Western Governors University (WGU) has a unique competency-based, rolling-admission academic calendar.
Terms are six months long and begin on the first day of each month, allowing students to enroll and start their studies at the beginning of any month.
This flexibility enables students to accelerate their learning and potentially complete their degrees faster than traditional programs.
Here’s a more detailed breakdown:
- Acceleration Possible: By completing competencies quickly, you can move through terms faster and earn your degree sooner.
- Rolling Start Dates: WGU opens a new term on the first day of every month.
- Six‑Month Terms: Each term runs six months, giving you a clear window to finish courses.
- Competency‑Based Learning: You prove skill mastery through assessments instead of attending scheduled classes.
- Flexible Schedule: You set your own study hours and deadlines—no fixed class times or due dates.
Thinking about Western Governors University but have questions? You’re not alone. Let’s dive into everything you need to know about WGU’s unique approach to online education, from start dates to tuition costs.
Western Governors University isn’t your typical college. Instead of sitting through lectures for a set number of hours, you advance by actually mastering skills and knowledge.
This competency-based approach means you could potentially finish faster if you already know some material, or take your time on challenging subjects.
Here’s what sets WGU apart: you pay a flat rate every six months and can take as many courses as you want during that period.
No per-credit fees, and no extra charges for being ambitious. The university offers degrees in four main areas: IT, Business, Education, and Health, all fully online and regionally accredited.
The best part? You get dedicated advisors who guide you through your entire journey, and you can start any month of the year.
For motivated learners, this system can significantly reduce both time and cost to graduation. Check out the WGU Commencement Schedule 2025-2026.
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How WGU’s Rolling Enrollment Works
One of the most common questions we hear is: “Does WGU start every month?” The answer is yes! Unlike traditional colleges with rigid fall and spring semesters, WGU opens new terms on the first day of every month. This means you can start WGU anytime without waiting for traditional start dates.
Many prospective students wonder about WGU’s schedule format. Unlike quarter or semester systems, WGU uses unique 6-month terms. So when people ask “Is WGU quarter or semester?” the answer is neither—it’s a completely different approach designed for flexibility.
To secure your spot, you’ll need to complete your application by the 15th of the month before you want to start.
This rolling enrollment system is perfect for working professionals who can’t wait until the next traditional semester begins. Yes, WGU does have start dates and deadlines, but they’re much more flexible than traditional colleges.
The application process is straightforward: submit your online application, transcripts, test scores, and résumé. The admissions team reviews applications quickly, and you’ll typically hear back within 7-10 business days.
If you’re wondering how long WGU takes to process transcripts, expect about 2-4 weeks for evaluation. Once accepted, you can join information sessions and work with advisors to plan your first term.
Understanding WGU’s Six-Month Terms and Graduation Timeline
WGU’s academic year consists of six-month terms, which is quite different from traditional quarters or semesters.
When people ask “How long is a semester at WGU?” or “How long is one semester at WGU?”, the answer is that WGU doesn’t use semesters at all—each term lasts exactly six months.
During each term, you work at your own pace to master competencies through assessments, projects, and exams.
How long does WGU take to finish? That depends on several factors:
- Bachelor’s degrees: Typically 2-3 years, though some motivated students finish in 6-12 months
- Master’s degrees: Usually 1-2 years, with some completing in just 6 months
Can you do WGU in 6 months? Absolutely! Highly motivated students with relevant experience or significant transfer credits have completed entire degrees in this timeframe.
The key is that there’s no limit to how many courses you can take per term. If you’re ready to move quickly, you can accelerate your progress significantly. You’ll work with mentors to set realistic goals for each term while tracking your progress through WGU’s online portal.
Since you’re not bound by traditional class schedules, you can study when it works for you—early mornings, late nights, or weekend marathons. This flexibility is why many working professionals choose WGU. And no, WGU doesn’t have night classes because everything is available 24/7 online.
WGU’s Flat-Rate Tuition Model
Let’s talk money. WGU’s pricing structure is refreshingly simple: you pay a flat rate every six months, regardless of how many courses you take. When people ask “How much is 6 months at WGU?”, current tuition runs approximately:
- Bachelor’s programs: $3,500-$4,000 per term
- Master’s programs: $3,000-$3,500 per term
This translates to roughly $7,000-$8,000 per year for most programs, though motivated students who finish faster pay significantly less. How much is WGU tuition per year exactly? It depends on how quickly you complete your degree, but it’s considerably less than traditional four-year colleges.
This means motivated students can save thousands by completing more courses per term. If you finish a bachelor’s degree in two years, you’re looking at around $14,000-$16,000 total—significantly less than many traditional four-year programs.
Financial aid is available through the standard FAFSA process, and WGU offers institutional scholarships. Many students also use payment plans to spread the term cost over monthly installments.
The flat-rate model aligns perfectly with competency-based education. Instead of worrying about cost per credit, you can focus on mastering skills and advancing your career.
WGU Admissions Requirements and GPA Questions
Good news for prospective students: WGU isn’t trying to be exclusive. Many wonder, “Is it hard to get accepted at WGU?” or “Is it hard to get admitted to WGU?” The answer is no—the university reviews applications holistically, considering your academic history, work experience, and personal goals.
For undergraduate programs, you’ll need:
- High school diploma or GED
- Official transcripts
- Test scores (when required)
- Professional résumé
For graduate programs, you’ll need:
- Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
- Program-specific prerequisites
- Relevant work experience (varies by program)
A common question: “Can you get into WGU with a 2.5 GPA?” Yes, a 2.5 GPA generally meets minimum requirements, though higher GPAs strengthen your application. The admissions team looks at the whole picture, not just numbers.
The acceptance process includes an enrollment call where an advisor reviews your program plan and discusses your goals. This personal touch helps ensure you’re set up for success from day one.
Course Load and Credit Hours: Full-Time vs. Part-Time Options
WGU uses a credit-based system, but it works differently from traditional colleges. Each competency you master translates to credit hours, and you can control your pace each term.
Full-time status typically requires:
- Undergraduate: 12-15 credits per term
- Graduate: 9-12 credits per term
But here’s where it gets interesting: you can start multiple classes simultaneously. Many students ask, “Can I start two classes at once at WGU?” or “How many courses can I take per semester at WGU?” The answer is unlimited—you can enroll in as many courses per term as you can handle.
For those wondering “How many classes is full-time WGU?”, it’s determined by credit hours, not the number of classes. Master’s programs typically require 30-60 total credits, depending on the field, while bachelor’s degrees need around 120 credits.
This flexibility is perfect for:
- Working professionals who want to accelerate their degree
- Students with variable schedules
- Those who want to maintain financial aid eligibility through full-time status
Your advisor will help you design a plan that fits your life circumstances and career goals. And if you’re concerned about performance, you can retake assessments multiple times—there’s no strict limit on how many times you can fail at WGU.
Choosing Your Program: Popular Degrees and Options
WGU offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees across four colleges, with some programs consistently popular among students. Many people ask, “Is WGU a 2 or 4-year college?” The answer is both—WGU offers traditional bachelor’s degrees (equivalent to 4-year degrees) that can often be completed in 2-3 years, plus master’s programs.
Frequently chosen programs include:
- Computer Science and IT-related degrees
- Business Management and MBA programs
- Education degrees (though these require practicum hours)
- Nursing and Health programs
Students often ask about the “easiest degree at WGU.” While difficulty is subjective, many find Business Management and IT Help Desk programs have straightforward competency requirements. However, the best program is one that aligns with your career goals and interests.
For ambitious students, WGU even offers dual-degree options. Can you get two degrees from WGU? Yes! You can earn two degrees by completing competencies for both programs within the same flat-rate terms, making it extremely cost-effective.
It’s worth noting that WGU bachelor’s degrees are fully equivalent to traditional four-year degrees—so yes, WGU does count as a 4-year degree in terms of employer recognition and graduate school admissions.
Transfer Credits and Flexible Learning Options
Already have some college credits? WGU accepts transfer credits from regionally accredited institutions, which can reduce your time to graduation. The transcript evaluation process typically takes 2-4 weeks, so plan accordingly when applying.
WGU also offers unique flexibility through its Open Enrollment Program. Can you take a single class at WGU? Absolutely! You can take a single course without full admission to test the competency-based model. This option costs the same flat rate but only covers one course, perfect for trying before committing to a full program.
This flexibility extends to students who want to understand more about what makes WGU unique. While you might wonder “What college is similar to WGU?”, the truth is that WGU’s competency-based model is quite unique in higher education, though other online universities are beginning to adopt similar approaches.
International Students Welcome
Yes, WGU takes international students! Many global learners ask, “Does WGU accept international students?” and the answer is definitely yes. Since all programs are 100% online, there are no visa requirements, making WGU accessible to students worldwide.
International applicants follow the same admission process and can access the same support services. While federal financial aid may not be available to international students, WGU offers institutional scholarships that global learners may qualify for. The 24/7 online learning platform works across time zones, making it truly accessible worldwide.
The graduation process is the same for international students, though specific details about how long a WGU graduation ceremony lasts aren’t specified in the standard materials.
Ready to Start Your WGU Journey?
If WGU sounds like the right fit for your goals, the next step is simple: apply by the 15th of any month to start the following month. The application process is straightforward, and admission advisors are available to help with program selection, scholarships, and planning.
Remember, with WGU’s competency-based model, your motivation and existing knowledge can significantly impact both your timeline and total cost. Whether you’re looking to advance your career, change fields, or finally finish that degree, WGU’s flexible approach might be exactly what you need.
Ready to take the next step? Visit WGU’s official website to start your application and join thousands of students who’ve already discovered the benefits of competency-based education.
