Thinking About Transferring to WGU

Some background: I was a Rutgers University student. I have about 80 credits completed out of my 120 to graduate. (At RU it would take me 3 semesters to bang out the remaining 40 credits.) However, due to financial difficulty and bad grades, I decided to take time off. I was originally planning on re-enrolling for the summer 2013 session.

Now, I'm thinking whether or not it'd be smarter to transfer my credits to WGU and trying to finish up there. I'd save money (probably about 20k) and almost definitely finish up faster. Plus, I can also transfer in my Net+ and Sec+ for credit, right?

The only thing that's holding me back is the fact that I started at RU, and after all this I feel like I should finish there. If I transfer, my degree will be from WGU even if I completed the bulk of my credits at RU, right? I'm also under the impression that a degree at RU would look better than a degree at WGU. (In general, but I'm not 100% sure if that's applicable to the IT field.)

I WOULD say that going back to RU would also give me the added advantage of the social benefits, but I just turned 23. When I go back I'll be almost 24, in a school of 17-22 year olds. I might feel embarrassed/awkward about being older than everyone else (even if only by a few years), which could be a detriment to my performance academically.

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Comments

networker050184

If I was in your situation I'd only go to WGU as a last resort. A degree from RU will probably do much more for your career than one from WGU (on name alone) and you've already done most of the work at RU. I doubt you will be the only person there at 24. Chicks dig older guys anyway!

Iristheangel

I agree with Networker on this. If you're this far, get the remaining 40 credits. I graduated from WGU and love it but self-study isn't for everyone. For someone who's having a tough time with grades, I would NOT recommend going to the self-paced self-study self-motivating route. I understand wanting to get done with school ASAP but stick it out. You've progressed so far that it's worth it to struggle the last bit

DoubleNNs

It's funny tho - I work a lot better w/ self study than a class room setting. Which is one of the reasons why WGU seems ideal for a Masters Degree if I ever get one. I got my Net+ in Oct, and Sec+ in Nov from self-study. Taught myself web dev/design skills, and plan on getting my A+ by Xmas, also from self-study. So the funny thing is, that one aspect actually makes WGU seem more favorable to my situation than RU.

WGU: Finish quicker, less money, accepts certs as credits.

RU: Help better in future (probably only because of name), if I can get over the age thing and make sure I don't hang out w/ dead-weight friends probably more enjoyable experience.

kgb

I don't know... I totally agree that a degree from Rutgers has way more clout than a degree from WGU.

My take is, best case it will take you 3 semesters. That if you start Summer 2013, that means it will be Winter 2014 before you graduate. WGU probably has some of the most best transfer credit allowances I've ever seen. You could start WGU in Feburary 2013 and if you transfer in 60+ CU's, easily finish in 1 term. You will have a 4yr degree, 1+ year before getting one from Rutgers, and save yourself money (assuming it's debt). Be workforce ready as well, with all the certifications gained from WGU...

DoubleNNs

What I REALLY wish I could do is take classes at WGU and transfer them to Rutgers... ::sigh::

But another option is to just take classes at a local community college and try to transfer them to RU.

kgb

If you are in your 3rd year, wouldn't you be taking high level classes that more than likely not offered at the community college level?

DoubleNNs

I'm done with my minor. Pretty much done w/ my Information Technology and Informatics (ITI) major - I have to retake a programming class and a database class due to lack of attendance from being near-hospital-sick half that semester. Also need to complete 1 or 2 more ITI electives of my choice; might make it networking and security since it'll probably be conceptually close to the CompTIA certs I have

However, I need to complete gen requirements (writing, diversity, blah blah) and rack up a total of 120 credits.

Guess I did things a little backwards, huh?

Iristheangel

I know that every professor is different but if they won't ding your grade for attendance and self-study is best for you, you might want to consider getting lecture notes from classmates and studying the class books on your own. That might help your grades