Credit transfer procedures at certain traditional schools and universities have not remained consistent with the mobility of modern students. Some universities will only accept academic credits or degrees from regionally accredited colleges. In general, college-level courses completed at regionally-accredited institutions will transfer if a grade of at least “C” (2.0) is attained and the course is comparable in content and scope to the work offered at the college or university that will evaluate your academic background. Occasionally, universities will accept grades of “D” or higher if the student has completed relevant coursework at regionally accredited institutions.

Credit Transfer Science

Although there are rules that affect whether or not a school will accept your transfer credits, these rules might vary significantly dependent on criteria such as the school’s location, your state of residency, your chosen field of study, and your academic performance.

If you are currently enrolled in a nationally accredited program, nearing completion, or already hold a degree and are interested in transferring to a regionally accredited institution or university, the obvious concern is whether or not your credits will transfer.

On the surface, the answer would appear to be no. This is especially true if you are choosing a renowned or exclusive public or private non-profit university. Top colleges with regional accreditation are unlikely to accept credits from non-regionally accredited programs. The typical transfer application process will not give any clear avenues for transferring credits or certificates obtained in a nationally certified school.

Some regionally accredited schools and universities provide exceptions for nationally accredited courses or degrees. These institutions are rarely among the most prestigious or selective. In some cases, these institutions may hold regional accreditation but operate under a nonprofit organization business model.

If you aren’t too far into your program, you might easily drop out. Or, you could enroll in a regionally accredited degree program. If you finally intend to seek a regionally accredited degree, you may save yourself a great deal of trouble. Make the change sooner rather than later.