Transfer To or From NCC

START HERE – THEN TRANSFER

You can complete your first two years of college at NCC, earn your Associate of Arts degree, then transfer to a four-year institution.

A transfer program is a smart and economical way to earn a bachelor’s degree.

• This A.A. degree usually completes the general education requirements at the public four-year institution.
• Without a completed AA degree, courses will be evaluated on a course-by-course basis.

It is critical to see NCC’s Transfer Advisor during your first semester at NCC to ensure a smooth transition.

NCC Partners

NCC has transfer agreements with many four-year colleges and universities.

Some of NCC’s partners are:

• Iowa State University, University of Iowa, and the University of Northern Iowa all have signed seamless transfer agreements with NCC. There are many degrees now available through the Transfer Majors. For more information click here.
• Northwestern College, Orange City. Once you graduate from NCC, your associate’s degree automatically transfers to fulfill Northwestern’s core, or general education, requirements, with the exception of one Christian Story course and one Senior Seminar course. That seamless transfer means you’ll earn your bachelor’s degree—and achieve your educational and career goals—faster and more efficiently. Visit Northwestern’s transfer student webpage to learn more about the policy and the transfer student scholarships for which you may qualify.
• Briar Cliff University, Sioux City. This program allows students to earn a four-year degree with minimal travel from NCC Campus. Business Administration, Human Resources Management, Accounting, and an online RN to BSN program are some of the programs offered.
• University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls. Through the Admissions Partnership Program, NCC students who plan to pursue bachelor’s degrees at UNI will receive special benefits to help pave the way for academic success at both schools.
• Buena Vista University, Storm Lake. This program offers online and on-campus degree completion programs in Accounting, Bachelor of Applied Studies, Business Administration, Business Economics, Criminology and Criminal Justice, Health Services Leadership, Human Services, Finance and Banking, Management, Marketing, Organizational Leadership, Psychology, Wellness Management, and Public Administration.
• Franklin University, Columbus, OH. This University offers a 3+1 program that positions students on a pathway to earning an affordable bachelor’s degree without leaving their community. Under Franklin’s 3+1 program, students transfer their earned associate degree credits to Franklin and complete additional third-year bachelor’s degree coursework at Northwest Iowa Community College – paying the community college tuition rate. The fourth year of the bachelor’s degree will be completed 100% online at Franklin. Learn more about how Franklin University’s 3+1 program can turn an associate degree into a bachelor’s degree by visiting our website.
• Bellevue University, Bellevue, NE. This program makes it possible for students to complete their Bachelor’s Degree through Bellevue University the year after they complete their Associate’s two-year degree either online or on-campus.
• Other schools NCC students transfer to include South Dakota State University, Morningside College, University of South Dakota, and many more.

Transfer Checklist

• Start planning early to ensure a smooth transfer from NCC to your four-year institution.
• Meet with your Transfer Advisor to discuss your interests and goals. This advisor helps you identify four-year institutions that fit your needs.
• Spend time researching various colleges, and select a few to visit.
• Visit with college representatives at NCC’s Fall Career Day.
• Once you choose a college to transfer to, contact their Admissions Office to request transfer information, catalogs, and application materials.
• Ask your chosen college about transfer requirements, applications deadlines, housing information and financial aid.
• Review your program at NCC with your advisor to determine what courses meet the requirements of the transfer college’s program.
• Plan your schedule each semester according to which courses will transfer.
• Complete your A.A. degree at NCC.
• Complete application materials, housing contracts, scholarship applications, and financial aid materials before the deadlines! Early applications allow time to solve problems.
• Send your NCC transcripts to the transfer college before their deadline. 
• Attend the Orientation Program at the transfer college designated for transfer students. This will make you aware of the resources available to you and how to register for classes.
• Request a final transcript to be sent to both your transfer college and yourself after receiving your NCC degree.

Four-Year College Search Engines

• TransferInIowa.org – Iowa’s Regent universities and community colleges have joined to create this Web site dedicated to seamless transfer. Our intent is simple – to create a one-stop resource to help you plan for your future.
• College Net – Allows students to explore colleges, careers, and scholarship information.
• Peterson’s Guide – Another source of finding out college information. Students will need to complete the free registration before using.

Transfer Credits to NCC

• Our staff will help you transfer credits from another college to NCC. Contact our Student Services Office to request transfer information, a catalog, and application materials.
• Have your previous college’s transcripts sent to NCC for review. It is also necessary to send your high school transcript, which is needed for the application process.
• Complete all application materials, housing contracts, scholarship applications and financial information.

Reverse Credit Transfer

Reverse credit transfer is a partnership developed by the Board of Regents and Iowa’s public universities in close collaboration with Iowa’s community colleges to facilitate the transfer of credits back to one of Iowa’s community colleges for the purpose of providing an opportunity for students to attain a degree, diploma or certification.

The agreement builds on the many existing collaborative arrangements between the institutions that promote the success of community college students as they transition to Iowa’s public universities.

How does reverse credit transfer work?
Iowa community college transfer students have the opportunity to participate in the reverse credit transfer agreement. Community college students indicate their interest, at the time of application to the university, in applying future credits earned at the university toward the completion of their associate degree, diploma or certification.

By doing so, the student agrees to have his/her university transcript sent back to his/her community college while enrolled at the university. The community college will then evaluate this coursework to determine if degree, diploma or certification requirements are met. The community college makes the decision on whether a degree or other credential will be granted. Any credential will be awarded in the semester/year all final requirements are met.

The sending of the university transcript to the community college does not guarantee the granting of a degree or other credential. This is at the discretion of and subject to the degree and residency requirements of the community college, which is the degree granting institution.

Read our Reverse Credit Transfer FAQ for more information.

Read The Value of an Associate’s Degree to learn about the many benefits of earning an associate’s degree.