The College Credit Program at Treehouse
We've teamed up with University Pathways International (UPI) to help Treehouse students jumpstart their education, reduce tuition expenses, and graduate faster.
What is the American Council on Education (ACE)?
The American Council on Education (ACE), established in 1918, represents over 1,700 colleges and universities in the United States. ACE helps students earn academic credit for learning and experiences outside traditional classrooms, shaping public policy and fostering innovation to support student success. Learn more about ACE transcripts.
What is the National College Credit Recommendation Service (NCCRS)?
The NCCRS, operating under the Board of Regents of the University of the State of New York, evaluates non-traditional learning experiences to recommend them for college credit. Partnering with organizations such as professional associations, corporations, and training providers, NCCRS assesses programs to determine their eligibility for credit transfer to cooperating colleges and universities. Common examples of NCCRS credit use include workplace training programs, certifications from professional organizations, and specialized online or in-person courses. Learn more about NCCRS transfer credits.
What are ACE and NCCRS transfer credits?
ACE and NCCRS transfer credits are recommendations that allow non-traditional learning experiences, such as online courses, workplace training, and certifications, to be recognized as eligible for college credit at participating institutions. Courses are evaluated and approved by the ACE or NCCRS for transfer credits to participating institutions. Using transfer credits can help you save money on tuition costs, complete degrees or certificates faster, and enhance professional skills and job qualifications.
Which colleges or universities accept ACE and NCCRS credits?
Over 1,500 U.S. institutions accept ACE and NCCRS credits. A few notable examples include:
- Harvard Extension School
- Miami Dade College
- California State University
- Ohio State University
- Michigan State University
- Florida State University
- University of Arkansas
- City College of San Francisco
- Lone Star College
- University of Phoenix
- Washington State University
- Texas A&M University
View the ACE list of colleges and universities.
View the NCCRS list of colleges and universities.
How do I transfer my credits to a college?
Ensure that the college of your choice accepts ACE or NCCRS credits and will award your transfer credits toward a degree or certificate. Then simply share your digital transcript with the college of your choice.
Can I transfer my credits to an international university?
Check your university's credit policy. While most international universities don’t directly recognize ACE or NCCRS credits, Excelsior University, a regionally accredited institution, will recognize UPI's transcript of NCCRS & ACE recommended courses and can issue a OneTranscript to present to international universities. Learn more about Excelsior University.
Can I take more than one college credit course?
You are welcome to take them all! Note that each course will require a $35 transcript fee paid to UPI.
How many UPI college credits can I transfer?
Treehouse offers 3 credits per courses, and all credits are transferable. UPI students have transferred up to 72 credits (24 courses).
Where can I get help if I need it?
Reach out to us at help@teamtreehouse.com with questions. We're happy to help.
In addition, you may email team@upistudy.com for help. UPI offers a personalized consultation and support to each student enrolled through Treehouse to ensure a smooth academic progression.
What is University Pathways International (UPI)?
UPI is an education platform that offers government-accredited online college-level courses to students worldwide. UPI courses are recognized by the American Council on Education (ACE) and the National College Credit Recommendation Service (NCCRS), ensuring their acceptance by a wide range of higher education institutions. With a global reach, UPI has supported over 100,000 individuals across dozens of countries, facilitating credit transfers to over 1,500 colleges and universities, including institutions in the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom. Learn more about UPI.
How many college credits will I earn per course?
Each course earns a total of 3 college credits. A final exam and final assignment must be passed in order to receive credit for each course.
Can I skip straight to the final exam?
If you already know the subject matter, you can skip directly to the final exam and final assignment — there is no requirement that the lessons must be completed before taking the exam.
Can I use AI to help me on my exam or assignment?
No, the use of AI tools or assistance for exams or assignments is prohibited. All submissions are carefully reviewed for AI-generated content to ensure academic integrity. Any detected use of AI could result in disqualification, as maintaining fairness is a top priority. Always complete your work independently to uphold the standards of the program.
How much can I save by taking college credit courses at Treehouse?
According to LendingTree.com, the cost of 3 college credit hours ranges from $500 at 2-year public schools to $5,000 at 4-year private colleges.
The cost of 3 college credit hours with Treehouse is $35 plus the cost of a Treehouse subscription, meaning you save hundreds, or even thousands, of dollars in tuition costs!
How do I obtain credits for a college credit courses on Treehouse?
For a $35 fee paid directly to UPI, you’ll receive credits upon successfully completing the final exam and assignment. You'll receive a digital badge on Credly that indicates the number of college credit hours earned, which can be shared with professional contacts and added to your resume, social media, and LinkedIn profile. Once the badge is in your Credly account, you can send your transcript directly to colleges for earned credit. Learn more about Credly.
Since credit decisions vary by institution, contact your prospective colleges to confirm transcript submission details.
What is a digital badge on Credly?
A digital badge on Credly is a verified credential that displays your ACE or NCCRS credit recommendation, course details, and mastered competencies. It serves as a digital representation of your learning achievement. You can share your digital badge on resumes, social media, and LinkedIn. Employers can also view the badge to verify your skills and achievements.
What is included in my digital transcript on Credly?
Transcripts are official academic records used by colleges and universities. They use transcripts to see if prior learning is eligible for college credit.
Your Credly digital transcript consolidates and displays all your earned credits, including course titles, credit hours, and detailed competencies mastered. It provides an easy-to-access record of your learning achievements that you can send to colleges.
Do I need to be a Treehouse subscriber to take the college credit courses?
Yes, you must be either a Courses, Courses Plus, or Techdegree plan subscriber to take the UPI college credit courses.
Not a subscriber? Sign up for a free 7-day trial
How does the college credit program work?
1. Log in to your Treehouse account to access the courses.
(Not a subscriber? Sign up for a free 7-day trial and start earning college credits today.)
2. Choose a UPI college credit course above to get started, then work through the lessons remotely, at your own pace — you determine your own level of time commitment.
3. Take the final exam. Didn’t pass? Take the exam again at no charge.
4. Once you pass the final exam, pay a $35 transcript fee directly to UPI to get access to a final project assignment.
5. Once the assignment has been graded by UPI, receive a digital badge and transcript via Credly.
6. From your Credly Dashboard, send your digital transcript to the institutions of your choice.
Already know your stuff?
If you're already knowledgeable in the subject matter, you can skip directly to the exam! You are not required to complete the lessons before taking the final exam.
Note that you will still need to pay a $35 transcript fee and complete the final assignment in order to receive three college credits per course.
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