communication. Financial aid is not available for the degree completion track because it is a Professional Development program.

3. Florida International University

One of the best online colleges that accept transfer credits is Florida International University, without a doubt. You can enroll in one of FIU’s undergraduate programs with the knowledge that its online bachelor’s (and graduate) programs are nationally recognized. Computer technology, business administration, health services, marketing, and psychology are among the fields in which you can obtain a BA or BS. Are you passionate about nursing? An online RN to BSN program is offered by FIU.

As with other transfer programs, you must have completed at least 60 credit hours of lower-division undergraduate coursework from a regionally accredited institution. You will immediately meet transfer criteria if you have an associate’s degree from a Florida college. Prerequisites may be necessary to earn an Associate Degree from a recognized school outside of Florida. You will most likely need to finish certain courses to get admitted if you have fewer than 60 transfer credits.

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4. Liberty University

This liberal arts, evangelical institution was founded in Virginia in 1971 by Reverend Jerry Falwell. In addition to having several accreditations for its programs, Liberty University is regarded as one of the best online colleges that accept transfer credits in the country. Psychology, criminal justice, elementary education, social work, information technology, and other fields are among the top 10 online bachelor’s programs offered by the university. Online courses are flexible and taught by professors with professional experience in their disciplines.

In addition to offering a generous 75% transfer of course credits (or 90 credit hours), Liberty University also accepts military experience, on-the-job training, and other training as transfer credits. To help you determine how many hours you might be able to transfer, the school offers a useful online transfer credit calculator. The Tau Sigma National Honor Society, of which LU is a member, honors the academic achievement of transfer students. Transfer students make up 80% of Liberty University’s online student body.

5. University of Central Florida

The University of Central Florida offers more than 20 undergraduate online degrees, including those in criminal justice, history, English, health services administration, social services, and health informatics. Psychology, Anthropology, and Nursing are three of the most well-liked online programs. If you are transferring from a two-year, approved university, this might be one of the best online colleges that accept transfer credits. UCF routinely ranks among the top universities in the country for both its online undergraduate programs for veterans and its undergraduate online bachelor’s degrees.

UCF has easy transfer procedures and is committed to your success. You may apply as a transfer student if you have completed 12 credits at an approved post-secondary school. With a Success Coach to guide you through the process, UCF is ready to make your transfer to the institution as smooth as possible. For transfer students, UCF accepts applications on a rolling basis and tells you when all necessary paperwork has been received. You can check your admission status online using the myUCF portal. For eligible students, UCF Online provides loans and scholarships.

6. University of Florida

When it comes to online colleges that accept transfer credits, the University of Florida Online is a serious player. It has been ranked #1 in Online Bachelor’s Programs for 2022 by U.S. News and World Report, among other national rankings. There are 19 undergraduate degrees available, including criminology, fire and emergency services, sport management, nursing, and health education.

If you fulfill the standards for admission, UF will accept both lower- and upper-division transfer students. Lower-division transfers typically require 12–59 transferred credits, upper-division transfers require at least 60 credit hours, and students with bachelor’s degrees are regarded as second-degree students and must have a GPA of at least 2.0 to be considered. Some majors could have extra prerequisites.

It is among the most reasonably priced online schools in the US ($129–$552 per credit hour). Make sure to inquire about how to get help at UF-Online and whether you qualify for financial aid. You might be eligible for the Free Seat Program if you are an active duty member, a military veteran, a nontraditional student, or a member of the Florida National Guard.

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7. University of Houston

The University of Houston has been a Tier One institution in Texas since 1927, and since 1953, it has provided high-quality distance learning courses. Eleven online schools offer undergraduate degrees in a variety of majors. Psychology, Business Administration, and Nursing (RN to BSN) are among the fields in which UH provides both BA and BS degrees. Completing a degree requires 120 credit hours, as is the case with many colleges and institutions.

This institution takes pride as one of the best online colleges that accept transfer credits from thousands of colleges and universities around the nation, and in having an easy transfer process. Regionally approved colleges and universities require a maximum of 66 credit hours of lower-division courses for transfer (upper-division credits have no credit restriction). To find out which of your courses will count toward your degree, you should utilize the Transfer Credit Estimator provided by the school. Academic transcripts and an application (the Common Application or ApplyTexas) are required for transfer. There are virtual admissions consultants on hand to assist.

8. University of Maryland Global Campus

This Maryland university has been providing global distance learning options for more than 70 years, and according to U.S. News and World Report, it has the most transfer student enrollment in 2022. Given its past, you are aware of the University of Maryland Global Campus’s comprehensive and accommodating transfer policy. UMGC grants degrees in 44 fields, including history, psychology, web and digital design, finance, marketing, health services management, and homeland security.

UMGC accepts professional experience, military training, and up to 45-90 hours of transfer credits from recognized institutions. making it one of the best online colleges that accept transfer credits. A minimum GPA of 2.0 and academic transcripts are necessary. Vocational and technical education can also earn credits. Make sure to look at UMGC’s community college alliance’s Dual Enrollment and Reverse Transfer opportunities.

9. University of North Carolina at Greensboro

You ought to explore the University of North Carolina at Greensboro Online’s online bachelor’s degrees, as one of the best online colleges that accept transfer credits, it has an 88% acceptance rate for transfer credits. UNC-G Online provides over 11 online degrees, is transfer-friendly, and has been ranked as one of the top online bachelor’s programs by U.S. News and World Report. Accounting, RN to BSN, Public Health Education, Human Development, Peace and Conflict Studies, and other disciplines are available for selection.

After completing 24 credits from an approved college or institution, or after taking placement examinations, you will be classified as a transfer student (less than 24 credits designates you as a Transfer Freshman). Academic transcripts are examined by a committed group of transfer experts (Transfer Advising Specialists) at UNC-G to ascertain their UNC-G equivalent. It is recommended that you utilize the yearly virtual Transfer Information Program, which allows you to speak with admission counselors, financial aid consultants, and Transfer Advising Specialists.

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10. University of North Texas

You can obtain your BA or BS from the University of North Texas Online (UNT), which is frequently ranked as one of the best online colleges that accept transfer credits, with online degree programs in Criminal Justice, Information Sciences, Rehabilitation Studies, General Business, etc. According to College Consensus, it is among the best universities in the country for taking transfers.

Transferring to UNT is a reasonably easy procedure that may be completed primarily online. You can take up to 44 college credits of transfer courses. You will apply for admission as a transfer student if you have college credit from another recognized institution but do not currently have a four-year degree. You have up to a year before you want to enroll as a transfer student to apply via Common App or TexasApply. The earlier you apply for financial help, the better. On its website, the school provides a brief list of its priority dates.

Can I Transfer My Financial Aid?

You can, indeed. Maintaining communication with the financial aid offices at both your current institution and the one you’re moving to will be crucial. You could have to return some financial aid money you received from the school you’re leaving. You must amend your FAFSA form and confirm that the new school is eligible for federal financial aid. Find out when the new school’s financial aid deadline is, and inquire about any scholarships that might be offered, particularly for transfer students.

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Started a Degree But Didn’t Finish? Find Out If You’re Considered a Transfer Student

Schools that provide degree completion programs can be a great choice for people who want to finish their degrees. It’s crucial to realize, nevertheless, that applying to these programs usually involves a quite different procedure than for conventional undergraduate programs. Your application will be handled by many colleges like that of a transfer student. This implies that while applying, you will need to take into account several variables, including your prior academic standing and any relevant professional experience you may have.

Nonetheless, you can improve your chances of getting accepted into a school that offers degree completion and finishing your education with proper planning and preparation. It’s critical to realize that your prior work will be a major factor in determining your admission as you get ready to apply to academic programs. Admissions committees closely examine applicants’ prior academic performance, seeking indications of a strong work ethic, critical thinking abilities, and intellectual curiosity. Whether your application package consists of essays, transcripts, or other papers, it’s critical to highlight your greatest work to present a strong argument for your admission to the school.

Are you thinking about going to college but are intimidated by the application process? Don’t worry, the majority of degree completion programs provide a set of standards to make sure students have the abilities and information needed to be successful in their chosen field. Credit hours completed, academic credentials, grade point averages, and an application for entrance consideration are frequently included in these requirements. Universities can guarantee that their students are ready to succeed academically and professionally in this way.

What Crucial Insights Should Transfer Students Know Before Making the Move?

You must understand the distinction between being admitted to the school and being admitted to the program if you are transferring because you are interested in a certain degree program. Perhaps they are two completely distinct things. In addition to being admitted to the school, you must also be admitted to the program. Verify what is necessary for your specific transfer. Transferring into a certain program may make things more difficult.

Ensuring you fulfill the prerequisites for the online degree program you want to pursue is just as important as getting admitted. To improve your chances of getting accepted into the program, you should do your homework in advance and be aware of the requirements for transfer students. This post will discuss how to effectively prepare for the application process and some crucial considerations to make before transferring to a certain program.

How We Chose the Best Online Colleges that Accept Transfer Credits

In particular, online colleges with regional accreditation are examined in this ranking. To be considered, schools must accept a large number of transfer credits and provide a significant number of online degree programs. Keeping these factors in mind, our team evaluates college programs based on their track record of yielding a profit. Our list demonstrates the optimal fusion of lucrative pay, high-quality education, and market repute. We hope that one of the programs on this list will motivate you to move forward with credit transfers.

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In conclusion, choosing the right online colleges that accepts transfer credits can significantly accelerate your academic journey and save you both time and money. The 10 best online colleges for 2025–26 featured in this guide are not only transfer-friendly but also offer flexible learning formats, accredited programs, and strong student support services. Whether you’re continuing after an associate degree or shifting from a traditional campus, these institutions recognize the value of your previous academic work.

They make it easier to pick up where you left off and progress toward a bachelor’s or even graduate degree. As online education continues to evolve, these colleges stand out for their commitment to flexibility, academic quality, and transfer efficiency. Now is the perfect time to explore your options, evaluate credit transfer policies, and take that next step toward completing your degree. Your educational goals are within reach, especially with the right online institution backing your journey.