Transfer Credit

Transfer credit allows students who have completed coursework at other institutions to apply those courses toward their VSU degree requirements. Rather than repeating coursework you've already done, transfer credit gives you a head start, provided those courses meet

VSU's eligibility standards. The evaluation process is thorough because VSU must verify that transferred coursework aligns with the academic standards and content of equivalent VSU courses.

The Office of the Registrar manages all transfer credit evaluations.

Once you submit your official transcripts, the Registrar reviews each course and assigns VSU equivalencies where applicable. Your advisor then helps you understand how those equivalencies apply to your specific degree requirements.

What Qualifies as Transfer Credit

Not all coursework from other institutions automatically transfers. VSU evaluates each course individually, and eligibility depends on several key factors. Understanding these criteria before you submit transcripts helps you set realistic expectations.

To be considered for transfer credit, coursework must meet the following conditions:

  • The institution must be regionally accredited at the time you completed the Nationally accredited schools and unaccredited institutions are generally not eligible.
  • You must have earned a grade of C or better in the course (VSU Student Handbook, 8). Courses with grades below a C will not transfer.
  • The course must align in content and level with a VSU course or fulfill a recognized general education category.
  • Remedial or developmental courses (typically numbered below 100) are not eligible for transfer credit.
  • Vocational and technical courses may transfer as elective credit in some cases, but are evaluated individually and do not automatically fulfill general education or major requirements.

How to Request a Transfer Credit Evaluation

The evaluation process begins when you submit official transcripts to the Office of the Registrar. Unofficial transcripts and self-reported coursework are not accepted. The process generally follows these steps.

First, request official transcripts from each institution where you completed coursework. Transcripts must be sent directly from the institution to VSU. Second, the Registrar's Office reviews your transcripts and assigns equivalencies, which typically takes several weeks after receipt. Third, you receive a transfer credit report showing each course and how it has been evaluated. Fourth, meet with your advisor to review the report and understand how your transfer credits apply to your degree requirements and remaining coursework needs.

If you believe a transfer credit evaluation is incorrect, you may request a re-evaluation. Bring documentation such as course descriptions, syllabi, or learning outcomes to support your case. The department offering the equivalent VSU course will make the final determination.

Residency Requirements

VSU requires that students complete a minimum number of credit hours at VSU itself, regardless of how many transfer credits they hold. This residency requirement ensures that VSU graduates have substantial direct academic experience at the institution conferring their degree. Students cannot fulfill all degree requirements through transfer credit alone.

Students considering transfer credit from multiple institutions should

be aware that hours from all sources count toward the maximum transfer credit limit. Work with your advisor to understand the residency requirements specific to your degree program and ensure your academic plan accounts for completing sufficient coursework at VSU.

How Transfer Credits Apply to Your Degree

Transfer credit can fulfill general education requirements, major requirements, elective credit, or a combination, depending on how the Registrar evaluates each course. However, not all transferred courses will fulfill specific major requirements. Some departments have policies requiring that certain core major courses be completed at VSU.

The following types of credit may also be evaluated for transfer equivalency:

  • Advanced Placement (AP) exam scores, with minimum score requirements for credit
  • International Baccalaureate (IB) coursework, subject to score minimums
  • College Level Examination Program (CLEP) scores, evaluated on a course-by-course basis
  • Coursework completed through study abroad programs pre-approved by VSU

Impact on Your GPA

Transfer credit hours appear on your VSU transcript but do not factor into your VSU cumulative GPA. Your VSU GPA is calculated only from coursework completed at VSU. Transfer credits count toward your total attempted hours for Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) purposes, which affects financial aid eligibility (VSU Student Handbook, p. 14).

Contact and Next Steps

If you have questions about your transfer credit evaluation or believe a course was incorrectly assessed, contact the Office of the Registrar directly.

Office of the Registrar Phone: (804) 524-5275

Bring your transfer credit report to your next advising appointment so your advisor can help you build an academic plan that maximizes the value of your prior coursework and keeps you on track for graduation.

 

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