Article

Thinking about UMGC? Here's Your Guide

4:00 minute read

If you’re thinking about finishing your degree, UMGC is designed with adult learners in mind—offering flexible programs, support at every stage, and ways to make the most of the work you’ve already done.

This guide will walk you through the process so you can see what transferring could look like and decide if UMGC is the right fit for your journey.

If you are ready to get started, explore UMGC programs here.

What UMGC Offers Adult Learners

Designed for working adults and nontraditional learners.
Accepts up to 90 transfer credits (up to 70 credits from community colleges).
Flexible, fully online classes with multiple start dates.
Success coaches and ongoing support are built into every step.

🗓️Planning for a January 7 start? Give yourself more than the 5 weeks and begin your transfer steps before the end of November.

This gives you time for applications, transcript requests, connecting with a coach, and credit reviews so you can register and start classes stress-free.

Submit your application
Request and send transcripts
Receive admission decision
Get a credit review
Register for classes with an advisor
Attend orientation and begin the term

Potential timeline from application to enrollment.

Week 1: Submit Your Application
You’ve taken your first big step—this form only takes about 15–20 minutes and sets your journey in motion.

Week 1–2: Request & Send Transcripts
Next, you’ll request official transcripts from all schools you’ve attended. This step can take some time, so start early.

Week 1–2: Receive Your Admission Decision
Many students hear back quickly—sometimes the same day. This is when your plans start taking shape.

Week 2–4: Credits Reviewed & Applied
Once transcripts are received, your past work is evaluated and applied toward your degree. This is where your progress really shows.

Week 4+: Register & Join Orientation
With credits in place, you’ll register for classes and be welcomed into orientation.

Week 5+: Start Your Term
A huge milestone, you’re officially back on your path to graduation, supported every step of the way.

What You’ll Need to Get Started

Official transcripts from every school attended.
Proof of high school completion (required by the end of the second term).
A valid email and UMGC account setup.
ReUp Success Coach support for guidance.

What to Expect After You Apply

Applications stay valid for two years.
Credits are evaluated after transcripts are received.
A UMGC success coach is assigned once you register.
Orientation and outreach are built in for support.

Explore UMGC Programs

Request more information if you are interested.
Start your application if you are ready!

EXPLORE UMGC PROGRAMS HERE

A Note from Coach Taylor
Coach Taylor brings more than a decade of experience working with adult learners to navigate their return to school.

"You’ve worked hard to get here, this isn’t starting over, it’s building forward. Every credit you’ve earned matters, and we’ll walk with you as you take your next step." - Coach Taylor

Help Topics > Motivation

Deciding when—or whether—to go back to college as a working adult can be tough. Here are some questions to help you make the right choice for you.

Why do you want to earn your degree?
How will you juggle coursework with work and family?
Can you learn and grow without returning to college?
Can you afford it?

Consider your responses to the above questions about your motivation, time, energy, flexibility at work, finances, and learning preferences. Are you in a place with those resources that make school realistic for you right now? Think also about whether you have your ducks in a row at school, such as unblocking any holds on your student account and a clear sense of which requirements you’d need to meet to graduate. Then, ask yourself whether you have what you need to succeed or whether you still have work to do. This can help you determine your timeline on returning.

Reach out to a ReUp Coach via the sidebar on your dashboard if you ever need help deciding when a return to school would be best for you.

This depends on how many credits you have remaining and whether or not you'd like to return part-time or full-time. Reaching out to your school to discuss this with an admissions counselor or your academic advisor will provide you with the most accurate timeline that works best for you.

This depends on your previous major and the progress you've made during your previous attendance. This would also be a great question to ask your admissions counselor or your academic advisor.