Going back to school to earn your degree has a multitude of benefits — but now you’re wondering if your college credits have expired and you have to start over. Institutions look at how well your previous courses fit with current degree programs, and not all credits hold the same value over time. Before enrolling, it’s important to find out how your past coursework lines up with today’s academic standards and whether it still moves you closer to finishing your degree.
When Will My College Credits Expire?
The good news is that college credits last indefinitely, technically speaking. However, their value can diminish over time.
Credits from core curriculum classes, which are the basic general education courses that make up your first two undergraduate years, usually transfer easily between colleges so you can finish your bachelor’s degree. Institutions usually base the worth of credits on the following criteria:
- Relevance: Credits that closely align with an institution’s curricula are more likely to transfer; for example, an English Composition credit might count for English 101.
- Recency: Typically, institutions more readily accept credits earned within the last 10 years.
- Reputation: Credits from regionally accredited institutions are usually recognized more often than credits from nationally accredited or unaccredited schools.
It’s important to note that each college or university sets its own transfer policies. Therefore, it’s advisable to consult with the admissions or registrar’s office of the institution you’re interested in to understand how long your college credits are good for.
Natural Science Course Credits
Certain college credits in fields like biology, chemistry, and computer science expire after 10 years. Colleges set this time limit because knowledge in these fields evolves quickly, and past information and skills may no longer be useful.
This means you might need to retake certain classes, especially if they’re prerequisites for advanced coursework. Some schools may accept older credits if you’ve stayed active in the field or passed a placement exam, but that varies.
Graduate Course Credits
Institutions generally consider graduate course credits valid for up to seven years. As with science credits, graduate programs emphasize relevant knowledge and skills in constantly changing fields.
If your graduate college credits have expired, you may need to revalidate them. Revalidation methods can include retaking courses, passing comprehensive exams, or completing additional assignments to demonstrate current competency.
Which College Credits Are Likely To Transfer?
In addition to knowing how long your college credits last to transfer, it’s important to understand how schools determine which courses apply. Colleges often have online tools you can use to see which of your credits are valid.
Furthermore, many states have established agreements that outline specific general education courses that are widely accepted across participating institutions so that students can transfer credits without losing progress toward their degrees. For instance, the Michigan Transfer Agreement allows students to transfer a block of 30 general education credits from a Michigan community college to a participating four-year university within the state.
Transferring to a Different Major
Changing your major can impact how your existing credits apply to your new program. While core curriculum courses often transfer seamlessly, major-specific courses like business management might not count toward a new study of biology. Still, those credits may be useful when fulfilling program elective requirements.
Transferring to a New Institution
When moving to a different college or university, several factors influence the transferability of your credits. In addition to accreditation, course relevancy, and time since completion, institutions consider whether the completed course is at the appropriate academic level (e.g., introductory, intermediate, advanced). Most colleges also require a minimum grade of 2.0 or higher.
How Do You Transfer Old College Credits?
Credit transfer processes vary between institutions, but the following steps are common procedures:
- Obtain Your Official Transcripts: Contact your previous college to request official transcripts of your completed courses and grades earned.
- Research Transfer Policies: Review the credit transfer policies of the institution you wish to attend. Look for information on course equivalencies, grade requirements, and credit limits.
- Compare Course Descriptions: Match your completed courses with those offered at the new institution by comparing course descriptions and syllabi to identify potential equivalencies.
- Consult Academic Advisors: Schedule a meeting with an academic advisor at the prospective institution to discuss how your credits may apply to your intended program of study.
- Submit a Transfer Application: Complete the application process for the new institution, ensuring you provide all required documentation, including your transcripts.
After submission, the institution will evaluate your transcripts to determine which credits are transferable and how they fit into your chosen program.
Special Considerations for Closed Institutions
If your previous college has closed, transferring your credits requires some additional steps. First, you’ll need to locate the custodian of records, typically a state education department or a designated agency that has taken over the responsibility of maintaining student records. Once identified, contact the custodian to request your official transcripts. Be prepared to provide identification and any necessary fees.
Additionally, gather any available course documentation, such as syllabi, catalogs, or assignments. These materials can assist the new institution in assessing the content and rigor of your completed courses, which is particularly helpful if the closed school’s records are incomplete or unavailable.
Can You Finish Your Degree After Years Have Passed?
Institutions often set rules for how long you have to complete your bachelor’s degree, but you generally have some leeway to finish your program. For example, The University of Olivet requires students to complete their bachelor’s degree within 150% of the program’s standard length, which equates to six years for a typical four-year program.
Even if your situation falls outside that window, you can still return to college as an adult later in life to complete your education, and transferring previously earned credits can significantly reduce the time and cost of finishing your degree. Start by obtaining your official transcripts from past institutions. Then, consult with an academic advisor at your prospective school to evaluate which credits are transferable.
Use Your College Credits Before They Effectively Expire at The University of Olivet
Even though college credits don’t technically expire, they can lose their value over time if they no longer match current academic standards or program requirements. At The University of Olivet, we do everything we can to help you avoid retaking courses and expedite your path to graduation. Learn more today about how you can apply your past credits to one of our Degree Completion programs.