How To Apply To WGU
You’ve been thinking about going back to school. We know it’s a big decision—and getting started is often the hardest part.
So we made it easier to take that first step.
Applying to WGU is different from applying to traditional colleges. It’s not a commitment to enroll or a high-pressure process. It’s a chance to learn how WGU works and see if we’re a good fit for your goals. It’s an opportunity to speak with an Enrollment Counselor, get help with the application process, learn about scholarships, and receive answers to your specific questions.
Whether you're looking to advance your career, switch fields, or finally earn the degree you’ve always wanted, applying to WGU is a practical, achievable first step toward your goals.
And if you’re still exploring your options, we’ll help you figure out what direction makes the most sense for you. Take our quick career quiz to get matched with degree programs that align with your interests. It's a great way to narrow your focus and move forward in the college application process with confidence.
Submitting your application is simple, straightforward, and free. No test scores required. Just an easy first step toward a degree that fits your life.
What Is WGU’s Application Process?
Applying to WGU is quick and easy. The first step takes just about 10 minutes.
Step 1. Apply for Admission
Start by creating an account, then complete and submit the online application. WGU doesn’t have traditional deadlines, so you can apply anytime. We offer start dates on the 1st of every month. Enrollment steps must be completed by the 15th of the previous month.
During the application, you’ll be asked for your name, address, Social Security number, and details about your prior education, so have that information ready. Submitting the application doesn’t guarantee admission. You’ll still need to meet the requirements for your chosen degree program from WGU’s School of Education, School of Technology, School of Business, or Leavitt School of Health.
Step 2. Submit Transcripts
If you’ve taken college courses in the past, you’ll request your official transcripts for a transfer credit evaluation. If this is your first time attending college, submit your official final high school transcript.
Step 3. Apply for Financial Aid
Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). You can start the financial aid process as soon as you are accepted to WGU.
Step 4. Confirm Your Enrollment
Once admitted, complete your Commit to Start documents online or with the help of your Enrollment Counselor. This step finalizes your enrollment and locks in your start date.
Step 5. Take Care of Tuition
Make your first tuition payment or finalize your financial aid. Payment is due by the 22nd of the month before your start date.
Step 6. Start Orientation
Before classes begin, complete the online orientation to get familiar with our competency-based education model and processes.
Step 7. Connect with Your Program Mentor
Your dedicated Program Mentor will help you create a personalized degree plan and guide you from day one through graduation.
How to Submit Transcripts to WGU
Transferring credits from another college or university—especially a community college—is an easy process. WGU has a generous transfer credit policy and partners with many institutions to help you get credit for the work you’ve already completed. Use our Transfer Credit Estimator Tool to get a quick, unofficial look at what credits may transfer.
During the application process, you’ll list all of the colleges you’ve attended and choose how to submit transcripts:
- Use our free transcript request service. If your school participates, we’ll request your transcripts for you at no cost. If not, you’ll need to request them yourself.
- To request transcripts on your own, ask that they be sent directly to WGU via electronic service, mail, or email.
Remember to submit your WGU application before requesting or submitting transcripts.
What Happens After You Apply to WGU?
Submitting your application is just the beginning. Once it’s in, you’ll be paired with an Enrollment Counselor who will guide you through the rest of the admissions process.
Here’s what to expect next:
Meet With Your Enrollment Counselor. Your counselor is your go-to resource. They’ll answer questions, walk you through your program options, and help you with subsequent steps.
Get a Transcript Evaluation. If you’ve attended college before, your counselor can help you submit transcripts for an evaluation. This helps you see how your previous coursework might transfer—and how close you may already be to earning your degree.
Ask Questions—No Pressure. Applying doesn’t mean you’re committed. You’re simply gathering the information you need to decide if WGU is the right fit. This is also an opportunity to decide if you prefer to begin with an Introductory Term or jump right into your chosen bachelor’s or master’s degree program.
Take the Next Steps Toward Enrollment. If you decide to move forward, your Enrollment Counselor will help you submit any remaining documents, apply for financial aid or scholarships, and stay on track for your start date. They’ll be working with you closely, so every question you have will be answered, and you won’t be alone in the process.
How to Finalize Enrollment
Once you’ve completed your application and received your official admission decision, there are just a few final steps to complete before officially starting your academic journey.
Submit Your Commit to Start Documents. This brief online experience can be completed self-guided or with the help of your Enrollment Counselor. It confirms your degree program, start date, and commitment to begin. This final step takes just 20 to 30 minutes and officially secures your enrollment at WGU.
Pay Tuition or Finalize Financial Aid. Your first tuition payment is due by the 22nd of the month prior to your start date. If you plan to use federal aid, be sure your FAFSA is submitted early to avoid delays.
Complete Orientation. Students are required to complete orientation course before beginning coursework. This self-paced course helps you understand our competency-based model, discover your learning style, build time management and study skills, practice online communication, and connect with your new community of peers and mentors.
Meet Your Program Mentor. During orientation, you’ll be matched with your dedicated Program Mentor—a key part of the student experience. You’ll work together to create a personalized degree plan and establish timelines, benchmarks, and learning goals. This will guide your progress from day one through graduation.
Now you’re ready to begin your first course!
WGU’s Discovery Process
Applying to WGU is more than filling out a form. It’s a discovery process designed to help you explore your goals, understand your options, and decide if WGU is the right fit for you. There’s no pressure, no obligation, no binding agreement—just an opportunity to take the first step toward your academic and career goals.
Headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah, WGU is an accredited non-profit university designed for working adults. With online degree programs in high-demand fields like business, IT, teacher education, and healthcare, graduates are prepared to step into roles with the career-ready skills employers need.
Our competency-based education model allows you to progress by demonstrating what you know and spending more time on material you need to learn. Coursework is available online 24/7, with no set log-in times. And flat-rate tuition covers as many courses as you can complete in a term. In other words, the more courses you complete, the quicker you finish your degree—potentially saving money and moving into your career faster.
Throughout it all, you’ll be paired with a Program Mentor who will guide and support you from orientation through graduation, helping you stay on track and achieve your goals. Whether you're picking up where you left off or starting school for the first time, WGU is designed to help you succeed.
Take the first step and apply—it only takes 10 minutes.
