Applicants are admitted as degree-seeking or non-degree-seeking based on their educational objectives and supporting documentation. Official transcripts must be received and evaluated before a student may be classified as degree-seeking, become eligible for financial aid, or register for courses with prerequisites.
First-Time-in-College Applicants
Applicants who indicate an intent to pursue a degree at Valencia College are initially classified as non-degree-seeking until all required final, official academic transcripts are received and evaluated.
First-time-in-college, degree-seeking applicants must submit one of the following:
- An official final high school transcript
- An official GED score report
- Required home education documentation
College Transfer Applicants
Degree-seeking applicants who have attended other postsecondary institutions must submit official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended.
Valencia College may require official transcripts from any previously attended institution, even if attendance was not disclosed on the application and regardless of whether transfer credit is being sought. Submitted postsecondary transcripts must reflect final posted grades and should not include in-progress coursework.
Transfer students may also be required to submit an official high school transcript when needed to verify foreign language proficiency for degree requirements, confirm course prerequisites, or when no postsecondary coursework is accepted in transfer.
Non-Degree-Seeking Applicants
Non-degree-seeking applicants, including those enrolling for personal interest, transient study, teacher recertification, or job improvement, are not required to submit official academic transcripts unless needed to verify course prerequisites. Students seeking a Technical Certificate may be required to submit official transcripts if needed for financial aid eligibility or to evaluate transfer credit required for completion of the certificate.
Submitting Transcripts
Official transcripts must be sent directly to Valencia College by the issuing institution or delivered in person in a sealed envelope from the issuing institution. Transcripts may be submitted:
- Electronically through an authorized third-party provider (recommended)
- By email or mail directly from the sending institution
- In person in a sealed envelope from the issuing institution
Electronic transcript delivery is strongly encouraged to ensure timely receipt and processing. Unofficial transcripts are not processed.
Transfer Credits
Valencia College evaluates undergraduate coursework for transfer credit from colleges and universities that are accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Valencia College awards semester credit. Coursework completed on a quarter-credit system is converted to semester credits at the rate of one quarter credit equals two-thirds of a semester credit.
Transfer coursework must be at the level normally included within the first two years of college. A grade of D or higher is required to award transfer credit, although some programs require a minimum grade of C in specific courses to meet graduation requirements.
If transfer coursework does not provide sufficient information to determine placement in English and/or mathematics, entry testing may be required.
Transfer Credit Appeals
If transfer coursework is evaluated as non-equivalent to a Valencia College course, a student may request further review through the College's established appeal processes:
For coursework from institutions accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, students may submit a Transfer Coursework Reevaluation Request. Students are responsible for submitting all required documentation. Appeals are reviewed by an Academic Dean, in consultation with the Registrar's Office as appropriate, and decisions are final. Consultation with a Student Success Coach is recommended prior to submission.
Foreign Credential Evaluation
Students seeking transfer credit for college level coursework completed from a non-U.S. postsecondary institution must submit a course-by-course evaluation from a NACES-affiliated agency, unless the foreign institution is recognized by U.S. accreditation bodies. Evaluations may be used for transfer credit consideration, fulfillment of course prerequisites, or waiver of the foreign language requirement. All associated fees are the responsibility of the student.
Foreign secondary records not issued in English may require an official English translation.
Assistance and Additional Support
Additional transcript information is available on the Transcripts webpage.
Students with transcript questions or who need assistance completing the steps to enroll may contact First Stop. Staff are available to assist with application requirements, residency documentation, transcript questions, and general enrollment support.
