"Will My Credits Transfer?"

Ahhh, if I had a dollar for every time a prospective student or parent asked me that question...well, I wouldn't be rich, but I'd probably have enough to cover lunch at a nice restaurant.

So here's the answer:  definitely maybe.

I'm not trying to be funny or wishy-washy, but like all of life's other big questions, this one's complicated.  It's impossible to say "yes" or "no" when there are several factors involved. 

On the one hand, Northampton is regionally accredited, so other regionally accredited schools accept our credits.  However, every school has its own policy regarding transfer credits.  A standard requirement is that you get a C or higher (C-minus probably won't cut it). 

Another requirement is that it's an equivalent course.  It should cover similar concepts or information, and have the same credit value.  For example, the English I you take here is essentially the same as the freshmen composition class offered elsewhere. 

It's not always easy to determine if it's an equivalent course because the names or numbers probably won't be identical.  Some schools that recruit a lot of transfer students make that information very accessible.  Other schools may not.  The Advising and Transfer Office at NCC is always here to help you research that information.

Another requirement is that the course is required for your major.  Although every program includes some core classes that overlap, you can easily see that an Engineering major is taking very different courses than an English major.  If you begin taking classes for Engineering but then switch to English, some of those science and math classes may not transfer.  

(It's ok to change your mind and switch majors.  That's what a lot of college students do, whether they're at community colleges or 4-year schools.  And if you're going to be indecisive, it's better -- or at least less expensive -- to do it here than there.)

Bottom line, if you're hoping to transfer credits from NCC, there are some things you need to do:

1) get good grades

2) think about transfer schools and know their requirements sooner rather than later -- during your first or second semester at NCC is not too early!

3) meet with a Transfer Advisor at NCC who can help you identify equivalent courses before you register for them.