Accreditation has a major impact on whether academic credits can transfer from one institution to another. Colleges and universities rely on accreditation status to determine whether coursework from another school meets their academic standards. When a student earns credits at an accredited institution, those credits are far more likely to be recognized by other colleges.

Regionally accredited institutions, in particular, have long been considered the most widely accepted source of transferable credits. Students who begin their education at a community college or transfer between universities benefit from the consistency and trust that accreditation provides. Without accreditation, credits may be rejected entirely, forcing students to repeat coursework and spend additional time and money completing their degree.

Accreditation also affects the transferability of online courses, dual‑enrollment credits, and military training evaluations. For students who anticipate transferring, changing majors, or pursuing graduate school, accreditation is essential. It ensures that the work they complete today will count toward their academic goals tomorrow.