UMPI vs. WGU: Which is the best online college for you?

WGU and UMPI are two of the best competency-based programs out there. But only one is the best fit for you! Let's compare them in different categories to see which will fit you better.
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EDITOR
🎬 - @BethTherese

[@huggy68]

For me it's WGU. I work at Amazon and we have a career choice program and WGU on the list of schools so I'm basically going school for free which is wonderful.

[@Myperfectvision4]

Why wgu if I may ask. I also work at Amazon and am currently attending UMGC

[@theghostoftravel]

you can also use that tuition for other schools, not listed.

[@TheLifeofKam99]

My Bachelor’s in Business Admin took me 2 1/2 years at UMGC while my Master’s in IT Management at WGU took me just 5 months to finish . If I could go back in time I would have went to UMPI instead for my undergraduate program saving me a lot of time.

[@mturner5989]

That’s what I will do this time around. I’m going to UMPI for the bachelors and UMGC for the Masters

[@JohnJohn-nh2rl]

@@mturner5989are you also doing IT?

[@lunesterv5802]

Love seeing UMPI getting mentioned! It's a great school.

[@Theresa_52]

My top 2/3 reasons for choosing UMPI over WGU are that you earn a GPA at UMPI, but WGU will be significantly lowering my GPA with their standard 3.0. Also, I estimate it will take me 7-8 months, so I don't want to have to pay for 2 terms at WGU then wait 4-5 months to start a masters. UMPI should be approx 4 eight week terms. I may still go to WGU for an MBA, just not for a bachelor's. UMPI is definitely more hackable in my opinion, and I like that it's a state school while also being less expensive in my case.

[@arak9735]

Mam , are you from India ?

[@J0HN_3_16]

Not promoting WGU but they were established by a coalition of governors from western states.

[@ryank6988]

I would love to see you review University of Wisconsin Flexible Option. It is also a competency based program. However I haven’t seen many reviews and their website is vague. Thanks for the great videos!

[@trusttruth9916]

Do they accept international students? can you tell me a little bit about them pls?

[@ishady27]

​@@trusttruth9916no ulU Wisconsin Flex do not accept International at this time (I ask them)

[@SDKJoshua]

I’m still deciding between UMPI and WGU. I like that UMPI has a lot of classes that can be transferred over. On the other hand, I appreciate how WGU partnered with Sophia so I can see a path to go through right away. I might make an appointment soon to finalize my decision.

[@suburbanlarper]

I took a ton of Sophia and did so with Franklin University in mind, all 27 credits transferred to UMPI, there are some degree forums around discussing it. Normally the advice goes, “talk to your advisor about what might transfer”, but since the advisor from UMPI never replies to a single email don’t count on that happening.

[@Theresa_52]

Insta cert degree forum has information about Sophia to UMPI

[@ishady27]

​@@suburbanlarper you are correct, the UMPI counselor reply email too slow😅

[@CollegeHacked]

We would love to meet with you. We can even share with you the equivalencies of Sophia at UMPI!

[@vaidehijonnalagadda1287]

Thank you...

[@michelletorres5269]

Great video!! Any chance you could compare WGU and FRANKLIN?

[@testemail2470]

I've noticed you seem to always say WGU doesn't allow students outside the US. I'm in Canada and registered just fine. Maybe Canada's just the exception, but I put off registering because of what you were saying, so I thought I'd mention it. Love your channel.

[@trusttruth9916]

They have started to allow canadians to take their courses Lucky you! I only just found out about them last week, tried to sign up... IM UK

[@CollegeHacked]

Awesome! Yes, this is new :)

[@tayloruttecht2666]

Can you do a video comparing WGU & SNHU

[@dreamsofkaia7275]

I legit just finished a 300 lvl business class through them in just a few hours today. It’s a very hackable school. The main issue I have run into that has slowed me down is the advisors not responding to emails either at all or in a timely manner. Waiting for new courses to be loaded. Or the milestones and finals in classes taking longer than they should to be graded and having to email teachers in order to move onto the next lesson or milestone. Besides that though, it’s honestly a great school and program!

[@ishady27]

Could you give me a clue how's Math 140 class in UMPI, is it hard?

[@yolany_b]

Have a question when you mention, hackable, what does hackable mean or entail?

[@trusttruth9916]

Which School are you talking about?

[@alexbenedit5288]

I'm at such a crossroad, I'm active-duty military and have been doing college for around a year and a half sitting at around 48 credits with AMU. I deployed and asked for my schoolwork ahead of time because I would not have access to any electronics for about 2 and a half months. Long story short they told me to kick rocks and I failed the 2 classes. Fast forward and I'm trying to be an officer but need a bachelors ASAP, I have no idea where to start either UMPI or WGU.

[@CollegeHacked]

All depends on your goals and style! WGU is mostly proctored exams based, UMPI is paper/project based. WGU you buy blocks of 6 months of time to complete classes, UMPI is terms of 8 weeks. I’m guessing with the military background you have some JST credit though, so I would suggest UMPI since WGU doesn’t have free elective sections in their degrees, so you’ll get more bang for your buck at UMPI. You got this!!

[@rossiecamargo3630]

Hi! Thank you so much for putting all this together! Please, I'd really like to know if earning a bachelor's degree in UMPI will allow me to apply for Law School afterwards, I will need a decent GPA and LSAT to get some final aid / scholarship. Thank you!

[@CollegeHacked]

Indeed! UMPI offers regionally accredited bachelor’s degrees, which is what law schools will require you apply with :) The degree is only one small part of law school applications, your GPA/LSAT/Recommendation letters/Personal Statement are also incredibly important!

[@Chery869]

Now do UMPI vs Liberty 🗽 🎓

[@CollegeHacked]

Two VERY different schools! We compared these two because they are pretty similar. Liberty is standard, UMPI is competency based. Liberty charges by credit hour, UMPI by time. Great customer service at LUO, less so at UMPI for now. :)

[@Woodworkjunkie]

I’ve watched some of your vids!! Y’all are amazing!!! I’m trying to decide between Purdue, and university or Arizona global, and Which one would u suggest??? I’m wanting psychology an or IT. Thank u! How much is the consultation with you????TIA

[@CollegeHacked]

Psych vs. IT are pretty different directions! What’s the longterm goal? :)

[@missdesireindependance5194]

I like the idea that UMPI accepts more free electives which I think is great.

[@hobisoon]

could you make a list for international students? its a big market and will definitely flock to your videos.

[@CollegeHacked]

Yes, and check out UMPI :)

[@johnredfield071]

​@@CollegeHacked is umpi for international students

[@CollegeHacked]

@johnredfield071 Indeed! :)

[@johnredfield071]

@@CollegeHacked thanks I am looking forward as I am facing trouble while applying for universities

[@ELCHUCKO666]

Dr. Stumme did you look at the earning potential for both Colleges? WGU's projected median earnings is $52k, while UMPI is an abysmal $28k. That is one of the lowest I have seen any school have. (According to College Scorecard/US Department of Education)

[@suburbanlarper]

UMPI allows international students while WGU does not so it begs the question if international salaries which would likely be lower in many instances lower that number for UMPI.

[@ELCHUCKO666]

@@suburbanlarper The problem is that only 7% of their students are foreign. This should not have as big of an affect on financial outcome to reduce the average starting salary down to $27K territory

[@CollegeHacked]

I don't take earning potential seriously. Remember that UMPI is in the middle of the wilderness up in Maine. Most of their residential grads aren't going to be making big bucks, and $52k isn't that impressive either for a school to be bragging about. It really depends on you and what you brought to the table before you graduated.

[@josephphenneger7488]

I’m interested in taking the liberal studies with a minor in educational studies. (Chipotle degree) I currently have all of my general education completed. It says that they accept 56 elective credits. If I’m understanding this correctly can I just take random classes at Sophia and get all of my credit for electives?

[@josephphenneger7488]

At umpi please have been watching all your videos trying to make sure!!

[@chasityjackson6158]

WGU Is my choice how can you help me with this I have alot of questions. Thank you

[@msaoth8533]

I want to book a session but I’m from the UK and want to know if you do coach/map out a pathway for British clients?

[@CollegeHacked]

If you’re looking to attend a US school (online), yes! 😊

[@sarasara-yo9rf]

I recently Googled UMPI, and it appears to be classified as a college rather than a university. I'm considering attending UMPI, but I'm unsure about its reputation. It seems like not many people are familiar with UMPI or WGU. On a lighter note, it's a bit amusing that WGU's graduation ceremony looks better, but the graduation gowns arent black!

[@CollegeHacked]

UMPI has been around since 1903 and has 5 residential locations in Maine. It’s a good school :)

[@jenniferarmer106]

Where can I find the list of general classes needed before I start UMPI? I have some college from the past

[@CollegeHacked]

UMPI has an externally facing general education page that lists the classes that fit into their general education section :)

[@MSnekita21]

I just noticed you never added the CLEP video link within your video. You said,”that it appears here”. But, never does….

[@CollegeHacked]

Will double check this! Sometimes it works for iOS and not Android, or vice versa.

[@ohplease587]

The UMPI programs for Business and Accounting are not AACSB or ACBSP certified. This may be a road block depending on what you want to do with your Business or Accounting degree.

[@CollegeHacked]

It’s possible it could be a problem, but for maybe 1% of people or less. :) This is a big reason why we advise backwards planning! If you know where you’re headed, you know what you need to get there.

[@beccastone101]

I’m torn between UMPI and WGU… I have no degree and by the luck of God, I’m currently in a position that requires a bachelor’s degree. Im a corporate employee for work for a highly popular OEM and want to move up, I know I need a BA or BS to do so. Which is better for someone like me? No college experience but already in a company I want to move up in. Im also a busy mom of three. Flexibility is important

[@CollegeHacked]

Our vote is UMPI :) WGU has proctored finals and slightly less hackability. UMPI is papers/projects for finals, so no proctoring and very Sophia friendly. You got this!

[@beccastone101]

@@CollegeHacked I’m actually building my resume for them so I can apply today or tomorrow. I want to start in March. My job is paying for it. Can I do Sophia courses at the same time or is that something that can only be done before applying?

[@beccastone101]

@@CollegeHacked if I set up a consultation with you guys, do I need to do that before applying to UMPI? Especially if you suggest me taking Sophia or CLEP exams? Given for everything I just said in the comments above. Do you guys help me choose which courses to take and if Sophia or CLEP is best for me?

[@CollegeHacked]

@@beccastone101 Awesome that your job is paying for it, and you're getting your documents in order!! For UMPI you can hack and transfer classes in any time--before, during, or after taking classes with them. At WGU everything has to be hacked before you start classes there, as once you start they lock you from transferring in any additional credit. In either case though, we recommend doing the hacking prior to attending the school. :) As far as when to meet with us, you could at any point in the process, but in general the sooner the better! If you pick UMPI, they can take 6-8 weeks to turn around a credit eval, so if you have transcripts from other schools to send them definitely do that soon so you can get the eval back asap. We offer single sessions if you know the college and major already, and then we offer a 2-session package if you want to spend the first session talking about school and major options. Since you're down to 2 schools already, if you're able to nail down which school and major you want I think you could do the single session. If you do the single session and have transcripts to have evaluated, the best time to meet is after you have the eval back from the school :) If you do the 2-session, we can meet ASAP for the first one, I can give you Sophia classes to work on while we wait for the eval, then well have the second session once you get the eval back!

[@BrendaBrenTV]

B of A in Accounting at UMPI vs B of S in Accounting at WGU...I feel like Bachelor of Science degrees get taken more seriously but has anyone experienced a drawback from their accounting degree from UMPI?

[@CollegeHacked]

There isn’t much difference between the two. General education in a BA leans more heavily into social sciences, while a BA focuses more heavily on STEM subjects. But you still end up with both in both types of degrees. At many schools, the only difference in general ed between the two types of degree is whether there is a foreign language requirement or not (BA has it, BS doesn’t).

[@pattylobbezoo8163]

@@CollegeHackedI’ve always wondered the difference. Thanks for explaining!

[@yolandacook4420]

I'm completely torn between WGU,UMPI and Liberty. I need a "Chipotle" degree to get a better position with my employer in order to check the I have a degree in healthcare box. I'm currently taking Sophia courses which I love. I've polished off 5 courses in the last 3 weeks for only $79. IDK!! I need help!!!

[@suburbanlarper]

UMPI, BLS minor in Management degree is chipotle, or SNHU General Studies.

[@yolandacook4420]

@P. Mc Thanks..hadn't considered SNHU,but I'm check it out.

[@ishady27]

Personally, I won't choose Liberty 😊

[@yolandacook4420]

@is hady Hey, thanks for commenting. Please tell me why you feel this way. What has been your honest experiences so far?

[@ishady27]

@@yolandacook4420 sorry that I am not a Liberty University student so this opinion will be bias. I am an SNHU and UMPI student. I don't choose Liberty because it's a secular university and it's graduation rate is only 27%, compared to UMPI 34% (UMPI is a state-public uni), and WGU 40% (althou it's a private uni).

[@morningstarproduction3734]

What happens if you can’t afford the meeting with your company because it’s almost $400 some people are struggling. Do you offer some help with that? I do apologize if I come across mean but I’m just curious.

[@CollegeHacked]

Totally fair question. Our whole company is based on helping people who are struggling to afford what is normally a $51,000 degree. With us, that price goes down to around $6,000 including our consultation. For our consultancy fee, we help college students save nearly $45,000. That's more than 100x the value of what someone spends with us. And believe it or not, a good bit of what we charge gets eaten up by our costs and expenses. Running a business isn't cheap! Our goal is always to provide the best product at the best price for people who really need it and who are ready to get that degree.

[@mikebalenger7542]

What are your thoughts between California coast and WGU?

[@CollegeHacked]

WGU appears more hackable

[@user-il2ft8fb8v]

What are your thoughts on Nexford University?

[@CollegeHacked]

Regionally accredited and accepts 75% of the degree as transfer, so seems good from the outside. Couldn’t find any ACE transfer charts though, so that doesn’t seem good.

[@Ag-wu4mi]

It’s unfortunate UMPI doesn’t have a Liberal Arts general studies Degree

[@CollegeHacked]

They do! It’s called Liberal Studies :)

[@justinsmith8021]

Pick UMPI!! Mainly because their Owl looks like he holds grudges... WGU's Owl is chill and will forgive you.

[@CollegeHacked]

😂

[@ZamoraProductions]

Since UMPI's business degrees are not accredited and I want to earn my masters after (which requires an accredited degree), what should I do?

[@CollegeHacked]

They are accredited

[@ZamoraProductions]

@@CollegeHacked Thank you for replying back! Then what's the difference with ACBSP and AACSB? Who would that affect?

[@CollegeHacked]

@@ZamoraProductions More than likely won't make a difference for you. AACSB came first, it's more Ivy League. ACBSP is a practitioners accreditation, so less theory more doing. I encourage you to Google it and read more!

[@ZamoraProductions]

@@CollegeHacked Thank you! I’ve done a little bit of research on both, but because my field is dance, my end goal is to own a dance studio or possibly teach at a community college. Therefore I want to earn my undergrad in business and masters in dance. I just want to make sure I’m setting myself up for success! 😁

[@suburbanlarper]

UMPI advisor doesn’t respond to emails. Saying their process is not very smooth is an understatement.

[@lukedruyon9420]

THANK YOU! I have had the exact same problem and people keep telling me I’m crazy. They are horrible at communicating back with you

[@suburbanlarper]

Yeah, I literally didn’t get to participate in the this previous session because she didn’t reply to my emails, and now I’m facing the same problem with the upcoming summer session. My email is replied by an automated response, but she never gets around to responding. You get what you pay for there I guess.

[@Theresa_52]

Agreed! However, be persistent and you will get a reponse. After applying and sending your transcript (if any) you will receive a ton of information. Or call them!

[@CollegeHacked]

Sorry to hear it. Yeah, I think they're a little undermanned right now.

[@dreamsofkaia7275]

I have the EXACT same problem. I started cc’ing other faculty members and she finally started responding to me then. It shouldn’t have taken that but if you’re having issues getting a response I’d recommend it.

[@TashieCorner]

I need a consultation, what is the cost?

[@CollegeHacked]

Check out current prices on collegehacked.com! 😄

[@greenfractal]

"If you want to make money OR be a teacher..." Lol

[@TheLifeofKam99]

WGU offers teaching degrees since there is a teacher shortage which means students are guaranteed to land and maintain employment with ease.

[@greenfractal]

@@TheLifeofKam99 Oh for sure, I even heard some US counties had such a shortage that they were attracting immigrants to teach at their public schools.

[@doctorsezzy]

@@greenfractal where exactly ahaha

[@greenfractal]

@@doctorsezzy Not sure, tbh, just saw a documentary/videos on it. Mostly rural areas. Here is one of the docs: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fITQpZWJjqprpsk

[@katydid5088]

​@@greenfractal Rural areas don't pay and a non union position is likely to be in a low cost of living area but with fewer opportunities to scale your salary. From my teacher friends in those areas most work 2nd or 3rd jobs while trying to complete a master's degree to get into per diem work with a community college or going to a unionized district that requires a Master's after a certain number of years experience. The trade off to moving into the city is you still make less money than someone in admin but more than a country or grade school level educator. HS makes more than elementary and college or university is only worthwhile if you have a PhD and tenure. Otherwise you're guaranteed neither wages or work unless you rebrand your resume to the private tutoring space (think rich international students with ultra demanding parents), curriculum design and sales, or working with the left behind kids whose parents mean well but have a child or children that quite frankly needs assessment for a learning disability or familial counseling, something tutors can't do.

[@Harvey2Tall]

Umpi doesnt provide a masters program

[@CollegeHacked]

It does

[@Harvey2Tall]

@@CollegeHacked hmm I was just on their website and must have overlooked it. Because of your videos I enrolled at WGU last week for my MBA. Thank you for all the information!

[@rizzazadvertisinginc.7028]

So you saying we can’t use the degree for further education like masters program?

[@CollegeHacked]

You can, it just might be slightly harder without a true GPA

[@Jackthebe]

What do you think about Purdue global university?

[@CollegeHacked]

Great school! Good for international students who want healthcare admin or IT.

[@J0HN_3_16]

It's expensive. Remember their tuition is based upon quarter hours.

[@blackswan7568]

2:15 "Essentially, if you want to make some money (or be a teacher), WGU has you covered." That's all you had to say😆