Not every college applicant is fresh out of high school. Some people started college right away and then discovered the time wasn't right for them to pursue higher education. Others went to a community college first and are ready to move on to a bachelor's degree program. Still others may have started a four-year college or university and need to transfer to a school that's a better fit for them.
Do you fall into any of these groups? If so, this guide was created with you in mind.
We want to specifically help transfer and returning students understand the online college application process. Whether you're going back to college after years away or are currently in school and need to know how to transfer colleges, you'll find the details here. We'll cover how to transfer credits, reciprocity guarantees and how to apply to be readmitted.
Here are some numbers to back your decision up: Going back to school or transferring to a school that will help you earn a degree is a smart move. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports students with a four-year degree had significantly higher weekly median earnings than those with less education. Just check out these numbers:
That translates into college graduates earning $1 million more than high school graduates over the course of a lifetime, according to the U.S. Department of Education.
So let's get started!
Adults going back to college or transferring colleges are often looking for a different educational experience than those who have just graduated from high school. You may have a steady job or a family, both of which require your time and attention.
That's why online colleges are so popular for adult learners. However, it would be a mistake to simply enroll at the first school you find that has an online degree program in a field that sounds interesting. Just like any other college search, selecting the right online school means doing some fact-finding before you ever begin submitting applications.
Here are four steps to help make the process of picking a college simpler:
Obviously you want a degree, but what about after that? Do you want to work in a specific occupation? Are you hoping to move on to a master's degree program?
One popular way to answer these questions is to imagine what you'd like to be doing 5, 10 and 15 years from this moment. How you envision the future may give you a clearer idea of what education path you should be following to reach that end point.
Too many college students start a program with little idea of where it will take them. Remember: you're about to spend a significant amount of time and energy on your education. Don't waste it by pursuing the wrong degree program.
If you need help making your decision, OnlineColleges.com offers an extensive collection of program guides you can review. These cover a variety of degree programs - from business to education, IT to health care, and graphic design to criminal justice. Each page includes information about the specific program, plus a ranked list of schools as well as their related careers. Use the "Search by Program" option at the top of OnlineColleges.com to explore a range of topics.
If you know where you'd like to be heading, it might be time to look back and consider your previous college experience.
These answers will help you frame how best to approach college going forward. For example, if you found going to school full-time to be overwhelming, then you'll want to look for programs with a part-time option.
Online schools offer flexible learning options that are perfect for adults returning to college. For example they can be a great fit for someone who needs to juggle school and work, or even school, work, and family responsibilities. However, not all schools operate the same way. To pick the right college, you need to decide which of the following are right for you:
If you've completed all three steps above, you should have a good idea of exactly what you want out of your college experience. At that point, it's just a question of locating the schools that fit your needs and preferences.
While narrowing your list of top contenders, don't forget to look for the following:
Knowing how to transfer colleges is only one step in continuing your higher education. You also need to be able to pay for your degree program. To help you find the financial aid you need, OnlineColleges.com has put together the following primary resources:
Visit each guide to learn more about how to find and apply for financial aid as well as for details on state-specific resources. You'll also find state-specific resources listed on each OnlineColleges.com state page.
School websites are another valuable source of information. Look for the financial aid section for your chosen school, where you will often find tuition calculators and information on any financing or scholarship programs available specifically to students of that school.
Adults returning to college may find they are most comfortable reenrolling in the school they previously attended. In addition, applying for readmission may be an easier process than applying to a different school for the first time. Each school has its own process for readmissions, and the manner in which you apply could vary depending on how long you've been out of school and why you left.
Articulation agreements can vary by state and not all institutions participate. Contact your community college to learn more about the schools with which they have such arrangements. Their office should also be able to advise you on any steps needed to transfer credits under the agreement.
Transfer students, as well as many adults returning to college, already have some credits under their belt. It took time and money to earn those credits, and you don't want to lose them when switching to a new school.
While each school determines its own policy for credit transfers, and there are no hard and fast rules, the following chart provides some general guidelines on whether credits will transfer.
| Type of Credit | Generally Accepted at Most Colleges | Generally Not Accepted for Transfer | May Be Accepted at Competency Based Schools |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lower division classes in major |  |  | |
| Lower division electives | | | |
| Upper division classes | | | |
| Remedial classes | | | |
| Classes with grades lower than a C | | | |
| Non-degree postsecondary credits (i.e. diploma or certificate programs) | | | |
| Professional certifications | | | |
| Work experience | | | |
Most schools operate under a system in which they may transfer course credits only if a similar class exists in their own course catalog. However, schools operating under a competency model may award competency units that reflect an individual's mastery of a particular subject, based on previous education, work experience or professional certifications. A lot of factors can play into whether or not your credits will transfer, and it all depends on your unique situation.
As for the actual process of transferring credits, it starts with requesting your new school perform a transcript evaluation to determine which courses they will accept. It's a three-step process.
Credits never expire, but colleges may be less likely to transfer them if you've had a long absence from school. This is especially true for fields such as health care and technology that have changed rapidly in recent years.
It would be great if you could earn college credit based on your years in the workforce, right? At some online colleges, you can do just that. Each school will have its own criteria for how to evaluate and accept life or work experience for credit, but they typically use one of the following methods.
Other online schools may offer credit for corporate or military training programs. Check with the registrar for more information on the school's policy and how to apply for work or life experience credits.
Note: Be cautious of any school that says you can earn a degree solely based upon your work history. Reputable online schools will provide credit, but they also require students to take formal classes before graduating. Check a school's accreditation and reputation carefully, especially if they promise a degree without taking classes.
At this point, you should have a list of schools to which you'd like to apply. So let's get to what you'll need to include in your application.
The application process begins long before you actually start filling out any forms. You should begin researching colleges and universities as soon as you know you'll be going back to college or transferring to a new school. Then, send the application to the school at least a few weeks before the deadline to ensure it has time to arrive and be processed.
Here's a checklist of what you need to do in the year before the application deadline.
Returning and transfer students who plan to attend an online program offered by a traditional college or university will generally need to submit their application by January to enroll in fall classes. However, actual application deadlines could range anywhere from early fall to late spring, depending on the institution.
Those interested in attending a fully online school may find they are able to apply and begin classes at any time. Many online schools have rolling admissions, which means they take and review applications through the year. These institutions usually have a quicker turnaround period when it comes to processing applications, and you may receive a decision from an online college in only a few weeks. Meanwhile, traditional colleges can take months to respond, especially if the institution is highly selective.
Going back to college can be an important step to finding a career that fuels your passion. If we've been able to help you understand how to make it happen, perhaps it's time for you, too, to get started on your making your dreams come true.