Western Governors University: Fast-Track Your Bachelor's Degree

‍Why WGU Works for Degree Hackers

Western Governors University is one of the best schools for degree hackers because of its very generous transfer-credit policy and its low price and flexible schedule for the courses you take from WGU.

WGU is especially popular with adult learners who are balancing work with school.

Generous Transfer Credit

Western Governors University accepts transfer credit for up to 90 (out of 120 total credits) credits, which is three-quarters of your degree requirements. They accept prior credit from other accredited universities, ACE-evaluated coursework like from Study.com, CLEP/DSST exams, military JST, and industry certifications (CompTIA, Cisco, PMI).

Make sure to complete all your transfer courses before enrolling; once you enroll you cannot transfer in additional credits.

Competency-Based Pace 

Pass an assessment → move on. Western Governors University has no seat-time requirements mean you can stack courses quickly. This allows you to take more courses in a term than at a typical university.

Flat Tuition Per Term

At WGU, one price covers every course you complete in six months, so accelerating your progress lowers your true cost-per-credit.

Always-Open Admissions Calendar

WGU's twelve start dates a year keep momentum on your side and gives you the flexibility to start when  you’re ready.

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WGU Snapshot: Need To Know Stats

• Regional Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges & Universities (NWCCU)
• Flat Tuition: approx. $3,985 per six-month term for most Bachelor’s programs
• Average Undergrad Finish Time: 31 months (≈2.6 years)
• Max Transfer Credit: Up to 90 CUs; at least 25% of the degree must be completed at WGU
• Total Enrollment (2024-25): over 185,000 students
• Monthly Starts: New cohort on the 1st of every month

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Western Governors University’s Learning Model

Western Governors University uses a competency-based model, meaning you advance by proving what you know; not by sitting in class for a set number of hours. This lets motivated students move quickly through familiar material while spending more time on new or challenging topics.

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Assessment Types

• Computer-score exams
• Faculty-graded projects and papers
• Webcam-proctored finals

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Mentor Ecosystem

• Program Mentor: Term strategy and pacing
• Course Instructor: Content Q&A
• Evaluator: Grades projects within 72 hours

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Western Governors University Digital Campus

WGU offers 24/7 portal, mobile app, IT help desk, on-demand writing and math labs

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WGU Colleges & Fast-Finish Majors

Some degrees are naturally more transfer-friendly, making them ideal for a fast-track plan. Here are some majors that are transfer-friendly, letting you finish faster by front-loading credits:

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• Technology: Computer Science, Information Technology, Cybersecurity, Data Analytics
• Business: Business Administration Core, Accounting, IT Management, Human Resources
• Health & Nursing: RN-to-BSN (accelerated for working RNs)
• Education: Elementary, Special Education, Secondary Math/Science

Many grads complete these majors in less than 3 years by front-loading transfer credit.

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Transfer & Prior-Learning Rules (Read Before You Apply)

At WGU, the transfer-credit process is straightforward:

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1. Transfer Credit Cap: WGU accepts up to 75% of the program’s competency units (CUs)
2. Credit Sources: Previously earned credits, ACE-approved online courses, CLEP/DSST, AP/IB, community-college work, JST, and professional certifications.
3. WGU Residency Requirement – At least 30 competency units (CUs), including the capstone, must be completed directly at WGU.
4. Evaluation Timeline: Transcript reviews are typically completed within 2 weeks once all official documents are received.

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Admissions Snapshot

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• Online application (fee varies, often waived promotions)
• Official transcripts and proof of HS diploma/GED
• Program-specific readiness assessments for some majors
• Next Start Dates: Aug 1 - Sept 1 - Oct 1 - Nov 1 - Dec 1 - Jan 1- Feb 1 – March 1 – Apr 1 – May 1 – June 1 – July 1

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What It Really Costs — And How To Pay Less

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Lower the Bill:

• Finish low-cost, ACE-approved gen-ed courses before matriculation
• Pack 30-40 CUs into each term
• Tap employer tuition assistance, military TA, or WGU scholarships
• Federal aid (Pell & loans) disburses in equal halves per term

Career Outcomes & ROI

• +$22,200 average salary jump within two years of graduation
• Around 87% employment or advancement within six months
• Hiring partners include AT&T, Deloitte, HCA Healthcare, state K-12 districts

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Five-Step WGU Transfer Checklist

Streamline your Western Governors University credit transfer process with this interactive step-by-step guide that walks you through each phase of maximizing your transfer credits.

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