Each year we review hundreds of college credit options. This list ranks those options by how likely they are to transfer when your teen goes to college. Click on each option for more information and insight.
Excellent Transferability
Excellent transferability means that nearly every regionally accredited
college in the country will accept these sources of credit at
schools where transfer credit is allowed. Assume that the provider is
regionally accredited or equivalent. In some instances, state laws and
articulation agreements guarantee transfer of these credits. Pursue
credit in this category with confidence.
Arizona State University’s Universal Learner Program
Out-of-State Dual Enrollment List (2021)
Winter Break, Minimesters, Accelerated Terms
Outlier (legitimate credit laundering)
TEL Learning (legitimate credit laundering)
Good Transferability
Good transferability means at least 1,500 regionally accredited
colleges accept this credit regularly and are familiar with this
resource. You can generally find a specific college’s acceptance policy
for credit in this category on their website or catalog. Credit in
this category can be pursued with confidence, though limits usually
apply.
College Level Exam Program (CLEP)
Limited Transferability: ACE CREDIT
Limited transferability means fewer than 200 regionally accredited
colleges accept this credit regularly. Colleges may be unfamiliar
with this resource, and credit in this category may require a special
review from the college before a decision can be made. Pursue credit
in this category if credit-earning isn’t the only priority, if the price is
free or very low, or if you’ve researched ahead of time with certainty
that your target college does accept this credit.
Before earning ACE credit: Understand ACE Credit
ALEKS Corporation—McGraw Hill (ACE)
Texas Engineering Extension Service—TEEX (ACE)
The Institutes for Statistics Education (ACE)
Limited to Improbable Transferability: NCCRS Credit
Improbable transfer means it is unlikely that any regionally accredited
college will award credit for this option. Credit in this category
should not be assumed. Award high school credit instead.
Before earning NCCRS credit: Understand NCCRS Credit
Coopersmith Career Consulting (NCCRS)
OnlineDegree.com (NCCRS) **restricted – must have high school diploma or GED**
Transferability Varies / Special Transfer
Special transfer means that the business formally entered an agreement
with one or more colleges to guarantee transfer credit. The special
transfer is unique because inside of a special transfer agreement, pursue
credit in this type of agreement with confidence. That same credit, outside
of a special transfer agreement is not guaranteed and will almost
always default into the limited or improbable transfer category.
Foreign Language Exams – Advanced Placement, CLEP, ACTFL, NYU-FLP
Prior Learning Assessments (PLA)
Christian MOOC—Hillsdale College
UExcel Exams—Excelsior College Exams
TECEP Exams – Thomas Edison Credit by Exam Program
CSM Learn – Quantitative Literacy Math Course
