College course credits that can be transferred from one college to another are known as transferable college credits. For example, if a student is pursuing a college degree at one institution, he may decide to transfer to a different institution to complete his studies. Transferable college credits refer to credits that can be transferred from one degree program to another. The rules of the college that would accept the credits usually determine whether or not they are transferable.
When a student transfers from a community college program to a four-year college program, the issue of transferable college credits frequently arises. Individuals in this situation frequently have spent two years pursuing their education and want their credits to count toward a bachelor’s degree. Similarly, a student may wish to transfer from one four-year college to another and keep his credits. In fact, a student may be required to transfer college credits when transferring from one community college to another community college.
Acceptance of transferable college credits by the new school is not always automatic. The new school has the right to refuse to accept a student’s credits toward a degree. However, if a student did well in the class and the new institution offers a similar course, most schools will accept transfer credits. Some colleges have policies stating that while they will not limit the number of credits students can transfer, they may limit how many of those credits count toward their degree programs. This may assist in ensuring that a transfer student receives a significant portion of his education from the accepting college.
Occasionally, community colleges form partnerships to assist their students in transferring credits to four-year institutions. A four-year college may agree to accept all or most of the credits students earn at the community college with which it has an agreement in this situation. However, in many cases, this agreement is limited to specific degree programs.
While the accepting school has the final say on whether or not to accept a student’s transfer credits, most colleges have a minimum requirement. A transfer credit from another accredited institution is likely to be required by an accredited institution. Colleges are sometimes hesitant to accept credits earned in upper-level courses as transfer credits.