A strong credit transfer policy is one of the best benefits a university can offer working adults. For those with full-time jobs, getting credit for what they’ve already learned saves both time and money while earning a bachelor’s degree.

A transfer-friendly college considers all learning experiences, not just past college credits. This includes military service and prior learning assessments. The goal is to help students avoid retaking courses they’ve already mastered.

This is a major advantage for adults returning to school and enrolling in an online bachelor’s degree program.

Transfer-Friendly Colleges and Adult Learners

A recent survey by Trellis Strategies found that 68% of college students work while enrolled. Of these, 41% hold full-time jobs. The data shows that older students are more likely to work while attending school. For example, 55% of full-time students between the ages of 30 and 39 are employed. This number increases to 61% for students between the ages of 50 and 64.

These numbers highlight a growing trend of adults returning to college. As more people balance work and school, colleges must find ways to support their unique needs. It’s clear that institutions need to adapt to help working adults succeed and earn their bachelor’s degrees.

Transfer-Friendly Policies at NMU Global Campus

Recognizing that students come from all walks of life, including working adults with full-time jobs, NMU offers a generous transfer policy that helps students reach their academic goals faster and get credit for what they have already learned.

NMU offers five main pathways for earning transfer credit.

  • Credits earned from accredited community colleges or four-year universities, courses after high school
  • Advanced placement credit earned through three national testing programs: CLEP (College Level Examination Program), AP Examination (Advanced Placement Program of the College Examination Program), and IB (International Baccalaureate), and academic departmental recommendation based on previous work or educational experiences.
  • Dual enrollment/early college programs in high school
  • Military service (Joint Service Transcript or Community College of the Air Force)
  • Credit for prior learning, displaying learned competencies through a portfolio, or successfully completing other relevant assessments.

Academic advisors guide each student through the transfer credit process, including submitting college transcripts, test results, and other documents. Each student receives a Transfer Credit Evaluation within several weeks of admission to NMU. Students may transfer up to 90 semester credit hours from a two-year college and an unlimited amount from a four-year college.

The Benefits of Earning a Bachelor’s Degree

 A bachelor’s degree offers many advantages, especially for working adults. A transfer-friendly college helps students finish their degrees faster by giving credit for past education, military service, or work experience. This saves time and money, making it easier to reach educational goals.

Expanding Knowledge and Skills

College courses teach more than facts. They help students build critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills. These skills are valuable in any career and can lead to leadership roles. A degree also introduces new ideas and perspectives, helping students grow both personally and professionally.

Better Pay and Job Security

A bachelor’s degree can lead to higher salaries and more job stability. In 2023, the median weekly salary for those with a bachelor’s degree was $1,493. That’s higher than $1,058 for associate degree holders and $899 for those with a high school diploma. Unemployment rates also drop with more education. The rate for bachelor’s degree holders was 2.2%, compared to 2.7% for those with an associate degree and 3.9% for those with only a high school diploma.

Supporting Working Adults

Many adults return to college while working full-time. Flexible programs and transfer-friendly policies make earning a degree easier. Schools that give credit for prior learning and experience help students graduate sooner. These policies remove barriers and allow working adults to benefit from a bachelor’s degree as quickly as possible.

Achieving Your Educational Goals

Earning a bachelor’s degree is a smart investment that opens doors to better job opportunities, higher pay, and valuable skills. For working adults, transfer-friendly policies and flexible programs make it easier to complete a degree without starting from scratch. By recognizing prior learning and experience, colleges help students save time and money while advancing their education. With the right support, more adults can achieve their academic goals and enjoy the long-term benefits of a four-year degree.