Transferring Credit
Franklin’s transfer credit acceptance policy is exceptionally student-friendly, allowing you to transfer the maximum credits possible. More than 90 percent of our students have transferred credits from other colleges and universities – proof that Franklin is the place to maximize your transfer credit!
If you are from a regionally accredited institution of higher education or an institution recognized as a candidate for accreditation, you may be granted transfer credit based on an evaluation by Franklin University of official transcripts from all colleges and universities previously attended. An official evaluation will be completed only after all transcripts and an application have been received.
If your previous institution(s) are not regionally accredited, talk to a Student Services Associate to discuss alternatives to classroom learning such as the Portfolio Credit for Prior Learning, the College Level Examination Program (CLEP) and the Franklin University Proficiency Examination (FUPE).
Please have your official transcripts forwarded to:
Franklin University
ATTN: Transfer Credit
201 S. Grant Ave.
Columbus, Ohio 43215-5339
614.797.4700
888.341.6237 (toll free)
Undergraduate Transfer Credit Guidelines
What does Franklin accept as Undergraduate Transfer Credit?
Normally, credit will be accepted for any college course completed with a grade of "C-" or higher, including grades of "Pass," and examination credit. Courses with a grade of "D", when included as part of an associate's degree for which the student attained a GPA of 2.0 or higher, will be accepted in transfer; this is subject, however, to GPA and course requirements pertaining to one's major program. A grade of a "D" in a bridge course will be accepted only if taken after the student has enrolled in and completed the Online Learning Strategies course through Franklin (CCA only). However, a student may be required to provide additional course materials in order to make a credit determination.
Credit will be awarded based on subject matter, prerequisites, level, laboratory requirements, and contact hours. All courses at Franklin are offered on a semester credit hour basis (1 quarter hour = .66 Semester hour).
How do I appeal Franklin's decision?
If you disagree with the application of transfer credit, you shall be informed of the right to appeal the decision and the process for filing the appeal.
To submit an appeal, see a Student Services Associate for guidelines. All final decisions for appeals are granted by the Program Chairperson.
How many credits can I transfer?
You must meet Franklin University's residency requirements. For a bachelor’s degree you must earn at least 40 of the last 54 credit hours in residence at Franklin University to be eligible. For an associate’s degree you must earn at least 15 of the last 22 credit hours and 30 credit hours overall in residence at Franklin to be eligible.
In addition, when pursuing both bachelor’s and associate’s degrees, you must successfully complete in residence at Franklin University a minimum of 20 credit hours of major area courses at the 300 or 400 level for the bachelor’s degree or a minimum of 12 credit hours of major area courses at the 200 level or above for the associate’s degree.
If you are pursuing a subsequent bachelor’s degree, you must earn a minimum of 30 credit hours at the 200 level or above, of which a minimum of 16 credit hours must be major area courses at the 300 or 400 level. Credit hours of major area courses at the 300 or 400 level for the bachelor’s degree or a minimum of 12 credit hours of major area courses at the 200 level or above for the associate’s degree.
Courses considered upper level at Franklin University will not normally be applied from two-year colleges toward a bachelor’s degree.
Can credit be awarded for Advanced Placement Testing?
If you have taken an Advanced Placement test at your high school and received a score of three, four, or five, you may be awarded University credit. To receive advanced placement through this program, you must arrange for your test scores to be sent to the Transfer Credit Office.
Can credit be awarded for professional training?
Transfer credit may be awarded for courses or professional training offered through business and industry. For example, the University awards transfer credit for courses taken through the American Institute of Banking (AIB) or the Life Office Management Association (LOMA).
Such credit will be awarded based on the recommendations found in The National Guide to Educational Credit for Training Programs (published by the American Council on Education), or The Directory of the National Program on Non-collegiate Sponsored Instruction.
Official transcripts or certificates of completion must be submitted for evaluation.
Can credit be awarded for Armed Services training?
Transfer credit is also awarded for courses taken in the armed services.
Such credit will be awarded based on the recommendations found in The Guide to the Evaluation of Educational Experiences in the Armed Services. Original military certificates and appropriate military transcripts must be submitted before military credit can be evaluated.
What do I do if my last institution is not regionally accredited?
Coursework from institutions not regionally accredited or granted candidacy status is not transferable. You may pursue other methods for obtaining credit, such as proficiency examinations or portfolios.
What if I change my major after being accepted?
If you wish to declare a major program other than that designated upon entry, you must contact a Student Services Associate to determine how your transfer credit will apply to the new major program.
If you choose to declare a new major program based on the results of that consultation, you will be bound by the requirements in effect at the time you re-declare.
What happens if I take a course that has been transferred?
If you repeat a course equivalent to one for which you have been granted transfer credit, the transfer credit will be deleted. If you are uncertain as to which courses you have already transferred, contact your SSA.
Should I meet with my SSA to go over the acceptance?
Yes! You should review the acceptance and application of transfer credit with your Student Services Associate who may apply appropriate substitutions to major requirements in consultation with the appropriate Program Chairperson.
What happens to my transcripts?
All transcripts submitted become the property of Franklin University. Duplicates of the transcripts will not be released to a student or a third party.
Graduate Transfer Credit Guidelines
What does Franklin accept as Graduate Transfer Credit?
Applicants from regionally accredited institutions of higher education (or institutions recognized as candidates for accreditation) may be granted transfer credit based on an evaluation by Franklin University of official transcripts sent directly to the University's Graduate School Student Services office from all colleges previously attended. Normally, credit will be accepted for comparable graduate courses completed with a grade of "B" or higher.
How many credits can I transfer?
A maximum of 8 hours of transfer credit may be used in the Vantage MBA® program.
Transfer students must meet University Graduate School residency requirements; that is, they must earn a minimum of 34 graduate credit hours at Franklin University for the MBA.
Can undergraduate courses be applied to my graduate degree?
Courses considered undergraduate level will not normally be applied toward graduate degrees.
Can credits be awarded for work experience?
Work experience is not equivalent to transfer coursework. However, Franklin may award credit for certifications or training received through your employer. Contact your SSA for details.
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