Your associate degree may be closer than you think
Reverse transfer is a program for eligible students who have transferred to SNHU from a community college. It allows students the opportunity to earn an associate degree from their previous school while actively pursuing their bachelor’s degree at SNHU.
Here’s how it works:
1. Determine your eligibility
Review the eligibility requirements below to ensure you meet the qualifications for reverse transfer.
2. Send your transcripts
After determining your eligibility, you’ll request that your official SNHU transcript be sent to your previous institution for their review.
3. Wait for your transcript review
Your former school will review your transcripts and determine if you’ve met the qualifications to earn an associate degree.
4. Continue your coursework
While the review happens behind the scenes, you’ll keep working toward your bachelor's at SNHU.
5. Earn an associate degree
If you meet your previous community college's degree requirements, you’ll have an associate degree in hand without extra coursework or interruption — saving you both time and money.
6. Get tuition discounts
Completing the reverse transfer process and earning your associate degree through a partner community college may qualify you for a tuition discount on future online courses at SNHU.
Eligibility requirements
To be eligible for reverse transfer at SNHU, you must:
- be currently enrolled in a bachelor’s degree program at SNHU
- have completed at least 75 credits total (a minimum of 45 credits completed at SNHU)
- have not previously earned an associate or bachelor’s degree
Have questions about your eligibility? Reach out to the registrar’s office at your previous community college for more information about their specific requirements, as this may differ from school to school.
Ready to get started?
To begin the review process, request your official SNHU transcript be sent to your previous institution for their review. If you don’t hear back within a week or so, we encourage you to connect with your community college’s registrar’s office for an estimated timeline.
Frequently asked questions
Who is eligible for reverse transfer at SNHU?
Students who are eligible for reverse transfer at SNHU:
- are currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree at SNHU
- previously attended a community college, and
- did not earn a degree from their prior institution.
Keep in mind that your former community college is responsible for determining whether you meet their associate degree conferral requirements. If you have questions about your eligibility, it’s best to reach out to their registrar’s office (rather than the SNHU registrar).
If you meet the program’s eligibility requirements, you’ll receive an email with next steps.
What are the eligibility credit requirements for reverse transfer?
Students must have completed at least 75 total college credits, which include:
- a minimum of 45 total credits from SNHU
- a minimum number of credits from your previously attended community college (the specific number is determined by that school)
Additional transfer credits accepted by SNHU may also apply to help you meet the 75-credit requirement. These could include academic credit from another institution, exams, certifications and military experience.
Note: Eligibility for additional transfer credit will vary based on SNHU’s evaluation of individual credit for prior learning experiences and other factors.
How do I know if my previous school participates in reverse transfer?
You can contact your previous institution or review their website to confirm if they participate in the program.
How does my previous institution get my SNHU transcript for review?
To request your SNHU transcript (sent free of charge), follow these steps:
- Log in to your mySNHU account
- Select “Request a Transcript”
- Click “Order an official transcript”
I have transfer credits from more than one institution. Can I choose which one to use for reverse transfer?
Yes! You can select which school you’d prefer to review your SNHU transcript when you complete the Request a Transcript form on mySNHU. Remember to select the school at which you meet the credit requirements for reverse transfer.
Do I have to complete any additional courses to participate?
No. As long as you meet the eligibility requirements for reverse transfer, no additional courses are required to qualify.
When will I hear back about the process? How long does it take?
The timeline of reverse transfer may vary, as each community college manages the review and conferral process differently. If you have questions, it’s best to contact your previous institution.
How do I qualify for tuition discounts at SNHU through reverse transfer?
If your previous school is an SNHU partner community college, you must request that your associate degree conferral transcript (from your community college) be sent to SNHU to receive the SNHU tuition discount.
Once you’ve requested that transcript from your previous school, it’s best to let your SNHU academic advisor know. When SNHU receives your transcript and confirms that you’ve successfully earned an associate degree through reverse transfer, your advisor will help initiate the tuition discount process.
How do I know if my previous school is an SNHU partner institution?
See our full list of academic partners on the community college transfer page.
Will reverse transfer affect the admission process?
Reverse transfer has no impact on the admission process, as it is only available to SNHU students who have been accepted to and are actively enrolled in a bachelor’s degree program.
Am I guaranteed an associate degree if I participate in the reverse transfer process?
No, it’s not a guarantee. Your previous community college is responsible for reviewing your transcripts and determining your eligibility for conferral.
Who should I reach out to with questions?
For questions regarding your conferral, it’s best to contact your previous institution’s registrar.
For all other questions, feel free to contact the SNHU reverse transfer team at reversetransfer@snhu.edu.