Transfer Credits
What transfer credits are
Transfer credits are credits earned at one institution that a receiving institution accepts toward its degree requirements. If you completed 60 credits at a community college and transfer to a university that accepts all 60, you pay for only the remaining 60 credits — cutting your cost and time in half.
Why transfer credit policy is a critical cost driver
Transfer credit acceptance varies enormously across online CS programmes:
| Programme | Max transfer credits accepted | % of 120-credit degree |
|---|---|---|
| SNHU | 90 | 75% |
| Oregon State | Variable (typically 60-90) | 50-75% |
| ASU Online | Variable (typically 60-75) | 50-63% |
| WGU | 60-90 (varies by prior learning) | 50-75% |
A student with 80 prior credits at SNHU ($320/credit) pays for 40 credits = $12,800 total. The same student at a programme accepting only 30 transfer credits pays for 90 credits = $28,800. The transfer credit policy is often more impactful on total cost than the per-credit price.
Types of transfer credit
- Traditional coursework: Transcripted credits from regionally accredited institutions transfer most reliably
- Community college credits: Generally accepted; articulation agreements between community colleges and universities guarantee equivalency
- CLEP and DSST exams: Standardized exams that earn college credit at many programmes; WGU and SNHU accept these
- Military training (ACE): American Council on Education (ACE) evaluations of military training may convert to credits at some programmes
- Industry certifications: WGU specifically awards credit for CompTIA, AWS, and other certifications — unique among online CS programmes
- Prior learning assessment (PLA): Some programmes allow you to demonstrate knowledge via portfolio or exam for credits
How to verify before applying
Request a transfer credit pre-evaluation before committing to any programme. Most admissions teams will review your transcript and provide a credit-equivalency estimate without requiring formal application. Get this in writing before paying an application fee or depositing.
Last verified: 2026-05-01