What Is a Transfer Credit Evaluation? A Guide for Students

If you have already completed college or university coursework and are considering a new degree program, you may be able to apply some of your previous academic credits toward your new program. A transfer credit evaluation is the process a university uses to review prior coursework and determine whether those credits can be applied toward a specific degree.

Understanding how transfer credit evaluation works can help you make a more informed enrollment decision, especially if you have attended more than one institution, changed academic fields, completed coursework several years ago, or are considering an online degree program.

What Is a Transfer Credit Evaluation?

A transfer credit evaluation is an academic review of coursework completed at another college or university. The receiving institution examines information such as course titles, descriptions, credit hours, grades, academic level, and institutional records to determine whether previous coursework may count toward a new academic program.

The purpose is to identify applicable prior learning while ensuring that students still complete the academic requirements of their new degree program.

For example, a student who completed introductory mathematics, composition, business, or computer science courses at one institution may ask whether those courses can satisfy comparable requirements in a new degree program.

How Does a Transfer Credit Evaluation Work?

The exact process varies by institution, but a typical transfer credit evaluation process involves several steps.

1. Submit previous academic records. The student provides official transcripts or other records required by the receiving institution.
2. Review institutional information. The university may examine the institution where the coursework was completed and the academic level of the courses.
3. Review individual courses. Course titles, descriptions, credit hours, grades, and other academic information may be considered.
4. Compare coursework with program requirements. The receiving institution determines whether courses correspond to general education, elective, or major requirements.
5. Determine transferable credits. Eligible coursework may be accepted according to the institution’s transfer policies.
6. Apply approved credits to the degree plan. Accepted credits may reduce the number of remaining credits or requirements a student must complete, depending on the program.

A transfer credit evaluation therefore involves more than simply counting the number of credits a student has previously earned.

Why Is Transfer Credit Evaluation Important?

Transfer credit evaluation matters because students may have significant academic work already completed before entering a new institution.

A proper evaluation can help students understand:

• Which previous courses may transfer
• Which degree requirements may already be satisfied
• Which courses must still be completed
• Whether additional documentation is required
• How previous coursework fits into the new academic program
• How much additional study may be required

For adult learners and students returning to higher education, this information can be particularly important when planning time, cost, and academic workload.

What Information Is Reviewed During a Transfer Credit Assessment?

Universities may consider several factors when conducting a transfer credit assessment.

Factor	Why It May Matter
Institution attended	The receiving institution may review the source institution and its academic records.
Course title	The title helps identify the subject and academic content of the course.
Course description	Descriptions can help determine whether previous coursework is comparable to a current requirement.
Credit hours	The amount of academic credit may affect how coursework can be applied.
Grade earned	Some institutions establish minimum grade requirements for transfer credit.
Academic level	Introductory, advanced, undergraduate, and graduate coursework may be treated differently.
Age of coursework	Some programs or institutions may have policies concerning older coursework.
Program requirements	A course may transfer as credit but not necessarily satisfy a particular degree requirement.

Transfer Credit Does Not Always Mean Degree Requirement Credit

One of the most important distinctions students should understand is that transfer credit and degree requirement credit are not always identical.

A university may accept a previous course as transferable academic credit while applying it as an elective rather than as a direct substitute for a required course.

For example, a student might have completed a three-credit business course at another institution. The receiving university could accept the credits toward the student’s overall degree requirements while determining that the course does not replace a specific required course in the major.

What Is Transfer Credit Equivalency?

Transfer credit equivalency refers to the process of determining how coursework completed elsewhere corresponds to courses or requirements at the receiving institution.

A university may determine that a previous course is equivalent to a particular course in the new curriculum. In other cases, the coursework may be accepted as general elective credit without being considered equivalent to a specific course.

Equivalency decisions are generally based on the academic information available to the receiving institution and its established policies.

What Documents Are Needed for Transfer Credit Evaluation?

Students are commonly asked to provide official academic records from institutions they previously attended. The exact documentation depends on the receiving university and the circumstances of the student’s academic history.

Documents may include:

• Official college or university transcripts
• Academic records showing completed courses
• Course descriptions
• Course catalogs
• Syllabi or curriculum information
• Degree or program information
• Additional documentation requested by the receiving institution

If you need information about obtaining academic records, see our guide on how to request academic records from a university.

Why Official Transcripts Matter

Academic transcripts provide an official record of courses completed, grades earned, credits attempted or awarded, and other academic information.

Because transfer credit decisions can depend on the accuracy and completeness of academic records, universities may require official transcripts rather than student-created lists of previous courses.

Students should also understand the difference between an academic transcript and other academic credentials. Our guide to official academic transcripts explains what transcripts contain and when students may need them.

How Universities Decide Whether Credits Transfer

There is no single transfer-credit rule that applies to every university or every academic program.

Institutions may establish policies concerning:

• Minimum grades
• Maximum transferable credits
• Course equivalency
• General education requirements
• Major or core requirements
• Elective credits
• Time limits on previous coursework
• Academic level
• Institutional policies
• Program-specific requirements

That is why students should review the transfer policies of the specific university and program they are considering.

Do All Previous College Credits Transfer?

No. Students should not assume that all previously earned college credits will transfer.

Some coursework may be accepted, some may be accepted only as elective credit, and some may not be applicable to the new program.

Possible reasons include:

• The course does not match a current academic requirement.
• The grade does not meet the institution’s transfer standard.
• The coursework is outside the relevant academic level.
• The credits exceed a program’s transfer limit.
• The coursework is too old under a particular program policy.
• The student has already satisfied the applicable requirement through another course.
• The available documentation is insufficient for evaluation.

Transfer Credits for Online Degree Programs

Students considering an online degree should evaluate transfer policies just as carefully as students considering campus-based programs.

An online university may offer flexible learning formats, but flexibility does not eliminate the need to understand academic requirements and transfer policies.

When comparing programs, review:

• Accreditation and institutional status
• Degree requirements
• Transfer credit policies
• Maximum transferable credits
• Required coursework
• Program-specific requirements
• Learning format
• Student support
• Academic policies

Learn more about evaluating online study options in our guide to online learning.

Transfer Credit Evaluation for Adult Learners

Adult learners may have academic credits from several institutions, different degree programs, or coursework completed many years earlier.

For these students, a transfer credit evaluation can provide a clearer picture of how previous education fits into a new academic pathway.

Before enrolling, consider gathering transcripts from every institution previously attended. Keeping a complete academic history can make the evaluation process more efficient and help prevent missing documentation.

Transfer Credit Evaluation for International Students

International students may face additional documentation requirements when transferring previous coursework into a U.S. academic program.

Depending on the institution and circumstances, additional information may be requested to understand the educational system, institution, course content, grading structure, or credit system involved.

Students should ask the receiving university exactly what documents are required and whether translated or evaluated academic records are necessary.

Transfer credit evaluation should also be distinguished from credential evaluation, which can involve assessing academic qualifications earned in one educational system for use in another.

Transfer Credit Evaluation vs. Credential Evaluation

Transfer Credit Evaluation	Credential Evaluation
Focuses on previous academic coursework	Focuses on evaluating academic credentials or qualifications
Usually performed by the receiving institution	May be performed by specialized evaluation organizations or institutions
Determines how prior credits may apply to a program	May determine educational comparability or academic level
Often used by transfer students	Often relevant to international education and professional or academic purposes

These processes can sometimes overlap, but they serve different purposes. Students should confirm which type of review their intended institution requires.

Transfer Credit Evaluation vs. Degree Verification

A transfer credit evaluation is also different from degree credential verification.

Transfer credit evaluation asks whether previous coursework can be applied toward a new academic program. Degree verification asks whether a degree or academic credential was actually awarded by an institution.

For example, a university may verify that a student earned a bachelor’s degree from a previous institution while separately evaluating whether specific courses from that degree can transfer into a new program.

Does Accreditation Affect Transfer Credit?

Accreditation and transfer credit are related considerations, but accreditation alone does not guarantee that specific coursework will transfer.

Universities establish their own academic policies and may evaluate previous coursework based on course content, academic level, grades, institutional information, and program requirements.

Students should therefore examine both the institution’s accreditation information and its specific transfer-credit policy.

For more information, see our guide to how to verify university accreditation in the USA.

Questions to Ask About Transfer Credits Before Enrolling

Before committing to a degree program, consider asking the university:

• How does your transfer credit evaluation process work?
• What documents are required?
• Do you require official transcripts?
• Is there a maximum number of transferable credits?
• Are there minimum grade requirements?
• Can transfer credits satisfy major requirements?
• Can transfer credits be applied only as electives?
• Are there limits on how old transferred coursework can be?
• Are program-specific transfer rules different?
• When will my transfer credit evaluation be completed?
• Can I receive an explanation of how my credits apply to my degree plan?

How to Prepare for a Transfer Credit Evaluation

1. List every institution you previously attended.
2. Request official transcripts.
3. Collect course descriptions and syllabi if available.
4. Review the target degree requirements.
5. Ask about transfer limits and minimum grades.
6. Provide complete and accurate academic information.
7. Review the final transfer evaluation carefully.
8. Ask questions about any credits that were not accepted.

Common Mistakes Students Make With Transfer Credits

Assuming Every Credit Will Transfer

Previous coursework does not automatically satisfy requirements in a new program.

Looking Only at the Number of Credits

Three credits in one institution’s curriculum may not necessarily replace a particular three-credit course at another institution.

Waiting Until After Enrollment to Ask

Students should understand transfer policies before making an enrollment decision whenever possible.

Failing to Submit Complete Records

Missing transcripts, incomplete course information, or inaccurate academic history can make evaluation more difficult.

Confusing Transfer Credit With Credential Verification

Transfer evaluation determines how previous coursework may apply to a program. Credential verification confirms information about an academic qualification or record.

How to Compare Universities Based on Transfer Policies

Question	What to Look For
Are transfer policies clearly published?	Clear academic policies and requirements
Are official transcripts required?	Specific documentation requirements
Is there a transfer-credit limit?	Published limits and exceptions
How are credits applied?	Major, general education, or elective credit
Are program requirements different?	Program-specific academic rules
Can students ask questions?	Accessible admissions or academic support

Transfer Credit and Your Degree Plan

The most useful outcome of a transfer credit evaluation is a clear understanding of how previous academic work fits into the new degree.

Students should review the evaluation together with the program’s curriculum. A university’s academic programs information can help students understand the courses and requirements that remain after applicable transfer credits are considered.

The final academic plan should make clear which requirements have already been satisfied and which courses still need to be completed.

Transfer Credit at The American University of Higher Education

The American University of Higher Education (AUNV) provides information about its academic programs, online learning model, admissions, and institutional policies through its official university resources.

Students considering an AUNV program should review the relevant academic programs and contact the university for current information about transfer-credit requirements and evaluation procedures applicable to their circumstances.

It is also useful to review the university’s university facts, institutional profile, and accreditation information when researching an institution.

What Happens If Transfer Credits Are Not Accepted?

If a university does not accept particular coursework, students should ask why the credits were not applicable.

Possible explanations may include course equivalency, grade requirements, program restrictions, transfer limits, insufficient documentation, or other institutional policies.

In some cases, students may be able to provide additional course information for review. However, whether a reconsideration or appeal process is available depends on the institution.

Can Transfer Credit Reduce the Time to Complete a Degree?

Potentially, yes. If previously completed coursework satisfies applicable degree requirements, a student may have fewer requirements remaining.

However, the amount of time saved depends on the number of credits accepted, how those credits apply to the degree, the remaining curriculum, course sequencing, and the institution’s academic policies.

Students should therefore avoid assuming that a specific number of transferred credits automatically translates into a specific reduction in completion time.

Transfer Credit Evaluation Checklist

• ☐ Identify all previous colleges and universities
• ☐ Request official transcripts
• ☐ Gather course descriptions and syllabi
• ☐ Review the new degree requirements
• ☐ Check minimum grade requirements
• ☐ Check maximum transfer-credit limits
• ☐ Ask whether credits apply to major requirements or electives
• ☐ Confirm any age limits on previous coursework
• ☐ Ask about program-specific transfer policies
• ☐ Review the completed transfer evaluation
• ☐ Keep copies of relevant academic documentation

Frequently Asked Questions About Transfer Credit Evaluation

What is a transfer credit evaluation?

A transfer credit evaluation is a review of previously completed college or university coursework to determine which credits may be accepted and how they may apply to a new academic program.

Do all college credits transfer?

No. Transfer policies vary by institution and program. Some credits may transfer, some may count as electives, and others may not be applicable.

Do I need official transcripts for transfer credit?

Many universities require official transcripts to conduct a formal transfer-credit evaluation. The exact documentation requirements depend on the receiving institution.

What is the difference between transfer credit and course equivalency?

Transfer credit refers to academic credit accepted from previous coursework. Course equivalency refers to whether that coursework corresponds to a specific course or requirement in the receiving institution’s curriculum.

Can old college credits transfer?

They may, but some institutions or programs have policies concerning the age of coursework. Students should confirm the current rules with the receiving university.

Can transfer credits satisfy major requirements?

Sometimes. A university may determine that previous coursework satisfies a major, general education, or elective requirement. The decision depends on the institution’s policies and the academic program.

Is transfer credit evaluation the same as credential evaluation?

No. Transfer credit evaluation focuses on how previous coursework may apply to a new academic program. Credential evaluation generally assesses academic qualifications or credentials, particularly when educational systems differ.

Is transfer credit evaluation the same as degree verification?

No. Degree verification confirms information about an academic degree or credential. Transfer credit evaluation determines whether previous coursework can be applied to a new academic program.

Can online university students transfer previous college credits?

Potentially. Online universities establish their own transfer policies and may evaluate previous coursework using transcripts and other academic documentation.

Should I ask about transfer credits before enrolling?

Yes. Understanding how previous coursework may apply to a degree can help you evaluate the program, expected academic requirements, and overall study plan before enrolling.

Final Thoughts

A transfer credit evaluation helps universities determine how a student’s previous academic coursework may fit into a new degree program. It can be especially valuable for transfer students, adult learners, returning students, and anyone with coursework from multiple institutions.

The most important principle is simple: do not assume that previously earned credits will automatically satisfy requirements in a new program. Review the university’s transfer-credit policy, provide complete academic records, and confirm how accepted credits will actually apply to your degree.

For students researching degree options, AUNV’s academic programs, online learning, and admissions resources provide useful starting points for understanding available academic pathways.