At SNHU, we know there’s no limit to what you can achieve. No matter where (or when) you started, SNHU is where you can finish. With unmatched student support services, flexible schedules, and affordable online tuition rates, there’s nothing standing in the way of you and your goals.
Plus, we’ll accept up to 90 previously earned college credits toward your bachelor’s degree—so you can save time and even more money.
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Low online tuition
Plus no application fees or test scores required
Short terms
8-week undergraduate, and 10-week graduate courses
No set class times
Access courses online 24/7, on your time and your schedule
How it works
We’ll make it easy to get the credit you deserve. Follow these 3 simple steps to get started.
1. Apply for Free
Complete the free 5-minute online application.
2. Talk with A Counselor
An admission counselor will reach out to learn more about your experience. They’ll even request your transcripts on your behalf for free.
3. Review Your Evaluation
Get your evaluation to see what was transferred in – and how many classes you have left. From there, you can choose your online start date!
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Learn more about transferring credits
Why You Might Want to Transfer
If your current school doesn’t meet your needs, you may be thinking about transferring colleges. Your degree is a big investment in both time and money, so there are a few things you'll want to consider before making your decision.
Transferring Credits is Easier Than You Think
If you’re a college student who wants to transfer credits to another school, you’re in good company. More than 1 million undergraduate students in the U.S. transfer colleges each year.
Will My Transfer Credits Be Accepted?
If you want to transfer, it’s a good idea to find out how many of your previously earned college credits will be accepted. When you apply, you’ll get a transfer credit evaluation – performed by a specialist who reviews all of your transcripts.
Get College Credit with Prior Learning Assessment (PLA)
Did you know you can get college credits toward your degree for your work and life experience? Look into prior learning assessment – or PLA – as a way to put a value on your experience, training and current knowledge.
Cules did it. You can, too.
Cules Rose '25G, BS Finance
“I feel like it's such a sense of accomplishment that I was able to do this. You know, I'm 30 years old. I gave up on school a long time ago, and just to find that motivation, that drive to do it again and then again. I'm going to try and go get my master’s.”
Frequently asked questions
Will my college credits expire if it's been years since I attended?
Typically, undergraduate college credits do not expire. However, there are always exceptions, and some credits may not transfer directly to your major.
Courses like history or literature, where the subject matter isn't regularly updated, can usually be transferred as-is, no matter how long ago you took them. In some subjects — like IT or accounting — course material is frequently updated to meet changing standards, and the age of these credits may require them to be transferred as general electives rather than major courses.
The best way to find out for sure how your individual credits will transfer is to apply to SNHU and get a free transfer credit evaluation.
Do I need my old transcripts to get started?
You do not need to have your transcripts in hand to get started. All you need to do is submit the free online application and fill out the transcript request form provided by your admission counselor. SNHU can then request your transcripts on your behalf if your previous university allows. Shortly after we receive all your transcripts, you'll get an official evaluation showing you how many credits transferred in and which courses you still need to complete.
Learn more about how to get your transcript.
What is transfer credit equivalency?
Simply put, transfer credit equivalency determines how your previous college coursework matches up to course requirements in your new degree program at SNHU. For example, if SNHU doesn’t offer the exact course you took at another college or university, we’ll do our best to apply your credit toward an equivalent course that we do offer. In some cases, there may not be an equivalent course at SNHU, in which case the credits may apply toward your general elective requirement.
What if I attended more than one school?
No problem at all. We can help request your transcripts from all your previous schools if they allow us to request on your behalf, even if you think some credits might not count. Just fill out the transcript request form provided by your admission counselor — one for each school you’ve attended — and we will request all of your transcripts for you.
Better yet, if you’re transferring credits from a community college, you may be eligible for additional benefits.
Is it too late to go back and finish my degree?
Definitely not. No matter how long it’s been since you last attended college, you can pick up where you left off. There may be some limitations on how your credits will transfer (electives vs. major courses) but typically, undergraduate college credits do not expire.
Discover additional information about transferring college credits to SNHU.
How long will it take me to finish my degree?
Every student is different. The amount of time you need to finish your degree depends on your schedule, your major and degree level, and the number of credits you’ve already earned. At SNHU, you can take 1 or 2 courses per term, and we offer six, 8-week undergraduate terms throughout the year. That means you can complete up to 12 courses (36 credits) per year.
Read more about how long it takes to earn an associate degree or how long it takes to earn a bachelor’s degree.
Depending on where you are in your educational journey, you may also be able to earn your bachelor’s degree faster.
How much of my degree do I still have left to complete?
That depends on whether you want to earn an associate degree or a bachelor’s degree, and how many credits you’ve already completed.
An associate degree is usually 60 credits (20 courses} and takes 2 years from start to finish when taking 2 classes per term. A bachelor’s degree is 120 credits (40 courses) and typically takes 4 years to complete while taking a full course load (2 courses per term).
Depending on your previous education and the number of credits you transfer in, you could save years off the time and number of credits you need to complete your degree. At SNHU, your transfer credits could cover up to 75% of your degree. For a bachelor's degree, if 90 of your previous college credits are accepted, and you take 2 courses per term, you could complete your degree program in 10 months.
Your transfer credit evaluation will help you determine just how quickly you can complete your degree at SNHU.
Does military or work experience count toward my degree?
By leveraging the knowledge and skills you’ve gained during military service or on the job, you may be able to 11. Through a process known as credit for prior learning (CPL), SNHU may grant college credit for certifications, training, military or work experience. And you can combine CPL with your previously earned college credits to save even more time and money.
Does SNHU offer a degree completion program?
At Southern New Hampshire University, all of our 200+ online degree programs offer a flexible, affordable way for you to complete your degree. Our career-focused programs are designed to fit your goals and your busy schedule.
What if my old college closed or no longer exists?
In some cases, you may be able to transfer credits from a college or university that has closed. The key is being able to obtain an official transcript or other acceptable documentation of the coursework you completed from the institution’s designated records custodian, state agency or other organization that maintains its student records.
Will a low GPA or past academic issues affect my return?
It’s a common concern for students that a poor GPA in the past will hold them back from pursuing and achieving their educational goals. The only time your previous grades come into consideration is during the transfer credit evaluation. SNHU policy states that only courses with an earned grade of C- or better are eligible for transfer credit in an associate or bachelor’s degree program. The good news is, when your credits transfer, your grades stay at your old school, so you’ll get a fresh start at SNHU.
How much will it cost to complete my degree?
With SNHU’s Net Price Calculator, you can estimate your degree's affordability in under 10 minutes. You'll get an overview of tuition costs, based on your intended degree program and potential transfer credits, plus an estimate of indirect costs you may incur, like purchasing books and course materials.
To help further determine your cost of attendance, you can apply to SNHU, get a transfer credit evaluation, and submit the Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA) to establish your eligibility for grants and student loans. Then, you can work directly with our Student Financial Services team to customize a plan specific to your unique financial needs. Additional ways to save may include military discounts for active duty service members, applying for scholarships or using employer tuition assistance.
Can I get financial aid again if I lost eligibility before?
There are many factors that play into your financial aid eligibility. If you have concerns, we recommend reaching out to Student Financial Services at 877.455.764. Our team is ready to answer any financial aid questions you have, and they will work with you to create a financial plan that makes sense for your budget and your goals.
Can I switch my major when I come back?
Absolutely. If you feel your previous major wasn’t right for you, now is the perfect time to course correct. With more than 200 online programs to choose from, it’s not hard to find a major that’s right for you at SNHU.
Keep in mind, changing majors could have an impact on how long it will take to finish your degree, but the best way to figure out a timeline that works for you is to apply and get your transfer credits evaluated so you’ll know exactly how many courses you need to complete.
What support is available for adult students returning to school?
Everyone at SNHU — from your advisor and instructors to our librarians and career services staff — is here to help you reach your goals. Because we’ve been offering online learning since 1995, we’ve had time to develop best-in-class online support. Whether you need help with math, want to discuss your career path or are looking for support in balancing school and life, we’ve got you.
You’ll have a dedicated academic advisor to help you map out a degree plan and check in with you each term to make sure you're on track. And if something comes up, they can help you adjust. Our award-winning academic support also includes:
- 24/7 online tutoring
- Written feedback from tutors
- Online faculty office hours
- Academic coaching
- Live workshops
- Online resources