Incoming Transfer Students
One of American National University’s goals is to make it easier for students to continue their education without unnecessary delays or obstacles. We focus on creating smooth transitions that help you move forward confidently as you advance to the next level of your academic and professional journey.
We support this through our stackable program structure, where each credential builds into the next—from certificate and diploma programs through undergraduate and graduate degrees. This approach allows you to keep moving forward without losing progress as your goals evolve.
ANU also maintains Academic Partnerships Agreements with higher education institutions across the country. These partnerships are designed to simplify the transfer process, reduce barriers to credit acceptance and admissions, and help you maximize the value of your previous coursework as you pursue the next degree level.
To learn more about transferring into an ANU program that fits your goals, connect with an American National University representative. You may find opportunities to reduce both the time and cost required to complete your degree.
UNIVERSITY TRANSFER GRANT
The University Transfer Grant supports collaboration between educational institutions and helps international students continue their higher education in the United States. The grant is available to students transferring from U.S.-based colleges, universities, or English as a Second Language (ESL) programs that have an active Memorandum of Understanding with American National University, along with any required program-specific agreements. It is also open to international F-1 students transferring from eligible U.S. institutions. These program agreements may involve joint academic offerings or outline how previously earned credits from approved programs can be applied toward an ANU degree, helping students transition more smoothly and continue their academic progress.
EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING CREDIT, PRIOR LEARNING CREDIT OR LIFE WORK EXPERIENCE CREDIT
American National University recognizes that learning can take place outside of the classroom and offers credit for prior learning. Credit is not awarded automatically, and students must work closely with their Academic Advisor to complete the application process for prior learning credit.
To qualify, students must demonstrate that their previous experience resulted in college-level learning and aligns with the learning outcomes of the course. ANU provides several ways for students to show this, including passing a test-out exam, submitting a résumé with documented work history and an employer letter explaining how course objectives were met, presenting military training through the Army/ACE Registry Transcript System, completing CLEP exams, or developing a portfolio that clearly demonstrates relevant knowledge and competencies.
Many students gain valuable experience through professional work, military service, or volunteer roles. When this experience meets course requirements, prior learning credit can prevent students from having to repeat material they already know—saving time and helping them move more efficiently toward degree completion.
CREATING A PRIOR LEARNING ASSESSMENT PORTFOLIO
The portfolio should include documentation of the student’s professional or military experience, as well as any licenses, certifications, diplomas, or formal training completed. Students may also include information about civic involvement, volunteer work, or similar activities. Supporting materials should be provided whenever possible, such as competency-based exam results or written documentation that explains what the student knows, how the knowledge was gained, and how those skills can be demonstrated.
Completing this process can offer significant benefits. A successful portfolio review allows students to earn academic credit for skills and knowledge they already possess, helping reduce the number of required courses and move more efficiently toward degree completion.
NON‐TRADITIONAL CREDIT ALLOWANCE
American National University is committed to offering a comprehensive Academic Plan that recognizes both traditional coursework and approved nontraditional learning experiences that contribute to degree completion. Nontraditional credit may be applied to a student’s degree plan for up to 25% of the total credit requirements for any program offered by the University. These credits, however, do not count toward ANU’s residency requirement for graduation.
All nontraditional learning used toward academic credit must clearly demonstrate that the knowledge gained—through work experience, military service, volunteer activities, hobbies, or similar experiences—is equivalent to the learning outcomes achieved in a college-level classroom setting.
CREDIT GRANTED FOR WORK EXPERIENCE
American National University acknowledges the value of professional experience as part of a student’s overall educational background. To be considered for Work Experience credit, students must demonstrate at least one year of relevant work experience. The amount of credit that may be awarded is limited based on the level of the program. Students may earn up to two courses or eight credits toward a certificate program, up to five courses or twenty credits toward an associate degree, up to eight courses or thirty-two credits toward a bachelor’s degree, and up to three courses or twelve credits toward a master’s degree.
Some programs are not eligible for Work Experience or other nontraditional credit due to accreditation standards, regulatory approvals, or required live competency demonstrations. These include, but are not limited to, the Phlebotomy and ECG Certificate program, the Paralegal Certificate, the Paralegal Associate degree, the Health Information Management Associate degree, and the Medical Billing and Coding Diploma.
If an applicant desires the University to evaluate work experience for credit, the applicant must:
- Discuss the experience with his/her Program Chair or Academic Advisor to determine proper procedure for presentation.
- Submit a completed Work Experience Course Credit Application, which may be obtained from the student’s Academic Advisor.
- Prepare detailed documentation and substantiation of the experience to be considered (documentation should include duties, responsibilities, seminars, etc., and superiors or coworkers who can attest to the experience).
- Only experience directly related to the course will be considered. The student must be able to show how all of the course objectives as found in the syllabus, have been achieved through work experience.
- All materials must be received by the Work Experience Review committee prior to the upcoming term to be considered for review and approval.
- The final decision is made with the committee and students have the right to appeal through the appeals process.
HOW ARE THE CREDITS APPLIED TO THE STUDENT’S PROGRAM:
Credits are awarded as transfer credit. These credits reduce the overall number of required classes a student needs to earn a degree from American National University.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST:
This service is provided through your enrollment program. If prior work life credits are accepted, there is a $50.00 fee per course that is accepted. Once a course is accepted, the student will be notified. The student must pay the fee prior to the transfer of work life credits being posted to the student account. The student has 14 business days from the time of approval to pay the fee.