What Credit System Does Purdue Global Use?

Purdue Global offers online programs to busy adults. It runs on a quarter credit system instead of a more traditional semester credit system.

Keep reading to learn more about Purdue Global's credit system, including how it works, how to get credit for prior learning, and what the cost is per credit.

What Is Purdue Global?

Purdue Global is an online university for non-traditional students. It's part of the Purdue Global system, a public university system in Indiana. The university is geared toward adult learners.

Of the 33,500 students enrolled:

• 59% are age 30 or older
• 52% have at least one child or dependent
• 85% hold jobs while studying
• 28% are military-affiliated

Purdue Global offers over 175 associate degrees, bachelor's degrees, master's degrees, doctoral degrees, and certificate programs.

The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) has regionally accredited Purdue Global, and many of the programs within the university also hold programmatic accreditation.

How Does the Purdue Global Credit System Work?

Most colleges and universities run on a semester schedule, in which there are two 15 to 17-week semesters per year, one in fall and one in spring. Sometimes summer sessions are also available.

However, some colleges and universities, like Purdue Global, run on a quarter schedule instead, with more frequent, shorter terms per year.

All programs at Purdue Global, with the exception of the law school, use a 30-week academic year and 10-week terms.

Purdue Global offers frequent start dates, meaning there are many different schedules running at the same time.

For example, one student may start their learning in September, while another student may start in October. Students may be required to switch schedules partway through their program to meet all requirements.

Because Purdue Global runs on a quarter schedule, credits are weighted differently than they would be when using a semester schedule. A quarter credit is 1.5 times that of a semester credit.

Associate degrees at Purdue Global require 90 quarter credits, rather than 60 semester credits. Bachelor's degrees require 180 quarter credits instead of the standard 120 semester credits.

This is especially important to keep in mind when calculating tuition, as most programs are charged per credit.

Courses typically are worth three to six credits each, with five credits being the most common. The exception is if a student is in an ExcelTrack program.

ExcelTrack Programs at Purdue Global

In addition to standard format programs, Purdue Global offers some bachelor's and master's degrees in their self-paced ExcelTrack format.

This format is for students who already have a significant amount of experience in their field. Students start by taking an assessment to determine what they already know.

Based on the results of the assessment, students then receive a personalized curriculum made up of highly focused single-credit courses.

Students take one course at a time. Once they're finished with one course, they can move right on to the next one and take as many courses as they like per term.

This means that rather than taking two five-credit classes every term, a student may opt to take one single-credit course per week.

Tuition for ExcelTrack programs is charged per term, rather than per credit, making it a great option for highly motivated students.

Does Purdue Global Accept Transfer Credits?

Purdue Global does accept transfer credits, and a good number of students at the university are transfer students.

Students can transfer in prior college credits from both two and four-year colleges and universities.

Additionally, students can gain credits from:

• military experience
• prior work or life experience
• standardized or external exams
• training and certifications

To obtain this credit, students may need to submit transcripts, take assessments, or complete an experiential learning portfolio.

On average, undergraduate students fulfill nearly half of their degree requirements with prior learning credits.

How Much Do Credits Cost at Purdue Global?

For traditional programs, Purdue Global charges per credit. This is why it's important to obtain all the higher learning credits you're eligible for.

The cost per credit depends on what level of program you're taking and if you're eligible for resident or military discounts.

Undergraduate programs cost $371 per credit, except for nursing programs, which are $315 per credit.

Exceptions include:

• Indiana residents pay $280 per quarter credit
• current military members pay $165
• veterans pay $230 per credit
• military spouses receive a 10% discount

Students in ExcelTrack programs pay $2,500 per term, with the exception of the RN to BSN program, which is $4,062 per term.

Most master's programs and graduate certificates cost $420 per credit, although some cost $485 per credit.

Exceptions for these programs include:

• Indiana residents receive a 10% discount
• current military members pay $320 per credit
• veterans pay $361.20 or $417.10 per credit, respectively
• military spouses receive a 10% discount

The price for ExcelTrack master's programs is $1,700 per term for most programs but $3,200 for the nursing programs. Doctoral programs are $700 per quarter credit.

The exceptions to this are:

• Indiana residents receive a 10% discount
• current military members pay $560 per credit
• veterans pay $595 per credit
• military spouses receive a 10% discount

Purdue Global's Credit System

Purdue Global runs on a quarter credit system and allows students to transfer in previous college credits or receive credits for prior learning.

With the guide above, you'll be able to understand Purdue Global's credit system and determine if a degree from Purdue Global is right for you.