Crossregistration

Crossregistration is a formal arrangement that allows a student enrolled at one college or university to enroll in courses at another institution, typically within the same region or network, while remaining registered at and paying tuition to the home institution. Credits earned are normally issued by the host institution and counted toward the student’s degree after transfer.

Programs are common in university systems and regional consortia that want to expand course access without requiring students to transfer. Approval usually requires designation of the courses as permissible, prerequisites verification, and authorization by the home registrar and sometimes the host department. Registration is often completed via the home institution.

Credit and grading policies vary. Some host courses count toward general education or major requirements; grades may be transferred or replaced by home grades. Units completed in cross-registration typically appear on transcripts, and there may be limits on the number of cross-registered units or on eligibility for financial aid or scholarships. Tuition arrangements also vary; some students pay home tuition rates, while others pay host rates or a negotiated fee.

Advantages include broader course selections, access to specialized programs, and greater scheduling flexibility. Limitations include limited course availability, calendar or credit-transfer mismatches, additional administrative steps, and potential constraints on degree timing. Students should consult both institutions’ policies to understand how credits apply to their degree requirements.

See also: credit transfer, articulation agreements, interinstitutional agreements, student exchange, interlibrary or cross-border education.