Credit Transfer Calculator

How to Use the Credit Transfer Calculator

Enter the total credits you have earned at your current or previous institution and the number you expect to transfer to your new school. Specify the degree requirements at the new institution (typically 120 credits for a bachelor's degree) and the cost per credit at both schools. The calculator computes your transfer rate, remaining time to graduation, cost savings from transferred credits, and the financial value of any credits lost in the transfer process.

To determine your transferable credits, request a preliminary transfer credit evaluation from the admissions office of the receiving institution. Many schools offer online tools where you can look up course equivalencies. Articulation agreements between community colleges and state universities provide the most predictable transfer outcomes, often guaranteeing that specific courses transfer as direct equivalents.

Maximizing Your Credit Transfer

The community college to university pathway remains one of the most cost-effective strategies in higher education. Students who complete an associate degree at a community college and transfer to a four-year institution can save 40-60% on their total degree cost. Many states have guaranteed transfer agreements that accept all credits from a completed associate degree, eliminating credit loss entirely.

When Credits Are Lost in Transfer

Credits are most commonly lost when the receiving institution has no equivalent course, when the grade is below their minimum transfer threshold (usually a C), or when the sending institution lacks proper accreditation. Specialized or highly technical courses are less likely to transfer than general education requirements. Keeping detailed syllabi and course descriptions can help the evaluation process.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many credits typically transfer between colleges?

Between community colleges and in-state public universities with articulation agreements, 80-100% of credits often transfer. Between unrelated four-year institutions, expect 50-75% of credits to transfer.

What determines if a credit will transfer?

The receiving institution evaluates each course for equivalency. Factors include course content, credit hours, grade earned, accreditation of the sending institution, and whether the course fulfills a requirement.

Do AP and CLEP credits transfer?

Most colleges accept AP credits for scores of 3 or higher. CLEP credits are accepted by about 2,900 colleges. Policies vary by institution and department.

How can I maximize credit transfer?

Research the receiving institution's policies before enrolling. Use articulation agreements, take courses with clear equivalents, maintain a good GPA, and keep all syllabi.

What happens to credits that do not transfer?

Non-transferable credits may still appear as elective credit, counting toward total hours but not specific requirements. In the worst case, you may need to retake equivalent courses.