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Does this sound familiar? You’ve completed courses at a college or university but stopped before you could finish the program. Now you’re ready to consider completing your degree, but you aren’t sure if your prior credits will count toward a new program.

Chances are, you can transfer some or all of your existing credits into a different school’s program. That can help you save time and money on the degree you end up completing at Strayer University or another accredited online institution.

What do you need to do if you want to transfer your credits? Here’s how to get started:

3 STEPS TO APPLYING TRANSFER CREDITS

Step 1: Contact the school.

Talk to the school you’re interested in. Typically, an admissions officer can talk about your background, what your goals are, and which program you want to start. You can start this process with Strayer by completing an online submission form.

Step 2: Send your transcripts. 

You’ll need to provide official transcripts from your previous school or schools. That will give the new school a chance to review what you’ve done and see how many credits can be transferred. At Strayer, admissions officers can request your official transcripts on your behalf (if your prior school accepts third party requests), or you can contact your previous schools yourself. Note: This process can take up to 4 weeks, so be sure to request your transcripts as soon as possible.

Step 3: Find out how many transfer credits you’ll receive. 

The registrar’s office at the new school will review your transcripts and calculate how many credits can transfer into your new program.

If your transcripts are sent to Strayer, you’ll be able to check the status of your review through an online portal. Your admissions officer will be able to tell you how many credits have been approved for transfer.*

HOW DO I KNOW IF MY TRANSFER CREDITS WILL BE APPROVED?

It all depends on the school’s requirements. Contact an admissions officer for more details about what the school will accept for transfer.

Strayer accepts a wide range of courses for online college transfer credit including most credits with a C grade or higher from accredited institutions.

ARE ALL TRANSFER CREDITS COUNTED THE SAME?

Again, it depends on the way the school operates. You can apply your entire associate’s degree toward a related Strayer degree program, provided that you earned it at one of our 460 allied partner schools (see the complete list of transfer credit alliances).*

BEYOND COLLEGE CREDITS, CAN I TRANSFER LIFE EXPERIENCE TOWARD A PROGRAM?

Many schools will accept life experience—including prior education, military experience, work experience, or proven skills—for transfer credits.

Strayer evaluates prior experience using a method developed by the Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL). This method assesses the knowledge you’ve gained outside the classroom on a course-by-course basis for possible credit toward a degree; if you meet up to 70% of a course’s objectives, you may be able to apply life experience toward college credits. Talk to an admissions officer to learn more.

WILL TRANSFERRING CREDITS BE WORTH IT TO ME?

Yes. This is one of the best ways to take all of the work you’ve done in school—and life experience—and apply it toward advancing your education. By saving you time and money, credit transfers can help you achieve your goals faster and prepare for your next opportunities.

90% of Strayer transfer students said that switching to Strayer was the right decision for them**. Strayer provides students flexibility and support.

Learn more about applying transfer credits and other ways to save at Strayer University. Get in touch with an admissions officer to discuss your specific background and questions.

Transfer Credit Questions: Answered
Sign up for an
information session to learn even more about the transfer credit process.

*All courses are subject to Strayer University policies, including a ten-year limitation on courses in accounting and computer-related areas. Terms of individual agreements may vary. Check your school’s agreement for details.

**Claim is based on a third-party sample survey of 298 existing Strayer University students in a targeted market. Strayer University enrolls approximately 45,000 students.