Key Takeaways
- ACE-approved credits from platforms like Study.com, Sophia Learning, and StraighterLine can help you finish college faster and cheaper.
- Many universities accept up to 90 transfer credits, with some (like Excelsior University) allowing even more.
- Top transfer-friendly schools include WGU, University of Phoenix, TESU, Liberty University, and Purdue Global.
- Always check credit transfer limits, tuition rates, and accreditation before enrolling to maximize savings and efficiency.
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College tuition keeps climbing, but you don't have to pay full price to finish your degree. Transferring ACE-approved credits can be one of the fastest ways to finish college and cut education costs.
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Here's how it works and which schools make it easiest.
Before you transfer, remember that not all transfer credits are equal. Colleges only accept credits recognized by trusted accrediting bodies, such as the American Council on Education (ACE).
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Here's how you can earn ACE-recommended credits at a fraction of typical university prices:
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- Study.com offers over 200 ACE-recommended courses starting at $95/month. You can take multiple courses each month, which can lower your cost to as little as $16 per credit.
- Sophia Learning charges $99/month and allows you to take two courses at a time, about $16.50 per credit.
- StraighterLine has a $99 monthly membership fee plus $69 to $79 per course, averaging around $41 per credit.
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1. Western Governors University (WGU)
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WGU charges a flat rate of around $8,000 per year, rewarding fast learners. You can transfer up to 90 credits; the more courses you complete per term, the more you save. Β
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Popular majors include business, education, and nursing.
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2. University of Phoenix
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Known for its flexible online programs, the University of Phoenix accepts up to 87 transfer credits. Courses cost about $398 per credit.
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Programs span business, IT, and healthcare.
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3. Thomas Edison State University (TESU)
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TESU offers multiple ways to save, including a $3,522 flat-rate term for students taking nine or more credits. Tuition averages $440β$573 per credit, and students can transfer up to 90 credits.
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Degree paths include liberal arts, nursing, and criminal justice.
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4. Liberty University
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Liberty U allows up to 90 transfer credits and offers online tuition at around $390 per credit for full-time undergraduates and $455 for part-time, making tuition as low as $330 per credit.
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Programs include business, psychology, engineering, and nursing.
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5. Grand Canyon University (GCU)
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With online tuition ranging from $340β$485 per credit, GCU is known for flexibility and strong student support. GCU accepts up to 90 credits, but only 30 can come from alternative credit options like ACE-recommended online course providers. Β
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Program options include business, nursing, and psychology.
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6. Excelsior University
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Excelsior stands out as one of the most transfer-friendly schools in the country. It accepts up to 110 transfer credits, which can leave just a few courses to complete. Tuition averages $510β$550 per credit, depending on the program.
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Popular programs include nursing, business, cybersecurity, and engineering technology.
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7. University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC)
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UMGC offers in-state tuition of $330 per credit and accepts up to 90 transfer credits. Designed for working adults and military students, UMGC provides flexible online programs with multiple start dates throughout the year.
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Their degree programs in business, IT, and humanities are ideal for adult learners.
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8. Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU)
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SNHU's tuition is $342 per credit, and the school welcomes up to 90 transfer credits. Known for flexible online programs and strong student support, SNHU helps transfer students complete their degrees faster.
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Popular majors include criminal justice, computer science, and business administration.
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9. University of Arizona Global Campus (UAGC)
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UAGC allows students to transfer up to 75 credits toward their degree. Tuition averages $525 per credit, and the university offers flexible online programs designed for working adults.
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Programs are offered in liberal arts, business, and education.
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10. Purdue University Global
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A leader in flexibility and affordability, Purdue Global accepts up to 75% of degree credits from previous education or experience. Tuition averages $280 per credit for Indiana residents, and the university also awards credit for work, military, and life experience.
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Popular programs include business, information technology, nursing, and healthcare administration.
Earning your degree doesn't mean starting from scratch or paying full price. You can fast-track your degree at one of the nation's most transfer-friendly universities by using ACE-approved credits from platforms like Study.com.
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Your experience, effort, and prior learning have value. Use them to finish faster, spend less, and move forward confidently on your path to graduation.
Watch the Complete Guide
Aisha from Degree Hacked explains how you can finish your degree faster and for less!
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