Shopping around for a lower cost education may save you a ton of money in the long run!

One of the best ways to earn more credits for less money is to shop around and get university credits at the local community and junior colleges. Students can get transfer credits in most subjects. However, whether or not a university will accept credits is completely the decision of that institution. Institutions often accept credits differently from one department to another.

For example, a student who has taken a biology course at a junior college may receive credit for biology if they are a math major. But if they are an biology major, the biology department may not accept the credit and may require that the student retake the course.

Transfer credit appears on the student's transcript at the receiving institution as verified credit, not as earned credit. Therefore, it is important that the student maintain accurate records from all institutions they attend in order to accurately apply for transfer credit at any future institution they may attend.

The complexity of the transfer process varies widely from institution to institution. Credits may transfer singly (course to course transfer), in blocks (two or more courses), or as entire programs (earning an associate degree from a community college may transfer in as the first two years of a similar program at a university).

In articulated programs between institutions the student typically only needs to ask for transcript evaluation and the credits will be awarded. However, if no articulation agreement exists between the institutions, then the student may be required to provide a course syllabus.

There are a variety of web sites that can provide additional information on transfers. These web sites fall into three major categories: a.) general web sites with information on transfer credits, b.) web sites that offer information on transfer credits between institutions within the same state, and c.) the individual institution's web site on transfer of credit. Just a few of these web sites are:

* General information on transfer of credit: http://www.collegetransfer.net

* Transfer of credit between California institutions: http://www.assist.org

* Transfer of credit between Indiana institutions: http://www.transferin.net

Note: Be sure to check the website of the college or university where you plan to attend.

Remember that the institution receiving the credit, and in many cases, the department receiving the credit determines whether or not they will award a transfer credit. If you wish to transfer credits between institutions you should verify acceptance before investing time and money in the course.

A great idea is to contact the university of your choice and obtain a copy of their course catalogue. In the catalogue, you will find a list of "general studies" courses that you may be able to take at a community or junior college. Typically, beginning math and science, and social studies courses should be accepted.

Contact the university where you plan to attend, to determine if they will accept some of the basic courses. The chairman of the department should be able to provide you with some answers, so don't be afraid to ask. Quite often you can receive a straight answer with a telephone call. Once you obtain a verbal agreement, you may ask if the agreement can be put in writing. The reason this is importance is because people change jobs. Things change. The person who made that verbal agreement, may no longer be the Dean of the School or the Chairman of the Department.

So how to you get it in writing? First make your phone call and get your verbal agreement. Then, as soon as you hang up the phone, you write a letter to the Dean or Chairman who made the agreement. You simply state in your letter that you enjoyed your conversation and that you appreciate their help. Next you move on to the agreement.

"Thank you. M(r/s):"

"As per our telephone conversation, my understanding is that you will accept the following course(s) as transfer credit:"

"Thanks again.

Cordially,"

Make sure they write you back verifying the agreement. You may need to take a copy of their letter to the university's registrar's office to make sure you receive the proper credit.
Best wishes and good luck!