The Faster, Cheaper Path to Your Degree
Earn credits through low-cost, self-paced providers — and the same degree could cost thousands less and finish months sooner.
$99/moStraighterLine membershipTake low-cost courses
Self-paced, about 28 days each, several at a time.
3,000colleges could accept themTransfer them to your school
Guaranteed at 180+ partner schools with a qualifying grade.
$12,000+potential savingsSame degree — pay less, graduate sooner
Every transferred course is tuition you don’t pay — some schools add refunds and scholarships on top.
Our top pick for transferable credits
StraighterLine
StraighterLine is the provider with the widest guaranteed-transfer network and the courses others don’t offer — plus school-side perks like transfer refunds and scholarships that could apply. Proctored finals give its credits weight with registrars.
180+partner schools, transfer guaranteed per StraighterLine
28 daysaverage course completion
$99/momembership + per-course fee
——
Code copied · StraighterLine opened in a new tab
OnlineDegree.com may earn a commission when you enroll through our links. That never changes our data, our comparisons, or which providers we include.
How you could save
Example: 10 courses (30 credits) through StraighterLine
- Typical college tuition at $325/credit × 30
- $9,750
- StraighterLine cost (about 4 months of membership plus 10 course fees)
- – $1,386
- You could save
- $8,364
- Time you could save
- ≈ 8–10 months
Example math with typical published prices; per-credit rates vary by school ($300–$500 is common online). Your program’s numbers are in its guide below.
Pick your school: step-by-step transfer guides
Each guide lists the StraighterLine courses that could transfer to that school, its rules and perks, a savings and time calculator, and the exact steps in order.
UMGC transfer guide64 verified StraighterLine mappings, a savings calculator, and the exact transfer steps for University of Maryland Global Campus.25% off out-of-state tuitionBooks & fees waived$50 app fee waived
View the UMGC guide →
WGU transfer guide57 verified StraighterLine mappings, a savings calculator, and the exact transfer steps for Western Governors University.$100–$200 refund$3,500 scholarship
View the WGU guide →
SNHU transfer guide58 verified StraighterLine mappings, a savings calculator, and the exact transfer steps for Southern New Hampshire University.Up to 90 of 120 creditsNo before-term deadline
View the SNHU guide →
Liberty transfer guide78 verified StraighterLine mappings, a savings calculator, and the exact transfer steps for Liberty University Online.Upper-level credit possibleBefore or during enrollment
View the Liberty guide →
Purdue Global transfer guide79 verified StraighterLine mappings, a savings calculator, and the exact transfer steps for Purdue University Global.Up to 75% of degree
View the Purdue Global guide →
Excelsior transfer guide60 verified StraighterLine mappings, a savings calculator, and the exact transfer steps for Excelsior University.Up to 113 of 120 creditsFree 30-day evaluation
View the Excelsior guide →
TESU transfer guide56 verified StraighterLine mappings, a savings calculator, and the exact transfer steps for Thomas Edison State University.Nearly whole degree transfersStacks with CLEP & military
View the TESU guide →
Charter Oak transfer guide29 verified StraighterLine mappings, a savings calculator, and the exact transfer steps for Charter Oak State College.90-credit provider allowance
View the Charter Oak guide →
AIU transfer guide50 StraighterLine mappings, a savings calculator, and the exact transfer steps for American InterContinental University.Upper-level business credit
View the AIU guide →
APUS transfer guide58 StraighterLine mappings, a savings calculator, and the exact transfer steps for American Public University System (APU & AMU).400-level accounting credit
View the APUS guide →
Athens State transfer guide37 StraighterLine mappings, a savings calculator, and the exact transfer steps for Athens State University.Built for transfer students
View the Athens State guide →
Baker transfer guide76 StraighterLine mappings, a savings calculator, and the exact transfer steps for Baker College.View the Baker guide →
Cal Southern transfer guide51 StraighterLine mappings, a savings calculator, and the exact transfer steps for California Southern University.View the Cal Southern guide →
Capella transfer guide63 StraighterLine mappings, a savings calculator, and the exact transfer steps for Capella University.3000-level accounting creditLabs worth 6 quarter credits
View the Capella guide →
Cleary transfer guide17 StraighterLine mappings, a savings calculator, and the exact transfer steps for Cleary University.View the Cleary guide →
CCU transfer guide62 StraighterLine mappings, a savings calculator, and the exact transfer steps for Colorado Christian University.Upper-level business credit
View the CCU guide →
CSU Global transfer guide69 StraighterLine mappings, a savings calculator, and the exact transfer steps for Colorado State University Global.State university diploma
View the CSU Global guide →
CTU transfer guide46 StraighterLine mappings, a savings calculator, and the exact transfer steps for Colorado Technical University.Up to 4.5 credits per course
View the CTU guide →
Columbia Southern transfer guide20 StraighterLine mappings, a savings calculator, and the exact transfer steps for Columbia Southern University.Among lowest partner tuitionTextbooks included ($0)
View the Columbia Southern guide →
CSP transfer guide67 StraighterLine mappings, a savings calculator, and the exact transfer steps for Concordia University, St. Paul.View the CSP guide →
Dallas College transfer guide27 StraighterLine mappings, a savings calculator, and the exact transfer steps for Dallas College.Texas common course numbers
View the Dallas College guide →
Davenport transfer guide55 StraighterLine mappings, a savings calculator, and the exact transfer steps for Davenport University.300-level Biochemistry credit
View the Davenport guide →
DeVry transfer guide44 StraighterLine mappings, a savings calculator, and the exact transfer steps for DeVry University.Upper-level CJ & accounting
View the DeVry guide →
Fisher transfer guide48 StraighterLine mappings, a savings calculator, and the exact transfer steps for Fisher College.View the Fisher guide →
Fort Hays State transfer guide14 StraighterLine mappings, a savings calculator, and the exact transfer steps for Fort Hays State University.View the Fort Hays State guide →
Franklin Pierce transfer guide33 StraighterLine mappings, a savings calculator, and the exact transfer steps for Franklin Pierce University.300-level Microbiology credit
View the Franklin Pierce guide →
Franklin transfer guide66 StraighterLine mappings, a savings calculator, and the exact transfer steps for Franklin University.Upper-level accounting creditBuilt for transfer students
View the Franklin guide →
Goodwin transfer guide45 StraighterLine mappings, a savings calculator, and the exact transfer steps for Goodwin University.A&P and Microbiology transfer
View the Goodwin guide →
Grambling State transfer guide61 StraighterLine mappings, a savings calculator, and the exact transfer steps for Grambling State University.HBCU300-level Microbiology credit
View the Grambling State guide →
Greenville transfer guide47 StraighterLine mappings, a savings calculator, and the exact transfer steps for Greenville University.View the Greenville guide →
Herzing transfer guide47 StraighterLine mappings, a savings calculator, and the exact transfer steps for Herzing University.View the Herzing guide →
Indiana Tech transfer guide41 StraighterLine mappings, a savings calculator, and the exact transfer steps for Indiana Institute of Technology.View the Indiana Tech guide →
McNeese transfer guide34 StraighterLine mappings, a savings calculator, and the exact transfer steps for McNeese State University.View the McNeese guide →
MBU transfer guide57 StraighterLine mappings, a savings calculator, and the exact transfer steps for Missouri Baptist University.Upper-level science credit
View the MBU guide →
Monroe transfer guide24 StraighterLine mappings, a savings calculator, and the exact transfer steps for Monroe University.View the Monroe guide →
NAU transfer guide49 StraighterLine mappings, a savings calculator, and the exact transfer steps for National American University.Upper-level business creditA&P labs worth 6 credits
View the NAU guide →
NLU transfer guide52 StraighterLine mappings, a savings calculator, and the exact transfer steps for National Louis University.Upper-level business credit
View the NLU guide →
National University transfer guide47 StraighterLine mappings, a savings calculator, and the exact transfer steps for National University.4-week courses
View the National University guide →
NEC transfer guide32 StraighterLine mappings, a savings calculator, and the exact transfer steps for New England College.View the NEC guide →
Nexford transfer guide9 StraighterLine mappings, a savings calculator, and the exact transfer steps for Nexford University.View the Nexford guide →
Nichols transfer guide61 StraighterLine mappings, a savings calculator, and the exact transfer steps for Nichols College.View the Nichols guide →
Norwich transfer guide38 StraighterLine mappings, a savings calculator, and the exact transfer steps for Norwich University.Military college
View the Norwich guide →
Rasmussen transfer guide69 StraighterLine mappings, a savings calculator, and the exact transfer steps for Rasmussen University.A&P stack = 10 credits
View the Rasmussen guide →
Southeastern transfer guide13 StraighterLine mappings, a savings calculator, and the exact transfer steps for Southeastern Louisiana University.View the Southeastern guide →
SOU transfer guide24 StraighterLine mappings, a savings calculator, and the exact transfer steps for Southern Oregon University.4.5 credits per course
View the SOU guide →
Stevenson transfer guide31 StraighterLine mappings, a savings calculator, and the exact transfer steps for Stevenson University Online.View the Stevenson guide →
Strayer transfer guide48 StraighterLine mappings, a savings calculator, and the exact transfer steps for Strayer University.9 courses at 300 level
View the Strayer guide →
SUNY Empire transfer guide45 StraighterLine mappings, a savings calculator, and the exact transfer steps for SUNY Empire State University.SUNY degree
View the SUNY Empire guide →
TSU transfer guide39 StraighterLine mappings, a savings calculator, and the exact transfer steps for Tennessee State University.HBCUOrganic Chem transfers
View the TSU guide →
Touro Worldwide transfer guide32 StraighterLine mappings, a savings calculator, and the exact transfer steps for Touro University Worldwide.8 courses at 300 level
View the Touro Worldwide guide →
Trevecca transfer guide55 StraighterLine mappings, a savings calculator, and the exact transfer steps for Trevecca Nazarene University.View the Trevecca guide →
Trident transfer guide56 StraighterLine mappings, a savings calculator, and the exact transfer steps for Trident University International.Upper-level business credit
View the Trident guide →
UAGC transfer guide90 StraighterLine mappings, a savings calculator, and the exact transfer steps for University of Arizona Global Campus.BSN prereq pathway
View the UAGC guide →
UA Grantham transfer guide73 StraighterLine mappings, a savings calculator, and the exact transfer steps for University of Arkansas Grantham.400-level credit possibleU of Arkansas System
View the UA Grantham guide →
Bridgeport transfer guide14 StraighterLine mappings, a savings calculator, and the exact transfer steps for University of Bridgeport.View the Bridgeport guide →
UCM transfer guide16 StraighterLine mappings, a savings calculator, and the exact transfer steps for University of Central Missouri.Upper-level A&P credit
View the UCM guide →
UMPI transfer guide39 StraighterLine mappings, a savings calculator, and the exact transfer steps for University of Maine at Presque Isle.View the UMPI guide →
UMass Global transfer guide12 StraighterLine mappings, a savings calculator, and the exact transfer steps for University of Massachusetts Global.Half land upper-level
View the UMass Global guide →
UNE transfer guide18 StraighterLine mappings, a savings calculator, and the exact transfer steps for University of New England.400-level Pharmacology credit
View the UNE guide →
Phoenix transfer guide82 StraighterLine mappings, a savings calculator, and the exact transfer steps for University of Phoenix.View the Phoenix guide →
Cumberlands transfer guide49 StraighterLine mappings, a savings calculator, and the exact transfer steps for University of the Cumberlands.8 credits from one A&P combo
View the Cumberlands guide →
Upper Iowa transfer guide55 StraighterLine mappings, a savings calculator, and the exact transfer steps for Upper Iowa University.View the Upper Iowa guide →
Walden transfer guide50 StraighterLine mappings, a savings calculator, and the exact transfer steps for Walden University.3000-level A&P credit5 credits per course
View the Walden guide →
WCU transfer guide27 StraighterLine mappings, a savings calculator, and the exact transfer steps for West Coast University.RN-to-BSN pathway
View the WCU guide →Featured low-cost pathway
Every school above works with StraighterLine — but one pairing stands out this month for stacking the most school-side perks on top of the discount.
Featured
Pathway of the month
×
×The biggest stack of perks we’ve verified
UMGC doesn’t just accept StraighterLine credits — it discounts tuition 25% for out-of-state StraighterLine students, waives books and course fees, and drops the $50 application fee. 64 approved courses, up to 90 of 120 credits by transfer.
25% off out-of-state tuitionBooks & course fees waived$50 app fee waivedUp to 90 of 120 credits
Out-of-state example · 10 courses
- UMGC tuition avoided (30 cr × $389)
- $11,670
- StraighterLine cost
- – $1,386
- Books & fees
- Waived
Assumes the 25% StraighterLine partner rate (~$374 + $15 fee/credit); Maryland residents already pay less. Full math in the guide.
Compare partner schools side by side
Every school here is listed as a StraighterLine partner, meaning guide-listed credits could transfer. Click a school for its full guide.
| School ↕ | Transfer guarantee | Min grade ↕ | Deadline | Refunds & perks | Pricing model |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Western Governors University | Yes, per StraighterLine | 70% | Before first term only | $100–$200 refund $3,500 scholarship | Flat-rate 6-month terms |
| Southern New Hampshire University | Yes, per StraighterLine | 70% | Flexible — see guide | Up to 90 of 120 credits No before-term deadline | Per-credit, ~$330/credit |
| University of Maryland Global Campus | Yes, per StraighterLine | 70% | Flexible — see guide | 25% off out-of-state Books & fees waived $50 app fee waived | Per-credit (military / in-state / out-of-state rates) |
| Liberty University Online | Yes, per StraighterLine | 70% | Flexible — see guide | Upper-level credit possible Works during enrollment | Per-credit, ~$390/credit |
| Purdue University Global | Yes, per StraighterLine | 70% | Flexible — see guide | 75% of degree by transfer Biochem = 6 UL credits | Quarter-credit system, ~$371/quarter credit |
| Excelsior University | Yes, per StraighterLine | 70% | Flexible — see guide | Free 30-day evaluation Up to 113 of 120 credits | Per-credit, ~$510/credit |
| Thomas Edison State University | Yes, per StraighterLine | 70% | Flexible — see guide | Nearly whole degree transferable Stacks with CLEP & military | Per-credit, ~$399/credit |
| Charter Oak State College | Yes, per StraighterLine | 70% | Flexible — see guide | 90-credit provider allowance Gen-ed fit per course | Per-credit, ~$342/credit |
| American InterContinental University | Yes, per StraighterLine | 70% | See guide | See guide | Per-credit, ~$325/credit (est.) |
| American Public University System (APU & AMU) | Yes, per StraighterLine | 70% | See guide | See guide | Per-credit, ~$285/credit (est.) |
| Athens State University | Yes, per StraighterLine | 70% | See guide | See guide | Per-credit, ~$320/credit (est.) |
| Baker College | Yes, per StraighterLine | 70% | See guide | See guide | Per-credit, ~$340/credit (est.) |
| California Southern University | Yes, per StraighterLine | 70% | See guide | See guide | Per-credit, ~$350/credit (est.) |
| Capella University | Yes, per StraighterLine | 70% | See guide | See guide | Per quarter credit, ~$370/quarter credit (est.) |
| Cleary University | Yes, per StraighterLine | 70% | See guide | See guide | Per-credit, ~$460/credit (est.) |
| Colorado Christian University | Yes, per StraighterLine | 70% | See guide | See guide | Per-credit, ~$499/credit (est.) |
| Colorado State University Global | Yes, per StraighterLine | 70% | See guide | See guide | Per-credit, ~$350/credit (est.) |
| Colorado Technical University | Yes, per StraighterLine | 70% | See guide | See guide | Per quarter credit, ~$370/quarter credit (est.) |
| Columbia Southern University | Yes, per StraighterLine | 70% | See guide | See guide | Per-credit, ~$250/credit (est.) |
| Concordia University, St. Paul | Yes, per StraighterLine | 70% | See guide | See guide | Per-credit, ~$420/credit (est.) |
| Dallas College | Yes, per StraighterLine | 70% | See guide | See guide | Per-credit, ~$79/credit (est.) |
| Davenport University | Yes, per StraighterLine | 70% | See guide | See guide | Per-credit, ~$700/credit (est.) |
| DeVry University | Yes, per StraighterLine | 70% | See guide | See guide | Per-credit, ~$472/credit (est.) |
| Fisher College | Yes, per StraighterLine | 70% | See guide | See guide | Per-credit, ~$380/credit (est.) |
| Fort Hays State University | Yes, per StraighterLine | 70% | See guide | See guide | Per-credit, ~$250/credit (est.) |
| Franklin Pierce University | Yes, per StraighterLine | 70% | See guide | See guide | Per-credit, ~$450/credit (est.) |
| Franklin University | Yes, per StraighterLine | 70% | See guide | See guide | Per-credit, ~$398/credit (est.) |
| Goodwin University | Yes, per StraighterLine | 70% | See guide | See guide | Per-credit, ~$750/credit (est.) |
| Grambling State University | Yes, per StraighterLine | 70% | See guide | See guide | Per-credit, ~$300/credit (est.) |
| Greenville University | Yes, per StraighterLine | 70% | See guide | See guide | Per-credit, ~$450/credit (est.) |
| Herzing University | Yes, per StraighterLine | 70% | See guide | See guide | Per-credit, ~$590/credit (est.) |
| Indiana Institute of Technology | Yes, per StraighterLine | 70% | See guide | See guide | Per-credit, ~$470/credit (est.) |
| McNeese State University | Yes, per StraighterLine | 70% | See guide | See guide | Per-credit, ~$300/credit (est.) |
| Missouri Baptist University | Yes, per StraighterLine | 70% | See guide | See guide | Per-credit, ~$420/credit (est.) |
| Monroe University | Yes, per StraighterLine | 70% | See guide | See guide | Per-credit, ~$600/credit (est.) |
| National American University | Yes, per StraighterLine | 70% | See guide | See guide | Per quarter credit, ~$370/quarter credit (est.) |
| National Louis University | Yes, per StraighterLine | 70% | See guide | See guide | Per-credit, ~$380/credit (est.) |
| National University | Yes, per StraighterLine | 70% | See guide | See guide | Per-credit, ~$370/credit (est.) |
| New England College | Yes, per StraighterLine | 70% | See guide | See guide | Per-credit, ~$430/credit (est.) |
| Nexford University | Yes, per StraighterLine | 70% | See guide | See guide | See guide |
| Nichols College | Yes, per StraighterLine | 70% | See guide | See guide | Per-credit, ~$500/credit (est.) |
| Norwich University | Yes, per StraighterLine | 70% | See guide | See guide | Per-credit, ~$395/credit (est.) |
| Rasmussen University | Yes, per StraighterLine | 70% | See guide | See guide | Per-credit, ~$305/credit (est.) |
| Southeastern Louisiana University | Yes, per StraighterLine | 70% | See guide | See guide | Per-credit, ~$300/credit (est.) |
| Southern Oregon University | Yes, per StraighterLine | 70% | See guide | See guide | Per quarter credit, ~$230/quarter credit (est.) |
| Stevenson University Online | Yes, per StraighterLine | 70% | See guide | See guide | Per-credit, ~$450/credit (est.) |
| Strayer University | Yes, per StraighterLine | 70% | See guide | See guide | Per-credit, ~$490/credit (est.) |
| SUNY Empire State University | Yes, per StraighterLine | 70% | See guide | See guide | Per-credit, ~$295/credit (est.) |
| Tennessee State University | Yes, per StraighterLine | 70% | See guide | See guide | Per-credit, ~$360/credit (est.) |
| Touro University Worldwide | Yes, per StraighterLine | 70% | See guide | See guide | Per-credit, ~$500/credit (est.) |
| Trevecca Nazarene University | Yes, per StraighterLine | 70% | See guide | See guide | Per-credit, ~$500/credit (est.) |
| Trident University International | Yes, per StraighterLine | 70% | See guide | See guide | Per-credit, ~$375/credit (est.) |
| University of Arizona Global Campus | Yes, per StraighterLine | 70% | See guide | See guide | Per-credit, ~$460/credit (est.) |
| University of Arkansas Grantham | Yes, per StraighterLine | 70% | See guide | See guide | Per-credit, ~$250/credit (est.) |
| University of Bridgeport | Yes, per StraighterLine | 70% | See guide | See guide | Per-credit, ~$600/credit (est.) |
| University of Central Missouri | Yes, per StraighterLine | 70% | See guide | See guide | Per-credit, ~$280/credit (est.) |
| University of Maine at Presque Isle | Yes, per StraighterLine | 70% | See guide | See guide | Per-credit, ~$250/credit (est.) |
| University of Massachusetts Global | Yes, per StraighterLine | 70% | See guide | See guide | Per-credit, ~$500/credit (est.) |
| University of New England | Yes, per StraighterLine | 70% | See guide | See guide | Per-credit, ~$400/credit (est.) |
| University of Phoenix | Yes, per StraighterLine | 70% | See guide | See guide | Per-credit, ~$398/credit (est.) |
| University of the Cumberlands | Yes, per StraighterLine | 70% | See guide | See guide | Per-credit, ~$320/credit (est.) |
| Upper Iowa University | Yes, per StraighterLine | 70% | See guide | See guide | Per-credit, ~$385/credit (est.) |
| Walden University | Yes, per StraighterLine | 70% | See guide | See guide | Per-credit, ~$360/credit (est.) |
| West Coast University | Yes, per StraighterLine | 70% | See guide | See guide | Per-credit, ~$600/credit (est.) |
Data verified September 14, 2026. Rules are each school’s and can change; confirm with the school before enrolling.
Other ways to earn low-cost credits
StraighterLine is our top pick, but it’s not the only option — and for some situations another provider, or a stack of two, is the better plan. We compare them honestly.
Sophia Learning
Flat monthly subscription with unlimited courses — typically the cheapest option for big batches of standard gen-eds. No lab sciences.
comparison coming soonStudy.com
Subscription courses with a large catalog and video-first lessons. Transferability varies more by school than the partner providers.
comparison coming soonCLEP Exams
One proctored exam per subject (about $95). Fastest and cheapest per credit if you already know the material — but pass/fail risk and no partial credit.
comparison coming soonSophia vs StraighterLine for WGUWhich provider covers which WGU requirement, and when to use both. SOON
StraighterLine vs CLEP for WGUCourses vs exams: cost, risk, and speed compared. SOON
Sophia vs Study.comThe two subscription providers head to head. SOON
Key facts: transferring low-cost credits
- StraighterLine lists more than 180 partner colleges where it states credit transfer is guaranteed for courses on each school’s equivalency guide.
- StraighterLine credits have also been accepted at more than 3,000 non-partner colleges and universities.
- The average StraighterLine course takes 28 days to complete, and courses are self-paced with no start dates.
- Transfer rules are set by each school, not the provider: minimum grades, deadlines, credit ceilings, and program exceptions differ by school. Many schools accept transfer credits from current students; some, like WGU, only accept them before the first term.
- At flat-rate schools such as Western Governors University, transfer credit saves money by reducing the number of paid terms rather than the per-credit price.
- Some partner schools add their own perks for StraighterLine students, such as WGU’s $100–$200 course refund and $3,500 scholarship.
Facts verified September 14, 2026 against the sources at the bottom of this page.
Transfer credit questions
What is the fastest, cheapest way to earn college credits?
For most students, self-paced online courses from low-cost providers like StraighterLine, transferred into their degree — either before enrolling or while already a student, depending on the school’s rules. The average StraighterLine course takes about 28 days, several can run at once, and at partner schools StraighterLine states transfer is guaranteed for guide-listed courses. CLEP exams can beat that per credit if you already know the subject.
Which schools guarantee StraighterLine credit transfer?
StraighterLine lists 180+ partner colleges where it states transfer is guaranteed for courses on each school’s equivalency guide, including WGU, UMGC, SNHU, Purdue Global, Liberty University Online, Charter Oak, TESU, and Excelsior. Rules differ by school — minimum grades, deadlines, and program exceptions apply. Our 64 school guides list every published mapping for each school, drawn from StraighterLine’s equivalency tables and, where available, the school’s own transfer guide.
Do transfer credits really save money?
Usually, but the math depends on the school’s pricing model. At per-credit schools, each transferred credit directly replaces tuition that often costs $300–$500 per credit. At flat-rate schools like WGU, savings come from finishing in fewer terms. Our school guides calculate both.
Should I use StraighterLine, Sophia, or CLEP?
Often more than one. Sophia is typically cheapest for large batches of standard gen-eds, StraighterLine covers lab sciences and nursing prerequisites the others don’t and carries school-side perks at some partners, and CLEP suits confident test-takers. Our comparison pages break this down per school.
Sources and verification
Checked on September 14, 2026. We re-verify monthly.