Graduate with a WGU BS Accounting Degree for Less Than $17K

Why WGU's BS in Accounting is Perfect for Degree Hacking

WGU’s BS in Accounting is designed for motivated professionals looking to level up their careers in finance, auditing, or corporate accounting without putting life on hold. This flexible, affordable degree helps you build the skills employers want while letting you learn at your own pace.

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Plus, it’s ideal for degree hacking because of these factors:

Competency-Based Model Lets You Move Faster

• Advance through courses as soon as you demonstrate what you know, without waiting for the semester to end
• Use transfer credits from previous coursework, professional certifications, or exams like CLEP and DSST to accelerate your progress
• Learn entirely online, on your time with shorter courses designed for working adults and busy professionals

Accounting Curriculum Built for Real-World Careers

• Study financial reporting, auditing, and other critical knowledge and skills for today’s accounting roles
• Prepare for certifications like the CPA exam with a program grounded in real-world application
• Gain expertise in the latest accounting software and technologies shaping the profession

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Why Most People Take 4+ Years (And How to Do It in 12–18 Months)

Why Most People Take 4+ Years

It’s common for students to spend over four years and $30K+ earning their accounting degree, but it doesn’t have to be that way. WGU’s BS in Accounting offers a quicker, more affordable path.

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Here’s what usually slows people down and extends their time to graduate:

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• They don’t create a degree-hacking plan: Students who don’t map out courses strategically (choosing transfer options, exams, and faster pathways) end up taking longer to finish. ‍
• They take courses at a traditional semester pace: Instead of leveraging WGU’s competency-based model, some students follow a fixed schedule that extends their timeline. ‍
• They don’t maximize transfer credits: Without bringing in prior credits, students add unnecessary courses that delay graduation. ‍
• They spend extra time mastering challenging accounting concepts: Some topics may require deeper study or additional practice, which can extend the time needed to demonstrate competency and progress.

Here's what degree hackers do that others don't:

• Leverage prior knowledge: They apply transfer credits, certifications, and credit-by-exam to bypass courses they’ve already mastered. ‍
• Accelerate through mastery: They focus on demonstrating competency quickly to move ahead without waiting on traditional semester schedules. ‍
• Stay laser-focused on goals: They set clear milestones and maintain consistent study habits to keep momentum throughout the accounting program. ‍
• Result: Graduate in <24 months for ~$16,120 or less total.

The key to finishing your degree faster isn’t intelligence or motivation alone. Sometimes, the biggest game-changer is transferring low-cost credits from elsewhere, then using WGU to advance the accounting skills that truly matter.

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Strategy Guide: Tips on How to Hack WGU’s Accounting Program

Based on insights from successful WGU accounting students and mentors, we created a plan to help you speed up your BS in Accounting.

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This guide covers how to overcome common challenges, maintain steady progress, and keep costs low, all while building the skills you need to advance your accounting career quickly.

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WGU Online Accounting Pre-Enrollment Hacks

• Maximize transfer credits early – Use resources like Study.com to complete relevant accounting and business courses before you start, reducing your course load at WGU. You can enroll in more than one course for as low as $95/month. ‍
• Earn college credit with exams – Take CLEP and DSST exams to test out of general education and foundational courses. With CLEP exams costing $97 each and DSST exams costing $100 each, you can save both time and money. ‍
• Document your work experience – Prepare detailed records of your accounting-related work experience, as it can help you accelerate through certain competencies once you enroll. ‍
• Get a personalized degree plan – DegreeHacked.org offers customized degree-hacking strategies specifically for aspiring WGU accounting students, helping you map out the fastest path to your degree.

WGU Accounting Degree Hacking Plan

BS in Accounting Transfer Credits: What Transfers and What Doesn't

t’s common that some credits won’t apply directly to WGU’s Accounting degree. Smart students take advantage of external providers for affordable electives and prerequisites so that they can concentrate on the accounting courses that matter most at WGU. This strategy saves time and money.

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Follow this guide to manage your transfer credits wisely and get to your degree sooner:

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• ~31 Competency Units (CUs): General Education courses (easily transferable) ‍
• ~44 CUs: Core courses (mix of transferable and WGU-only courses) ‍
• ~9 CUs: WGU additional courses (mix of transferable and WG-only courses)  ‍
• ~37 CUs: WGU-Only Courses, including the Business Simulation (WGU only)

WGU Accounting Degree Requirements: Course Transfer Strategy

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Why Degree Hacking Works for WGU Accounting Students

• Accelerated Mastery of Accounting Skills: WGU’s competency-based model lets you prove your knowledge quickly, so you can skip what you already know and focus on mastering key accounting concepts. ‍
• Strategic Credit Transfer Savings: By carefully applying transfer credits from prior accounting courses or exams, you reduce the number of required WGU courses, saving time and tuition without sacrificing program quality. ‍
• Tailored Learning Pathways: Degree hacking empowers you to customize your BS in Accounting journey by prioritizing courses aligned with your career goals and previous experience so you can graduate as soon as 24 months (or less!).

Ready for Your Complete Plan?

What to expect in your WGU BS in Accounting Degree-Hacking plan:

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✓ Over 40 pre-approved transfer courses
✓ Affordable CLEP, DSST, and Study.com options
✓ Clear timeline and cost breakdown
✓ Customized, flexible degree pathways (with alternative paths in case your first choice is unavailable)

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Applying to WGU for the Bachelor of Science in Accounting

When to Apply: Ideal Time for Enrolling

Make sure that you finish all the requirements and processes needed for your alternative college credit options before enrolling. That way, your credits have a better chance of transferring and being accepted into your WGU BS in Accounting degree program.

WGU Admissions and Transfer Logistics

• Complete the online application form  
• Submit official transcripts and certifications
• Receive a fast transfer credit evaluation
• Select your preferred start date—terms begin monthly on the 1st

WGU Tuition and Other Aid Information

• Flat tuition: $3,830 per 6-month term plus fees
• Financial aid options include FAFSA, military benefits, work experience, scholarships, and grants from WGU
• Lower tuition by completing gen eds and some major courses via alternative credit before starting WGU’s Accounting program

WGU Bachelor of Science in Accounting Career ROI

• Median Annual Salary: $81,680  
• Degree Payback Time: 2-3 months of work
• Opportunities to pursue CPA or other certifications, strong demand, and rapid career advancement opportunities
• Typical Roles: Staff Accountant, Financial Analyst, Tax Preparer, Auditor, Accounts Payable/Receivable Specialist

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