Transferring doesn’t have to be complicated. Below are answers to some common questions and topics related to the transfer process, the PA College Transfer site, and Pennsylvania’s statewide transfer policies.
Course Equivalencies Explained
A course equivalency is an official recognition that a class you’ve taken (or plan to take) at one college or university matches the content, learning outcomes, and credit value of a course at another school. Here’s how it works:
| Content Alignment |
Your original course syllabus (learning objectives, textbooks, assignments, contact hours) is compared with the receiving institution’s course. If the majority of these factors line up, the school will deem the two courses equivalent. |
| Credit Value |
Colleges assign credit hours to each course based on time in lecture, labs, or seminars. Equivalencies ensure you don’t lose or gain unfair credit—you transfer the same number of credits you originally earned. |
| Degree Progress |
Once a course is approved as equivalent, it counts toward your new institution’s degree requirements—general education, major, or elective. This prevents you from re‑taking material you’ve already mastered and keeps you on track to graduate sooner. |
| How to Check Them |
Go to Course Equivalencies. Enter the “From” and “To” Colleges. Provide the Course Prefix and Course Number to see how that course transfers to your destination college. If a course isn’t listed, you can submit your syllabus to the registrar or transfer office for a formal review. |
| Why They Matter |
By leveraging course equivalencies, you ensure every credit you’ve worked for moves with you—so you save money, save time, and stay on the fast track to graduation. |
Glossary of Terms
List of common education acronyms.
| Advanced Placement (AP) Program |
A program authorized by the College Board that allows a student to study college-level subjects while enrolled in high school and to receive advanced placement and college credit for earning a qualified score on the course-related Advanced Placement Program exam.
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| Associate degree |
An academic degree requiring a minimum of 60 semester credit hours. The term includes an associate of arts degree, associate of science degree, associate of fine arts degree, or associate of applied science degree.
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| Cambridge Advanced |
An academically rigorous college-level program offered by Cambridge Assessment International Education, a part of the University of Cambridge, comprised of a one-year AS-Level and a two-year A-Level course and exam and the core requirements of the AICE Diploma program.
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| Career, technical or applied courses |
Courses usually offered as part of an associate degree curriculum designed to prepare students for entry-level professions, not for transfer to baccalaureate programs for advanced studies.
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| College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) |
A set of standardized tests developed by the College Board for various subjects, and on which a qualifying score can be used to earn college credit.
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| Credit for prior learning |
College-level credit granted toward the award of a postsecondary degree or certificate for experiential learning that can be demonstrated through various means of assessment to be the equivalent of learning gained through formal collegiate instruction, including an Advanced Placement Program exam, International Baccalaureate Diploma Program exam, a College-Level Examination Program exam, Cambridge advanced exam and Dantes Subject Standardized Tests.
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| DANTES Subject Standardized Tests |
A set of subject exams approved by the American Council on Education that tests knowledge of both lower-level and upper-level college material.
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| Developmental or remedial courses |
Courses typically consisting of reading, writing, and math designed to prepare students for college-level courses and that are not transferable.
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| Equivalent courses |
Courses determined to have generally equivalent content and level as determined by the faculty of an institution of higher education consistent with the policy at each institution of higher education.
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| General Education courses |
Courses required to be completed by students that provide an academic foundation required for degree attainment and upper-level skills.
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| Independent institution of higher education |
An institution of higher education which is operated not for profit, located in and incorporated or chartered by the Commonwealth and entitled to confer degrees and to apply to itself the designation "college" or "university" as provided for by the standards and qualifications prescribed by the State Board of Education pursuant to 24 PA Ch. 65.
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| Industry-recognized credential |
-Is sought or accepted by employers within the industry or sector involved as a recognized, preferred or required credential for recruitment, screening, hiring, retention or advancement purposes;
-Where appropriate, is endorsed by a nationally recognized trade association or organization representing a significant part of the industry or sector;
-Is approved by the department.
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| Institution of Higher Education (IHE) |
-A public institution of higher education.
-A rural regional college.
-A State-related institution.
-The Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology.
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| International Baccalaureate Diploma Program |
An academically challenging two-year precollege diploma program comprised of three core requirements and six academic subject areas with final examinations that prepare students, 16 to 19 years of age, for higher education and life in a global society.
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| Parallel baccalaureate degree program |
A bachelor's degree program in a comparable field of study and with similar foundation-level, major-specific competencies as an associate degree program, as articulated in program-to-program agreements.
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| Public institution of higher education |
A community college or an institution which is part of the State System of Higher Education pursuant to 1949 Act 14 Section 2001-A.
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| Public school |
-A school district.
-An intermediate unit.
-An area career and technical school.
-A charter school as defined in section 1703-A.
-A regional charter school as defined in section 1703-A.
-A cyber charter school as defined in section 1703-A.
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| Receiving institution |
The institution of higher education where a transfer student plans to enroll and to apply previously earned credit toward a degree program.
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| Sending institution |
The institution of higher education where a student earned credits that they would like to transfer to another institution.
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| State-related institution |
The Pennsylvania State University, the University of Pittsburgh, Temple University, Lincoln University and their branch campuses.
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| Transfer and Articulation Oversight Committee (TAOC) |
The committee established under 1949 Act 14 Section 2004-C for the purpose of:
-Consulting with the Department of Education on a process and timeline, subject to approval by the department, to identify the associate of arts or associate of science degree aligned with the graduation requirements of the parallel baccalaureate degree in all public institutions of higher education in consultation with faculty and personnel.
-Identifying associate of arts or associate of science degree programs for transfer with full junior standing into a parallel baccalaureate degree in consultation with faculty and personnel in those degree programs by December 31, 2011.
-Identifying modifications that may be required in existing associate or baccalaureate degrees to satisfy external accreditation or licensure requirements in consultation with faculty and personnel. Approved modifications shall recognize all competencies attained within either the associate or baccalaureate programs.
-Defining requirements, in consultation with faculty and personnel, for education degrees, including early childhood education degrees, leading to certification to be included in an associate degree and to be accepted for transfer with full junior standing into a parallel baccalaureate degree program.
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Frequently Asked Questions
When should I apply to transfer?
Complete and file your admissions applications about a year in advance of the semester in which you plan to attend. This will give you enough time to submit the appropriate application forms and have official college transcripts sent to the college or university for review. Remember, you must have an official college transcript sent directly from the institution where you completed the courses. If you transferred multiple times, then you will need to contact each prior institution. Since it may take at least 6-8 weeks for delivery, make sure you apply early and are aware of any pending application deadlines.
How many credits should I complete before transferring?
There is no set number of credits a student must earn prior to transferring. However, the more credits you have, the more likely a college admissions office is to base your admission on your college GPA and not your high school GPA, school rank and/or SAT scores. Since admission criteria can vary by institution and major, you should speak directly to an admissions counselor at the institution where you plan to attend.
Also keep in mind that Articulation Agreements between institutions will usually offer extra benefits for completing your associates degree as part of the transfer.
I will be transferring but am not sure where I will transfer. I want to keep the most transfer credits possible. What should I do?
Students who successfully complete courses from the 30-Credit Transfer Framework will have their credits transferred and counted towards graduation at any of the Participating Colleges and Universities. Certain majors have specific requirements. You are responsible for working with an advisor to select appropriate courses as they relate to your major of study.
Do I need a specific grade point average (GPA) to transfer?
Some majors require prerequisite courses or a minimum GPA prior to transferring. To find out if your intended major has any special admissions criteria, contact an admissions representative at the college or university where you intend to transfer or look up the institution under Search PA College Profiles.
Do courses with grades of 'D' transfer?
Each institution decides its own admissions and transfer criteria. For more information about a college's transfer credit policies, contact an admissions representative at the college or university where you intend to transfer or look up the institution under Search PA College Profiles.
Can transfer students participate in athletics?
Typically, yes, provided the student athlete meets NCAA eligibility requirements. For a list of colleges and universities that currently participate in the statewide transfer system, check out Search PA College Profiles. Here you will find admission requirements, transfer credit policies, links to the college’s website and admissions site, and transfer information.
How will quarter credits transfer into a semester credit system?
Each quarter credit is equal to 2/3 of a semester credit. Some colleges and universities will multiply your credits by .67; some may use .667 or even .6667. For example, if you took a 4 quarter-credit course, it would equate to 2.67 semester credits at your receiving institution. A 3 quarter-credit course would be equated to 2 semester credits.
You should be aware that once this mathematical formula is applied to your quarter credits in transfer, you may be short of credits for specific requirements.
In addition to using the PA College Transfer, do I still need to talk to an academic advisor?
PA College Transfer is a tool designed to assist you in the transfer process. In addition to the information you find on this website, you should always seek the assistance of an advisor or transfer counselor regarding transfer credit. While credits for a course may transfer, an advisor or counselor can help you make sure the course also counts toward your degree and graduation requirements as well as scheduling course sequencing.
When do my credits transfer?
This will vary from institution to institution. Some colleges will evaluate your credits before you’re admitted, although this evaluation may be considered unofficial. Most will require you to either be admitted or actually be enrolled before completing a transfer evaluation. Be sure you read your new institution’s website or catalog or talk to the Admissions or Registrar’s Office to find out how and when your transcript will be processed.
Why is my course not listed?
New equivalencies are loaded to PA College Transfer regularly. If you don't see the course you are looking for, it does not mean you will not receive credit. Contact the college where you plan to transfer for more information. Not sure who to contact? College contact information is available under College Profiles.
Why is the university that is evaluating my course transfer request asking for additional materials like a course syllabus, course text, or portfolio?
The university may need more information to determine if the course you took covered the same material as the course offered at the university.
What can I do if a course doesn't transfer?
Your first action should be to contact the office from which you have received your transfer evaluation. There’s always the possibility that there is a simple misunderstanding or misinterpretation of the information that can be corrected easily. You can also check the Transfer Policy of the institution.
If you still feel your credits were not evaluated or transferred appropriately, you should ask about the transfer credit appeals process at the receiving institution and then follow this process as provided.
Why is my college not listed on PA College Transfer?
PA College Transfer is adding new colleges and universities and new courses and course equivalencies all the time. If you don't see the college you are looking for, feel free to contact them directly and encourage their participation.
For a list of colleges and universities that currently participate in the statewide transfer system, check out 2 year and 4 year Participating Colleges and Universities. Here you will find admissions requirements, transfer credit policies and a link to the college’s website, admissions site, and transfer information.
Participating 2-Year
These colleges and universities are part of PA College Transfer, making it easier for you to transfer your credits smoothly between them so you can complete your degree faster.