Does WGU Accept StraighterLine Credits?

If you’re considering Western Governors University (WGU) and looking to transfer in alternative credits, you may be wondering whether StraighterLine courses are accepted. Because WGU operates under a competency-based model, transfer policies can play a major role in how quickly and affordably you complete your degree.

Yes, WGU does accept StraighterLine credits. In fact, WGU maintains a formal partnership with StraighterLine and publishes course equivalency guides that outline exactly how approved courses transfer into its programs. This structured relationship removes much of the uncertainty that students often experience when transferring alternative credit.

WGU’s Guaranteed Credit Transfer System

Unlike many universities that review transfer credits individually, WGU provides official Course Equivalency Guides for each of its colleges, including Business, Information Technology, Health, and Teaching.

If a StraighterLine course appears on the approved guide and you pass it with a minimum grade of 70% (or equivalent to a C), WGU is obligated to accept that credit. This eliminates the guesswork that can accompany transfers at institutions without formal agreements. Because the courses are pre-mapped to WGU requirements, you can see in advance exactly which StraighterLine class fulfills which WGU course. 

How Course Mapping Works at WGU

WGU’s equivalency guides show how specific StraighterLine courses apply within each degree program. Instead of submitting coursework for later evaluation, you can review the published guide before enrolling. This system allows you to:

• identify transferable general education courses
• avoid duplicating requirements
• plan your remaining WGU coursework more efficiently

Knowing which courses are approved before you enroll helps ensure your effort translates directly into degree progress.

Using StraighterLine to Accelerate at WGU

One of the biggest advantages of pairing StraighterLine with WGU is how well it supports acceleration. Because WGU uses a competency-based model, students pay a flat tuition rate for a 6-month term and can complete as many courses as they are able.

This structure makes transfer strategy especially important. Every course you complete before enrolling at WGU is one less course you need to finish during a paid term.

Why General Education Courses Matter Most

StraighterLine courses are most commonly used to complete general education and foundational requirements before starting at WGU. These courses are required across most degree programs but do not always contribute directly to a student’s major specialization.

By completing these requirements through StraighterLine first, you can reserve your WGU term time for more challenging, program-specific courses. This approach allows you to focus your paid enrollment on coursework that benefits most from WGU’s competency-based format.

How This Strategy Can Reduce the Number of WGU Terms

Because WGU does not charge per credit, acceleration is tied to how quickly you complete competencies. Students who transfer in a significant number of general education credits often enter WGU with fewer remaining requirements.

In practice, this can allow motivated students to complete their degree in one or two terms instead of spreading coursework across multiple enrollment periods. StraighterLine supports this strategy by letting you complete prerequisite coursework on your own timeline before your WGU start date.

Planning Your StraighterLine Courses With WGU in Mind

To use this approach effectively, it’s important to select StraighterLine courses that appear on WGU’s equivalency guides. Choosing courses strategically helps ensure that every transferred credit replaces a required WGU course.

Reviewing the guide for your specific college and program before enrolling can help you avoid unnecessary coursework. This planning step is one of the most important factors in maximizing acceleration.

Financial Benefits of Using StraighterLine With WGU

Beyond transfer convenience, WGU and StraighterLine offer direct financial incentives for students who use this pathway. These benefits are designed to reward students who complete a portion of their coursework before enrolling at WGU.

The $200 WGU Tuition Credit

Students who complete four or more StraighterLine courses before enrolling at WGU are eligible for a $200 tuition credit. This credit is typically applied to the student’s first WGU term.

Because WGU charges a flat rate per 6-month term, this credit directly reduces the cost of enrollment rather than offsetting individual course fees. For students already planning to complete multiple StraighterLine courses, the credit provides an additional layer of savings.

WGU–StraighterLine Scholarship Opportunities

In addition to the tuition credit, WGU offers a dedicated scholarship pathway for students who transfer credits from StraighterLine. This scholarship can be valued at up to $2,000, depending on eligibility and availability.

Scholarship awards are not guaranteed and may have specific application requirements. However, students who use StraighterLine as part of their transfer strategy are often encouraged to explore this option during the admissions process.

Transfer Policy Updates at WGU

WGU has updated portions of its transfer policy to maintain academic rigor across certain programs. These updates primarily affect how some program-specific courses are handled.

What Changed Under the New Policy

While WGU continues to accept StraighterLine credits broadly, some program-critical courses must now be completed directly through WGU. These requirements are most common in programs within technology, education, and nursing. This means that even if a similar course exists through an alternative provider, WGU may require completion of certain core competencies in-house.

What Stayed the Same

Despite these updates, WGU’s overall 75% transfer cap remains unchanged. General education courses in areas such as English, math, and history continue to transfer as they did previously. StraighterLine remains a reliable option for completing foundational coursework, particularly when used early in the degree-planning process.

Important Transcript Deadline to Keep in Mind

WGU requires that all alternative credit transcripts, including those from StraighterLine, be received by the 1st of the month prior to your intended start date. This deadline ensures that transfer credits are evaluated and applied before your first WGU term begins.

If transcripts are submitted after the deadline, eligible credits may not be applied until a later term. Submitting your ACE transcript early can help prevent enrollment delays and ensure accurate degree planning.

How to Confirm StraighterLine Transfer at WGU

Even with WGU’s guaranteed transfer system, it’s still important to confirm details before enrolling. Taking a few proactive steps can help ensure every StraighterLine course applies as expected.

Review the WGU Course Equivalency Guide

WGU publishes Course Equivalency Guides for each of its colleges, including Business, IT, Health, and Teaching. These guides show exactly which StraighterLine courses fulfill specific WGU requirements. Reviewing the guide for your intended program allows you to plan transfers confidently and avoid unnecessary coursework.

Verify Program-Specific Requirements

Some degree programs include program-critical courses that must be completed directly through WGU. These requirements are more common in technology, education, and nursing programs. Confirm whether your program includes these restrictions to help you understand which courses should be completed before enrollment and which must be taken at WGU.

Submit Transcripts Before the Deadline

WGU typically requires that all alternative credit transcripts be received by the 1st of the month prior to your intended start date. StraighterLine credits must be submitted through the official ACE transcript system. Submitting transcripts early ensures that all eligible credits are evaluated before your first term begins.

FAQs About WGU and StraighterLine Credits

These frequently asked questions address common concerns about transferring StraighterLine credits into WGU programs. Reviewing them can help you decide whether this pathway aligns with your degree goals.

Does WGU Officially Accept StraighterLine Credits?

Yes, WGU officially accepts StraighterLine credits through a formal partnership. Approved courses are listed in WGU’s Course Equivalency Guides. If you meet the minimum grade requirement, acceptance is guaranteed for those courses.

What Grade Do You Need for StraighterLine Credits to Transfer to WGU?

Most approved StraighterLine courses require a minimum grade of 70%, which is equivalent to a C. Courses completed below this threshold are not eligible for guaranteed transfer. Always confirm grade requirements before enrolling.

How Many StraighterLine Credits Can You Transfer to WGU?

WGU allows students to transfer up to 75% of the credits required for a bachelor’s degree. This means you must complete at least 25% of your degree directly through WGU. StraighterLine credits typically apply toward general education and foundational coursework.

Do StraighterLine Credits Count Toward WGU Competencies?

Yes, when a StraighterLine course transfers, it replaces the equivalent WGU course or competency. This reduces the number of courses you need to complete during your WGU term. Fewer remaining competencies can significantly speed up degree completion.

Is StraighterLine a Good Option for Accelerating at WGU?

StraighterLine is commonly used by students who want to accelerate their WGU degree. Completing general education courses in advance allows you to focus your WGU term on major-specific coursework. This strategy can help motivated students finish in fewer terms.

Explore WGU Transfer and Degree Planning Options

Using StraighterLine with WGU can be an effective way to reduce costs and accelerate your degree when planned carefully. Learn.org offers tools and resources to help you compare transfer pathways, understand WGU policies, and build an efficient degree plan.