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National College Credit Recommendation Service

Board of Regents  |  University of the State of New York

How Colleges Decide to Grant Transfer Credit

1. Residency Requirements: Most colleges require students to complete a specific number of credits from their institution in order to be granted a degree there. Many four-year colleges require students to take up to 60 credits at their college toward a 120 credit baccalaureate degree, so they will not grant more than 60 transfer credits.

2. Course or Program of Study: The courses students are seeking transfer credit for should align with those offered at the college in keeping with the requirements of the program or major the student is pursuing. For example, if a student wants to enroll in a dentistry program, chances are that specialty courses in dramatic arts or fire science may not be granted transfer credit because they don't fit the program of study.

3. Grades and Course Level: Generally, students must earn at least a C (70%) or above to receive transfer credit for any given course, although some colleges may require a B or higher. Likewise, a lower level English course will not fulfill the requirement of an upper level English course. Remedial courses generally do not warrant any transfer credit.

4. Accreditation:Colleges and Universities may decide to accept only those credits earned at a regionally accredited institution, although the US Department of Education recognizes national accrediting agencies as well.

You may file an appeal at the college if you are denied credit. Be sure to ask your advisor or department chairperson for a copy of the appeal process. If you need assistance with transfer credit for your NCCRS evaluated courses, fill out a Request for Assistance.

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