Some colleges have high transfer credit thresholds and offer alternative credit options. These colleges also tend to be the most welcoming to homeschoolers. Alternative ways to earn instant credits at a college or university include: dual enrollment, transferring credits, credit by exam, portfolio assessments, and credit for .
Transferring credits from a community college to a university can be a smart way to save time and money on completing your degree. Many community colleges have partnerships with universities, often called articulation agreements, which outline how credits transfer.
Universities may have a minimum number of completed credit hours to qualify as a transfer student, such as 12-30 credits. They also often cap the maximum number of credits that can be transferred, typically around 60-90 credits.
If you’re planning to transfer dual enrollment credits, it’s a good idea to consult with the admissions office at your target university to understand their specific requirements, such as minimum GPA. You’ll need to provide official transcripts from the college where you took the dual enrollment courses.
Earning college credit through the College-Level Examination Program (CLEP), DANTES Subject Standardized Tests (DSST), Advanced Placement (AP), or International Baccalaureate (IB) testing is another great way to accelerate your degree. Some universities offer their own in-house exams to test out of specific courses.
T At some colleges you can even earn credit for independent study, research projects, or other achievements. This often involves submitting a portfolio or taking an exam to demonstrate your knowledge.
Below is a list of colleges that offer alternative credit options and/or have high transfer credit thresholds, meaning they accept a significant number of credits from dual enrollment or other means. These colleges are also known for their commitment to accommodating the unique educational experiences of homeschoolers.
Arizona State University – Tempe, AZ
ASU has a straightforward application process for homeschoolers and offers various online courses. ASU accepts up to 64 lower-division credits and an unlimited number of upper-division credits.
Charter Oak State College – New Britain, CT
Recognizing that learning takes place in many forms, COSC provides a flexible approach to higher education. Through its Credit Assessment Program, the college evaluates students’ academic achievements regardless of how or where such learning is acquired.
Excelsior University – Albany, NY
Recognized for its support for non-traditional students, including homeschoolers, this private online university is known for accepting up to 113 transfer credits.
Oregon State University – Corvallis, OR
OSU takes a holistic admissions approach and encourages applications from non-standard graduates and homeschooled students. OSU maintains a database that shows how credits from other accredited colleges and universities will transfer.
Pennsylvania State University – University Park, PA
If you enroll in any academic program in addition to high school (for example, college-level courses through a local college), these program credits may be transferable. Penn State has many resources to help students understand what will transfer, and they also have a Transfer Credit Tool available.
Thomas Edison State University – Trenton, NJ
Known for its flexible admissions policies and support for homeschoolers, this university accepts up to 90 credits and specializes in helping students complete their degrees.
University of Maryland Global Campus – Adelphi, MD
UMGC allows up to 90 transfer credits from any accredited college and has resources specifically for homeschool students.
University of North Texas – Denton, TX
UNT serves homeschooled students and has one of the most student-friendly transfer pathways in the region. They offer an extensive database to see how your credits may transfer.
Do any of these schools interest you? It’s always a good idea to check with the specific institution’s admissions office or use their transfer credit evaluation tools to get the most up-to-date and accurate information for your situation.
