Missouri’s Reverse Transfer

Education is vital in today’s society. From ensuring children have access to resources before they begin kindergarten, to making it feasible for older students to return to the classroom, I am proud to say the General Assembly works hard to put students’ needs first. In 2012, the Legislature called on the Missouri Department of Higher Education (MDHE) to implement the Missouri Reverse Transfer Program (MRT). Reverse transfer is the process of allowing college students or former college students who have completed credits for an associate degree to receive that degree, even if they have transferred to a different college or university, or no longer attend college.

This program allows students who have earned credit at a two-year college and a four-year college to transfer credit from the four-year institution back to the two-year institution to earn an associate degree. There is no time limit on students completing the associate degree through MRT.

The program was introduced statewide in 2014, with 40 institutions, after a one-year pilot program proved to be successful. So far, more than 250 associate degrees have been awarded to Missouri students through the program. When we as a state can help students reach their goals, it is an amazing thing, especially if they are higher education goals that they may no longer be actively pursuing.

To be eligible for the program, former students must have earned a minimum of 15 credit hours from a Missouri two–year higher education facility and have a permanent Missouri address. Those with an associate, or higher degree, are not eligible for the program. This program will help students earn their associate degree, while or even if they are not currently pursuing a bachelor degree. The possibility for higher pay and career advancement is amplified by becoming a degree recipient and it also makes it possible to meet the general education requirements at many four-year colleges. One of the best parts is there is little additional work required by the perspective participant. All they have to do is allow their transcripts to be shared between the two institutions.

Because of the initial success of this program and the possibility to allow more Missourians access to degrees that they have already earned, Missouri has been recognized as a leader in the reverse transfer program. I am proud to say the hard work from the Department of Higher Education led to Missouri being chosen as one of three states to take part in the National Student Clearing House Reverse Transfer Project to assist with the national reverse transfer project.

As always, please feel free to contact me or my staff with any questions or concerns at any time. We look forward to hearing your comments and suggestions and trying to answer any questions you may have. You can reach us by phone at (866) 277-0882 (toll-free) or (573) 751-2272, or by fax at (573) 526-7381.