Does WGU Accept Study.com Credits?

Western Governors University (WGU) attracts many students who want a flexible, competency-based path to a degree. Because tuition is charged at a flat rate per term, students often look for ways to complete as many requirements as possible before enrolling. Study.com is a popular option for earning transferable credits ahead of time.

WGU does accept many Study.com credits, but timing and planning matter. Unlike some universities, WGU generally requires all transfer credits to be evaluated before you officially begin your first term. Understanding this rule is essential if you want to use Study.com effectively with a WGU degree.

How WGU Transfer Credit Policies Work

WGU uses a competency-based education model rather than traditional term-based courses. Instead of earning credit based on seat time, students demonstrate mastery of specific competencies. Because of this structure, WGU places a strong emphasis on aligning transfer credits with its own curriculum standards.

To evaluate transfer credits, WGU relies on recommendations from the American Council on Education (ACE) and internal academic review. Study.com offers many ACE-recommended courses, which makes them eligible for consideration. However, final transfer decisions are made by WGU and depend on how closely a course matches program requirements.

WGU’s 75% Transfer Rule

WGU allows students to transfer in a large portion of their degree requirements, but there are firm limits on how much credit can be applied. These limits exist to ensure that students complete a meaningful part of their program through WGU’s competency-based curriculum. Knowing how the 75% rule works can help you plan which courses to complete before enrolling.

Maximum Transfer Limits Explained

For most bachelor’s degree programs, WGU allows students to transfer in up to 90 credits, which represents 75% of the 120 credits typically required to graduate. This maximum includes all transfer credits combined, whether they come from Study.com, traditional colleges, or other alternative providers. Reaching the maximum is possible, but not guaranteed, and depends on how well courses align with program requirements.

Because of this cap, students should prioritize transferring courses that are most likely to be accepted. General education and lower-level requirements tend to transfer more smoothly than specialized or program-specific courses.

General Education Credits at WGU

General education courses remain the most transfer-friendly category at WGU. Subjects such as math, English, communication, and humanities are widely accepted and often map directly to WGU requirements. Study.com offers a broad selection of these courses, making it a practical option for completing general education credits before enrollment.

Completing general education requirements ahead of time can reduce the number of courses you need to finish once you start at WGU. For many students, this strategy helps shorten the time needed to complete a degree program.

The WGU Enrollment Cutoff Rule

One of the biggest differences between WGU and many other universities is when transfer credits must be submitted. At WGU, timing matters just as much as course selection. Missing this detail can limit how useful Study.com credits are.

All Transfer Credits Must Be Submitted Before Enrollment

WGU generally requires all transfer credits to be submitted and evaluated before you officially begin your first term. Once you are considered an active WGU student, you usually cannot go back and complete additional Study.com courses for transfer credit. This rule applies even if you are still early in your program.

At WGU, “enrollment” refers to the point at which you start your first term, not when you apply or speak with an admissions counselor. After that start date, transfer evaluations typically close, and your remaining coursework must be completed through WGU.

The Pre-Enrollment Phase Explained

Because of this cutoff, many prospective students remain in a “pre-enrollment” phase for several months before starting at WGU. During this time, students focus on completing transferable courses through providers like Study.com. This strategy allows them to reduce the number of competencies they need to complete once they officially enroll.

Some students spend three to six months in pre-enrollment completing general education and elective credits. When planned carefully, this approach can help maximize transfer credit and reduce the number of paid WGU terms needed to graduate.

Policy Update: Program-Critical Courses

While WGU’s 75% transfer limit remains in place, the university has made updates to how certain courses are evaluated for transfer. These updates focus on a small number of courses that WGU considers essential to mastering its curriculum. Understanding this distinction can help you avoid taking courses that may no longer transfer as expected.

What Program-Critical Means at WGU

Program-critical courses are classes that WGU requires students to complete directly through the university. These courses are closely tied to WGU’s competency model and are designed to ensure consistent skill mastery across programs. Even if a similar course is available through Study.com, WGU may require students to complete its version instead.

This policy does not apply to most general education courses. Instead, it is limited to specific core courses that WGU considers foundational to certain degree programs.

Technology and IT Degree Limitations

In some technology and IT programs, WGU has identified core technical courses that must be completed at WGU. Examples include courses such as Advanced Data Management and Data Structures and Algorithms I for certain majors. These courses are considered central to the program’s learning outcomes.

Because requirements can vary by degree, students pursuing technology-related programs should review transfer rules carefully. Checking course equivalencies early can help clarify which credits are transferable and which must be completed at WGU.

Education and Health Program Considerations

Some education and health-related programs have also introduced residency requirements for specific courses. These may include domain-specific labs or foundational courses that involve clinical or hands-on components. In these cases, completing the coursework directly through WGU is required.

Students in these programs can still use Study.com effectively for general education and elective credits. However, planning around required in-house courses is essential to avoid delays once enrollment begins.

How Study.com Credits Transfer to WGU

Study.com credits transfer to WGU through a structured evaluation process that emphasizes course alignment and competency coverage. Because WGU relies on ACE recommendations and maintains detailed transfer mappings, students have a clearer picture of how Study.com courses apply than they might at many traditional universities. Even so, transfer outcomes depend on timing and program requirements.

Using the WGU Partners Portal

WGU maintains an official Partners Portal that lists approved transfer courses from Study.com and other providers. This portal shows exactly which Study.com course satisfies each WGU requirement, making it the most reliable source for transfer planning. The listings are updated regularly, which helps reflect policy changes and program updates.

Before enrolling in any Study.com course, students should check the Partners Portal and confirm the match for their specific degree program. Relying on older transfer charts or third-party lists can lead to courses that no longer apply.

Grade and Pass Requirements

WGU typically requires a grade equivalent of a C- or better, which generally translates to a score of 70% or higher. Since Study.com courses that are ACE-recommended are evaluated on a pass/fail basis, earning a “Pass” usually meets WGU’s minimum requirement. This makes Study.com a practical option for meeting transfer standards.

However, passing a course does not guarantee it will fulfill a specific requirement. Course content, program alignment, and policy updates still factor into final transfer decisions.

Step-by-Step: How to Transfer Study.com Credits to WGU

Transferring Study.com credits to WGU works best when students follow a clear sequence and plan ahead. Because WGU requires all transfer credits to be submitted before enrollment, completing steps in the right order is critical. Skipping a step or waiting too long can limit how many credits apply.

1. Identify Transferable Courses Using the WGU Partners Portal

Start by reviewing the WGU Partners Portal to identify which Study.com courses match your degree requirements. The portal lists exact course-to-requirement matches, making it easier to choose courses that are likely to transfer. This step helps prevent wasted time on courses that do not apply.

Students should double-check that they are viewing transfer information for the correct degree program. Requirements can vary significantly between majors.

2. Complete Study.com Courses During Pre-Enrollment

Once courses are identified, complete them before starting your first WGU term. This pre-enrollment window is when Study.com credits can still be evaluated and applied. 

Many students intentionally delay their WGU start date to finish multiple courses during this phase. Because Study.com courses are self-paced, staying organized and finishing courses efficiently can help you maximize the number of transferable credits.

3. Request Official Transcripts

After completing each course, request an official transcript from Study.com or through the ACE Credly registry. WGU requires official transcripts for evaluation and will not accept screenshots or unofficial records. 

Submitting transcripts early helps avoid processing delays. If you complete multiple courses, you may want to wait until all are finished before submitting transcripts, as long as you still meet WGU’s deadlines.

4. Transfer Evaluation and Enrollment Confirmation

Once transcripts are received, WGU evaluates the credits and applies approved courses to your degree plan. After this evaluation is complete, you can finalize enrollment and begin your first term. At this point, transfer credit evaluation typically closes.

Important Transcript Deadlines to Know

WGU offers monthly start dates, which makes transcript timing especially important. All official transcripts usually need to be received by the 1st or 5th of the month prior to your intended start date. Missing this deadline can delay your enrollment or prevent credits from being evaluated.

For example, if you plan to start a WGU term on April 1, your Study.com transcripts should ideally arrive by March 1. Planning backward from your target start date can help ensure credits are received and processed on time.

Common Scenarios for WGU Students Using Study.com

WGU students often use Study.com strategically, especially before enrolling. Because WGU’s transfer rules are timing-sensitive, the way you use Study.com can make a big difference in how much credit transfers and how long it takes to finish your degree.

Maximizing Transfer Credits Before Enrollment

Many prospective WGU students use Study.com to complete as many transferable courses as possible before starting their first term. General education requirements are the most common targets, since they remain fully transferable and are widely available on Study.com. Completing these courses ahead of time can reduce the number of competencies required at WGU.

This approach works best when students carefully follow the Partners Portal and submit transcripts before enrollment. Planning early helps ensure credits are evaluated and applied correctly.

Reducing the Number of WGU Terms Needed

Because WGU charges a flat rate per term, transferring more credits upfront can help shorten the time needed to complete a degree. Students who enter WGU with a high number of accepted credits may be able to finish in fewer terms. For some, this can significantly lower total tuition costs.

This strategy depends on strong alignment between Study.com courses and WGU requirements. It is most effective for students who complete transferable courses efficiently during the pre-enrollment phase.

When Study.com May Not Be the Best Fit

Study.com may be less helpful for students whose programs include many program-critical courses that must be completed at WGU. This is more common in certain technology, education, and health-related programs. In these cases, Study.com works better as a supplement rather than a primary source of credit.

Students who are close to their intended start date should also be cautious. If transcript deadlines are missed, completed courses may not be evaluated in time to count toward enrollment.

FAQs About WGU and Study.com Credit Transfer

WGU’s transfer rules differ from those of many traditional universities, which can lead to confusion. The FAQs below address common questions about using Study.com credits with a WGU degree.

Can You Take Study.com Courses After Starting at WGU?

In most cases, no. WGU generally requires all transfer credits to be submitted and evaluated before you begin your first term. Once you are officially enrolled, additional Study.com credits typically cannot be transferred.

Does WGU Accept All Study.com Courses?

WGU does not accept every Study.com course for every program. Acceptance depends on course alignment, degree requirements, and current transfer policies. Using the WGU Partners Portal and confirming requirements before enrollment is essential.

Do Study.com Credits Affect Your WGU GPA?

Transferred Study.com credits usually do not affect your WGU GPA. Accepted credits apply toward degree requirements but are not calculated into your competency-based performance record. Your progress at WGU is based on assessments completed through the university.

How Long Should You Stay in Pre-Enrollment?

There is no set timeframe, but many students spend three to six months in pre-enrollment completing transferable courses. The right length depends on how many courses you plan to complete and your target start date. Planning backward from transcript deadlines can help determine a realistic timeline.

Explore Transfer-Friendly Colleges

Study.com can be a useful option for WGU students when credits are completed and transferred before enrollment. Learn.org helps you compare Study.com with other transfer-friendly credit options so you can plan strategically and make the most of your degree path.