What Is a Reverse Transfer?

If you want to check if you’re eligible for a reverse transfer, start with its basics. By understanding its definition, you’ll be in a better position to navigate the process.

Reverse transfer has these major characteristics:

• It’s a formal process between two independent accredited educational entities.
• It involves transferring your completed credits from a four-year university to a two-year college. The latter is usually a community college.
• It allows you to earn your associate degree from a community college after you transfer to a university. You must have completed enough credits at your university.
• It’s a formal recognition of your academic progress that would otherwise be unrecognized.

Reverse transfer and forward transfer (i.e., traditional transfer) have two main differences:

• The direction of credit movement is opposite. In a forward transfer, it’s “two-year college → four-year university”. In a reverse transfer, it’s “four-year university → two-year college”.
• The primary purpose is different. In a forward transfer, you can pursue a bachelor’s degree at a four-year university. In a reverse transfer, you’ll earn an associate degree after completing enough university credits.

Take note that you’ll earn the associate degree from your previous community college. The university where you’re enrolled now isn’t the one that’ll award it. However, the credits used to meet the associate degree requirements came from your current university.

Did you start earning your associate degree at a community college? Did you transfer to a four-year university before you earned your associate degree? Do you have enough credits (60-70) earned at your current four-year university?

If you answered yes to all questions, you’re a good reverse transfer candidate.

You can choose not to undergo the reverse transfer process to earn an associate degree. After all, you’re already in the thick of earning your bachelor’s degree. Knowing the benefits, however, you may want to reconsider.

Think about these benefits as a college student now:

You’ll earn a recognized credential that’ll boost your employability. An associate degree signals your readiness for internships and entry-level jobs. Your bachelor’s degree can be the boost you’ll need for supervisory jobs after graduation.

You’ll have higher earning potential, as degree-wage studies suggest. As your educational attainment increases, your median weekly wage increases. If you have an associate degree, it’s $1,099/week median wages. But if you only have some college but no degree, it’s $1,020/week (BLS).

You’re less likely to experience unemployment as your degree level increases. Associate degree holders have a 2.8% unemployment rate. Individuals with some college but no degree have a 3.8% unemployment rate. While an associate degree isn’t a guarantee of employment, it’s a competitive edge in the job market.

Your associate degree can be your safety net. Life is unpredictable, and unexpected circumstances may interrupt your bachelor’s degree plans. With an associate degree, however, you can move forward with your plans. You can also go back to school under better conditions.

You have a recognized credential that validates your academic progress. This boosts your motivation and confidence, whether you’re applying for jobs or scholarships.

Did you know that over 43 million Americans face the “some college, no degree” problem? This is where reverse transfer can enable students to earn an associate degree.

Studies show retroactive AA/AS/AAS recipients are more likely to earn bachelor’s degrees. Again, it boosts their motivation and confidence to earn a higher degree.

Your next step is to determine if you’re eligible for a reverse transfer. The eligibility requirements vary by state and institution, so it’s always best to ask. 

Below are the common eligibility requirements to get you started.

You must have earned a minimum number of credits at a community college. Again, every institution has its specific requirement but 15-30 credits is typical.

Your total combined credits must also be enough to meet eligibility requirements. Total combined credits refer to completed credits from a community college and university. The typical range is 60-70 credits or the equivalent of a full two-year academic program.

You must be in good academic standing in your current university. This usually means at least a 2.0 GPA, but your current degree program may have higher standards.

You should have not already earned an associate or bachelor’s degree. The rule encourages students to overcome their “some college, no degree” status. Again, you’ll have an associate degree if things don’t go as planned with your bachelor’s degree.

You must have transferred from a participating community college to your current university. This ensures seamless credit transfer and degree granting.

The residency requirements vary between institutions, too. You may have to complete a minimum number of credits directly at a community college.

There are specific degree program requirements to meet. You may, for example, have to complete required courses to earn an associate degree.

Here are a few examples that show the variations in eligibility requirements.

• Colorado: 15 credits at community college and 70 total
• Texas: 30 credits at community college and 66 total
• Massachusetts: 30 credits at community college

You must then check with your former community college and your current university. This way, you can prepare for an efficient reverse transfer process.

The reverse application process is usually straightforward, but it’s important that you confirm the procedures and paperwork with the community college and university. This way, you can prepare the paperwork and follow the steps for a faster approval.

Every institution has specific steps in its reverse transfer process. The common steps adopted by community colleges and universities are as follows.

You must provide express consent for your current university to start the process. The university releases your academic transcripts to your former community college.
 
Important: Confirm that your official transcripts from both institutions have been submitted.
 
Your former community college evaluates your total combined credits. The credit evaluation checks if you meet associate degree requirements.
 
You may have to complete any remaining required courses in case of deficiencies. The courses may be taken at the community college or, if allowed, at your current school. You should also verify that you’ve satisfied residency and GPA requirements.
 
You’ll receive a notification once the community college awards your associate degree.
 
Many states, such as Texas and Illinois, adopt an opt-in system. In it, a university identifies eligible students and informs them about the opportunity. Eligible students must provide their express consent before their official transcripts are released.

Under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), universities cannot share a student’s academic records without their explicit permission. These include official transcripts, enrollment records, and GPA and academic standing.

Your former community college confirms credit totals, course completion, and GPA requirements. This is part of the total credits combined evaluation process.

Some states adopt automatic notification, while some require student initiation (e.g., Missouri). In the latter, you start the process by contacting your former community college. You’ll request a total combined credits evaluation to determine your eligibility.

You must be aware of your student rights in the reverse transfer process. This is where a basic understanding of FERPA comes in.

FERPA is a federal law that protects the privacy of student education records. The law applies to all educational institutions that receive federal funding. These include K-12 schools, community colleges, and four-year universities, especially public institutions. 

Under the law, you have the right to:

• Inspect and review your education records (e.g., official transcripts)
• Request correction of inaccurate academic records (e.g., GPA miscalculations)
• Control disclosure (i.e., releasing or sharing) of personally identifiable information; exceptions apply

As such, your express consent for the release of your academic records is a must. Your university can’t share your records with your former community college without it. Otherwise, it can require corrective actions for the university, even a federal investigation.

If it happens to you, document the incident and contact the university. You must require corrective action and file a formal complaint with the FPCO.

You can give your explicit permission in many ways, including:

• Admissions application opt-ins.
• Transcript request form for reverse transfer.
• Reply to an email campaign launched by the university.
• Secure the forms available at the student portal.

Some states have embedded student consent into common applications. These include Texas, Colorado, and Florida, although the specifics vary. In Texas, consent is integrated into university enrollment forms. This streamlines the reverse transfer process (no additional steps) while complying with FERPA.

What if your express consent leads to unauthorized access to your education information? No need to worry. Only your former community college has access to it. No other third party can access or use it. 

Your consent only allows sharing your transcripts for degree evaluation purposes. If it’s used for any other purpose, it’s a FERPA violation.

Financial aid eligibility isn’t usually affected by a reverse transfer.

If you’re worried about your financial aid being affected, you’re not alone. Many of your peers also worry about reverse transfer complicating their financial aid. This is understandable due to the credit reassignment between independent institutions. The good news is that reverse transfer typically has no impact on it.

Federal financial aid, particularly Pell Grants and federal loans, AREN’T affected. Your eligibility still depends on your enrollment status at your current university. This is true regardless of the number of credits transferred between institutions.

State financial aid ISN’T affected by the reverse transfer outcome, too. Tennessee, Florida, and Alabama use the approach. But every state has specific rules and regulations. So, you must check with your state’s authorities (e.g., higher education department).

Private scholarships are a different matter. You must check your scholarships’ terms and conditions for limiting clauses. Your scholarship may be revoked if you’ve already earned an undergraduate degree. The Gates Scholarship and Coca-Cola Scholars Program are examples.

Military education benefits, however, AREN’T affected. Your eligibility remains based on your enrollment status at your current university.

Note: Your application for reverse transfer doesn’t change your current enrollment status. You’re still an active student enrolled in your current bachelor’s degree program. As such, you’ll continue to enjoy the university’s resources and services.

Your transferred credits still apply toward meeting your bachelor’s degree requirements. The reverse transfer won’t slow down your academic progress either.

In general, you won’t be penalized for exceeding credit hour limits. Your current university may track excessive credit accumulation. But reverse transfer in itself isn’t counted against credit limits. Also, you must meet other requirements (e.g., meeting SAP standards or good academic standing).

As previously mentioned, every state has specific rules and regulations on reverse transfer. You can contact your current university’s transfer office for information. Getting in touch with your state’s official higher education authority is also an option.

At present, more than 25 states have formal reverse transfer policies. These policies are either in legislation or in statewide higher education board policy. Community colleges and universities use these policies as a framework. 

In addition, 18 more states have institutional agreements in place. These are formal partnerships between independent community colleges and universities. These institutions formalize their partnerships via MOUs, articulation agreements, or consortium agreements.

Check out these state-specific reverse transfer programs.

Colorado has its “Degree Within Reach” program overseen by the Colorado DHE. Eligible students can automatically earn associate degrees after credit transfers.

Texas has embedded a reverse transfer process into its common application system. The state uses the opt-out model, not the opt-in approach. Students are informed about their eligibility and either agree or decline to participate. 

Florida has a statewide articulation agreement between its public school systems. These are the Florida College System (FCS) and the State University System (SUS).

Tennessee’s Reverse Transfer program uses a semi-automated degree audit system. Eligible students are notified if their total credits qualify.

Oregon has a more unique approach – an automatic degree conferral system. Students don’t make a separate application. Instead, the system automatically identifies eligible students and awards associate degrees.

The National Student Clearinghouse has a data exchange platform used by many institutions. In it, users can share transcript information securely.

Many programs were launched with the help of the Credit When It’s Due (CWID) initiative. The CWID provided technical support, research, and best practices.

Be sure to search for specific information. Search “[your state] reverse transfer” for starters.

Don’t give up if you’re a few credits short. Here’s what you should know to overcome the issue.
So, you’re a near-completer who fell short of the eligibility requirements. You may have transferred before you’ve completed all community college requirements. Whatever the reason, you should look into your options.

Be sure to discuss the best option in your case. Your current university’s transfer office can explain these options in greater detail.

You can complete university courses that fulfill the associate and bachelor’s degree requirements. This way, you don’t have to travel back and forth between institutions.

You may also complete summer or online courses at your previous community college. Doing so means filling in your credit gaps in a quick and convenient manner.

You can apply for prior learning assessment or credit for experience, too. The experience can be relevant work and/or life experience. You must have documented evidence, written portfolio, and/or standardized exam scores.

The procedures and paperwork will depend on your choice of alternative credit attainment.
You must explore “degree reclamation” initiatives, too. The Degrees When Due program identifies near-completers and provides them with guidance. You’ll have a clear pathway toward meeting the eligibility requirements.

If you have more than 2 years of credits, you’re most likely to benefit. This is equivalent to 60-70 total combined credits.

Why pursue it if you’re a few credits short? After all, you’re already in a bachelor’s degree program. Earning an associate degree just seems redundant. Well, you’ll get a recognized credential that boosts your employability. Even if your bachelor’s degree plan is delayed, you’ll have an associate degree on hand.

You should talk to your former community college advisors. This way, you’ll get help to identify which courses you must complete, among others.