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Max Out Transfer Credit

WGU accepts transfer credit for up to 90 out of 120 CUs (that’s 75% of your degree). Accepted credit sources include:

  • Accredited universities
  • ACE-evaluated providers like Study.com
  • CLEP/DSST exams
  • Military JST transcripts
  • Industry certifications (CompTIA, Cisco, PMI, SHRM, etc.)

⚠️ Important: All transfer credits must be submitted before you enroll. After starting at WGU, no additional outside credit is accepted. At least 30 CUs, including the capstone, must be completed at WGU.

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Why WGU Works for Degree Hackers

Western Governors University is one of the best schools for degree hackers because of its:

  • Generous transfer-credit policy (up to 90 CUs)
  • Competency-based learning that rewards what you already know
  • Flat-rate tuition that makes faster progress equal bigger savings
  • Flexible start dates (12 per year)

WGU is especially popular among adult learners who balance work, family, and school.

The WGU Learning Model

WGU’s competency-based education means you advance by showing what you know, not logging classroom hours. This system allows you to:

  • Breeze through familiar subjects
  • Focus your time on harder topics
  • Stack multiple courses per term to finish much faster

Assessment types:

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

Mentor support:

  • Program Mentor → helps plan pacing and strategy
  • Course Instructors → subject matter guidance
  • Evaluators → grade projects within 72 hours

Digital Campus: 24/7 student portal, mobile app, writing & math labs, IT help desk.

Flat Tuition = Lower Cost Per Credit

Instead of charging per course, WGU charges a flat rate per six-month term (~$3,985). That means:

  • The more classes you complete in a term, the lower your effective cost per credit
  • If you load 30–40 CUs into a term, your per-credit cost drops to less than $100

Always-Open Admissions Calendar

With monthly start dates, WGU keeps your momentum going. No waiting for fall or spring semesters—you can begin when you’re ready.

WGU Snapshot: At a Glance

  • Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges & Universities (NWCCU)
  • Flat Tuition: ~$3,985 per six-month term (most bachelor’s programs)
  • Average Finish Time: 31 months (~2.6 years), but many degree hackers finish in 12–18 months
  • Enrollment: 185,000+ students (2024–25)
  • Start Dates: New cohort every month

Fast-Finish Majors at WGU

Some programs are more transfer-friendly, making them ideal for degree hacking:

  • Technology: Computer Science, IT, Cybersecurity, Data Analytics
  • Business: Business Administration, Accounting, IT Management, HR
  • Health: RN-to-BSN (accelerated path for working nurses)
  • Education: Elementary, Special Education, Secondary Math/Science

Many grads finish these programs in 12–24 months by front-loading transfer credits.

Admissions Snapshot

  • Online application (fee varies, often waived promotions)
  • Official transcripts and proof of HS diploma/GED
  • Program-specific readiness assessments for select majors
  • Next start dates: Every month (12/year)

What It Really Costs And How To Pay Less

WGU Tuition Overview

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Item Cost
Flat Tuition (Bachelor’s) $3,985 / six months
Resource / Tech Fee $145 per term
Proctoring Included
Total Cost for 6 terms $24,780

Lower the Bill:

  • Finish low-cost gen eds with ACE-approved providers before enrolling
  • Pack 30–40 CUs into each term
  • Use employer tuition assistance, military TA, or WGU scholarships
  • Apply FAFSA (Pell Grants + federal loans)

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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WGU Credit Transfer Widget
Step 1 of 5
🎓 WGU Credit Transfer
Streamlined Process Guide

📚 Study.com Course Planner for WGU

Select your WGU program and choose courses that align with your degree requirements:

🎯 Select Your WGU Program:

General Education
Core requirements for all programs
Business Programs
MBA, BS Business, etc.
Education Programs
Teaching, Elementary Ed, etc.
IT Programs
Computer Science, IT, etc.
Health Programs
Nursing, Health Management, etc.

Degree Hacking Coach’s Corner

Before you enroll at WGU, here’s how students are using platforms like Study.com transfer hacks and ACE credits to cut tuition by up to 75% and finish their degree at record speed.

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