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CHEPP: Policy Recommendations for Improving College Credit Transfer System

New Recommendations Aim to Streamline Credit Transfers and Reduce Costs for Learners
Siobhan Lopez

The Center of Higher Education Policy and Practice (CHEPP) at Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) has released a new set of policy recommendations aimed at improving the current college credit transfer system. The policy recommendations follow CHEPP’s May report, The Costs of Today’s College Credit Transfer System for Learners and the Mindsets and Practices That Reduce Them, which highlights the financial and human costs of the existing process. According to CHEPP’s research, students lose an average of 43% of their credits when transferring, making them less likely to persist and graduate. Lost credits can also lead to increased costs — up to $26,000 more for those transferring to private institutions.

CHEPP argues that by supporting and incentivizing comprehensive credit transfer systems, federal and state policymakers and accreditors can lower college costs, improve persistence, and help colleges reengage the more than 40 million learners who have some college and no credential.

In its newly released supplement to the credit transfer paper, Improving the College Credit Transfer System: Policy Recommendations, CHEPP lays out a roadmap for policymakers to support measures that would streamline credit transfers, improve transparency, and increase the use of alternative measures of learning like competency-based education.

One example of this work in action is a reverse credit transfer pilot launched at SNHU to support learners’ economic and social mobility through degree completion; increase community college graduation rates and support SNHU community college partners; and support persistence for SNHU learners. The pilot is currently operating with partners in New Hampshire and three additional states, with the goal of expanding nationally.

CHEPP’s latest policy recommendations offer guidance for policymakers, accreditors, and institutions as they create learner-centered systems that embrace transfer students and their prior learning.

Siobhan Lopez is a former journalist, who is now the director of media relations at Southern New Hampshire University.

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SNHU is a nonprofit, accredited university with a mission to make high-quality education more accessible and affordable for everyone.

Founded in 1932, and online since 1995, we’ve helped countless students reach their goals with flexible, career-focused programs. Our 300-acre campus in Manchester, NH is home to over 3,000 students, and we serve over 135,000 students online. Visit our about SNHU page to learn more about our mission, accreditations, leadership team, national recognitions and awards.