Can I Transfer an Associate Degree to a Bachelors Degree Program Online?

Are you wondering if you can turn your associate’s degree into a bachelor’s degree—without setting foot on campus? The good news is: Yes, you can transfer your associate degree to an online bachelor’s program—and doing so could save you time, money, and help you enter the workforce faster with a more competitive qualification.

This guide explains exactly how to transfer an associate degree to an online bachelor’s program, which institutions accept it, which credits transfer, and how to choose the right school. You’ll also find a list of accredited universities offering seamless online transfer pathways for associate degree holders.

Can You Transfer an Associate Degree to a Bachelor’s Program Online?

Yes—most accredited universities in the U.S. and internationally allow you to transfer an associate degree to an online bachelor’s program, especially if the associate degree is from a regionally accredited institution.

This is especially common in “2+2 programs,” where you complete:

• 2 years (60 credits) at a community college (Associate Degree)

• 2 more years (60 credits) at a university (Bachelor’s Degree)

These programs often guarantee that your credits will transfer, assuming your GPA meets the minimum requirement (typically 2.0 to 2.5 or higher).

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Some online programs are designed exclusively for transfer students and even offer degree-completion pathways where you can finish your bachelor’s degree in as little as 12–18 months.

How to Transfer an Associate Degree to an Online Bachelor’s Program

Transferring from an associate to a bachelor’s program involves several steps. Here’s a step-by-step process:

Step 1: Check Accreditation

• Ensure your associate’s degree is from a regionally accredited college.

• Regional accreditation (not just national) is crucial for full credit transfer.

Step 2: Choose a Compatible Bachelor’s Program

• Pick an online bachelor’s degree that aligns with your associate’s degree. For example:

  • A.A. in Business → B.S. in Business Administration

  • A.S. in Computer Science → B.S. in Information Technology

Step 3: Request Transcripts

• Submit official college transcripts to the university’s admissions or registrar’s office.

Step 4: Get a Credit Evaluation

• The university will evaluate your prior coursework and issue a transfer credit report.

• You may be able to transfer up to 60–75 semester credits.

Step 5: Apply and Enroll

• Submit the online application, possibly including:

  • Personal statement

  • Letters of recommendation

  • FAFSA (for financial aid)

Some universities offer guaranteed admission pathways for students with associate degrees, especially from partner community colleges.

What Types of Associate Degrees Are Transferable?

Not all associate degrees are created equal. Some are designed for transfer, while others are career-focused.

Transfer-Friendly Degrees

These are meant for academic progression:

• Associate of Arts (A.A.)

• Associate of Science (A.S.)

They typically fulfill general education requirements and are highly transferable.

Career-Focused Degrees (May Be Partially Transferable)

• Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.)

• Associate of Applied Technology (A.A.T.)

These are more vocational, but many online universities still accept some or all of the credits, particularly through Bachelor of Applied Science (B.A.S.) programs.

Benefits of Transferring to a Bachelor’s Program Online

Transferring your associate’s degree to an online bachelor’s program offers a wide range of personal and professional advantages.

1. Cost-Effective Education: Completing your first 2 years at a community college can reduce tuition by up to 60% compared to 4-year universities.

2. Flexibility: Online programs are self-paced or asynchronous, allowing you to study around your work or family schedule.

3. Faster Completion Time: Transfer programs often allow accelerated formats, helping you finish your bachelor’s degree in as little as 12–18 months.

4. Global Access: Study from anywhere in the world—ideal for working adults, military members, or international students.

5. Higher Earning Potential: According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2024):

Bachelor’s degree holders earn an average of $400 more per week than associate degree holders.

Top Online Institutions That Accept Associate Degree Transfers

Here are some accredited universities known for seamless online bachelor’s degree completion programs:

1. University of Florida Online (UF Online)

• Accepts up to 60 transfer credits.

• Offers 20+ fully online bachelor’s degrees.

• Ranked among the top 5 online bachelor’s programs by U.S. News.

2. Arizona State University (ASU Online)

• Extensive transfer credit partnerships.

• Offers a Transfer Credit Guide Tool.

• Over 100 online bachelor’s programs, including STEM and business.

3. Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU)

• Accepts up to 90 transfer credits.

• Offers over 200 online programs.

• Dedicated Transfer Team for support.

4. Penn State World Campus

• Renowned public university with global recognition.

• Offers transfer-friendly degrees in engineering, IT, and healthcare.

• Up to 75 credits transferable.

5. Western Governors University (WGU)

• Competency-based education model.

• Allows students to move faster based on their knowledge.

• Accredited and career-focused bachelor’s degrees in business, IT, and education.

6. Purdue Global (part of Purdue University System)

• Designed for adult learners.

• Offers free transfer credit evaluation.

• Extensive support for military and working professionals.

Tips to Maximize Transfer Credits

Want to avoid repeating courses? These tips help ensure you get the most credit out of your associate’s degree:

Plan Ahead

• If you’re still earning your associate degree, talk to an academic advisor about taking transferable courses.

• Use tools like Transferology or the Common Course Numbering System (where available).

Align Majors

• Choose a bachelor’s program closely related to your associate’s field. Cross-major transfers may result in fewer accepted credits.

Check for Articulation Agreements

• Many universities have articulation agreements with community colleges, ensuring guaranteed transfer credits.

Request Prior Learning Credit

• Some online universities offer credits for:

  • Military training (e.g., Joint Services Transcript)

  • Work experience

  • Professional certifications

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FAQ: Associate to Bachelor’s Transfer Questions

Can I transfer to an online bachelor’s program with a low GPA?

Yes, but it depends on the institution. Some schools like SNHU and WGU have no minimum GPA requirements, while others prefer a 2.5 GPA or higher.

How many credits can I transfer from my associate’s degree?

Most accredited programs accept 60–75 credits from an associate’s degree. However, exact numbers depend on:

• Institutional policies

• Degree alignment

• Accreditation

Will I have to start over when transferring online?

Not at all—if your associate degree is regionally accredited and aligned with your chosen bachelor’s program, you can begin as a junior (third-year student).

Can I transfer internationally?

Yes. Many U.S. and UK universities accept international transfer students with associate-level qualifications, like:

• HND (Higher National Diploma) – UK

• DipHE (Diploma of Higher Education) – Commonwealth

• 2-year degrees from accredited institutions

Just ensure your transcript is evaluated by credential evaluation services like WES or ECE.

Conclusion

Earning your associate degree is a powerful first step—but you don’t have to stop there. Whether you want to advance your career, increase your earning potential, or simply gain more knowledge, transferring to a bachelor’s degree program online is a smart and increasingly accessible move.

With so many accredited universities, generous transfer credit policies, and flexible online formats, there’s never been a better time to finish what you started.

Next Steps:

• Use tools like Transferology to check credit transfer.

• Visit ASU Online, SNHU, or WGU for personalized transfer options.

• Book a virtual advising session to get a degree plan built around your existing credits.