Everything you need to know about UPI Study credits, Newlane's $39/month model, and how the Articulation Agreement works.
Does Newlane University officially accept UPI Study credits?
Yes — Newlane University and UPI Study signed a formal Articulation Agreement effective March 13, 2025 (date signed March 20, 2025). The agreement establishes that Newlane recognizes UPI Study courses for credit in its undergraduate degrees, using ACE and NCCRS credit recommendations as the evaluation basis. Use the equivalency table on this page to match your UPI Study courses to Newlane GE categories before enrolling.
How much does a Newlane degree actually cost?
Newlane charges a flat $39/month — no per-credit charges, no hidden fees, no textbook costs. With maximum transfer credits (up to 90), many learners complete their Bachelor's degree in as little as 18–24 months of Newlane enrollment, for a total cost of approximately $700–$1,500. UPI Study credits earned before enrolling reduce the amount of Newlane coursework needed, compressing both time and total cost.
Is Newlane University accredited?
Yes. Newlane University is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC), a U.S. Department of Education-recognized accreditor, and is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). Newlane is also a member of NC-SARA, which authorizes it to serve students in all 50 U.S. states.
What is competency-based learning and how does Newlane use it?
Competency-based education (CBE) measures mastery of subject matter — not hours spent in a seat. At Newlane, you advance by demonstrating you know the material, not by completing a fixed number of weeks. Combined with UPI Study's self-paced model, this means fast learners can move significantly faster than a traditional semester schedule, while learners with full-time jobs can move at whatever pace fits their life.
What degrees and programs does Newlane offer?
Newlane University currently offers Bachelor of Science degrees with concentrations in Business, Communication, Liberal Studies, and related fields. Newlane's programs are designed for working adults — fully online, fully self-paced, with no required login times and no in-person components. The equivalency table on this page shows which UPI Study courses align with Newlane's General Education (GE) framework: Communication & Information Literacy, Quantitative Literacy, Scientific Reasoning, Social & Behavioral Sciences, and Arts & Humanities.
How does Newlane's $39/month compare to other online universities?
Most online universities charge $300–$700 per credit hour, or $1,500–$3,000 per month for competency-based programs like WGU. Newlane at $39/month is dramatically lower — for a typical learner with 30 credits of remaining coursework (after transferring 90 in), that's approximately $700–$1,200 total. Even without maximum transfer credits, a full degree from Newlane rarely costs more than $3,000–$5,000.
Who signed the Newlane–UPI Study Articulation Agreement?
The Articulation Agreement was signed on
March 20, 2025 (effective March 13, 2025) by
Ben Blair, President of Newlane University, and
Manit Kaushal, CTO of UPI Study Inc. Newlane is located at 3450 Triumph Blvd, Suite 102, Lehi, UT 84043. Contact: (385) 215-9467 /
[email protected].
What GPA or test scores does Newlane require for admission?
Newlane University has an open-admission policy — there are no minimum GPA requirements and no standardized test scores needed to apply. You do not need an ACT, SAT, or GMAT to enroll. Admission is based on completing the application and meeting basic academic eligibility. This makes Newlane one of the most accessible accredited universities in the United States, especially for adult learners returning to higher education after a gap.
Can I transfer CLEP, DSST, or military credits to Newlane along with UPI Study credits?
Yes. Newlane accepts transfer credits from CLEP exams, DSST, AP credit, military training (ACE-evaluated), and prior college coursework — all in addition to UPI Study credits. You can combine sources to reach the 90-credit transfer maximum. For example, 30 credits from prior college courses + 30 from CLEP + 30 from UPI Study = 90 credits transferred, leaving only 30 credits of Newlane coursework at $39/month.
Is Newlane University recognized by employers?
Newlane University is accredited by DEAC and recognized by CHEA — the same framework that covers WGU, Purdue Global, University of the People, and other respected online universities. DEAC accreditation is widely accepted for employer tuition reimbursement programs and federal student aid. Most Fortune 500 employer reimbursement programs accept DEAC-accredited degrees. That said, employer acceptance varies — check with your HR team if your specific employer has a preferred accreditor list.
What is Newlane University's GE framework — and how does UPI Study map to it?
Newlane uses five General Education (GE) categories that all undergraduate students must complete:
1. Communication & Information Literacy GE — English composition and writing. UPI Study: Advanced Technical Writing.
2. Quantitative Literacy GE — Math, statistics, and data analysis. UPI Study: Statistics, Business Math, Calculus, Discrete Math, Programming courses.
3. Scientific Reasoning GE — Natural sciences. UPI Study: Chemistry I, Physics I, Environmental Science.
4. Social & Behavioral Sciences GE — Psychology, sociology, economics, business behavior. UPI Study: Most business and social science courses.
5. Arts & Humanities GE — Philosophy and humanities. UPI Study: Principles of Philosophy.
The equivalency table on this page maps every UPI Study course to the relevant Newlane GE category or elective.
Does Newlane have financial aid or scholarships?
Newlane University does not participate in federal Title IV financial aid programs (no Pell Grant or federal student loans). However, at $39/month, most learners do not need loans to afford a Newlane degree. Newlane also periodically offers scholarship opportunities and reduced-rate access for qualifying learners. Many learners use employer tuition reimbursement ($1,000–$5,250/year is common) to cover the cost entirely — Newlane's DEAC accreditation makes it eligible for most employer reimbursement programs.
How does Newlane compare to WGU, Excelsior, or University of the People?
All four are competency-based or self-paced DEAC/regionally-accredited online universities popular with adult learners. Key differences:
WGU — $3,500–$5,000/term (flat), 6-month terms. Competency-based. Regional accreditation (NWCCU). Larger, more employer-recognized brand.
Excelsior University — Per-credit pricing, regional accreditation (MSCHE). Strong for military learners.
University of the People — Tuition-free model with assessment fees (~$120/exam). Regional accreditation (DEAC/WSCUC pending history). Limited programs.
Newlane — $39/month flat, DEAC-accredited, competency-based, no hidden fees, 90-credit transfer max. Best for maximum affordability and speed with UPI Study credits stacked first.
Can international students enroll at Newlane University?
Yes. Newlane University is a fully online institution and accepts international students from around the world. No visa is required since there is no campus to attend. UPI Study credits also transfer internationally — UPI Study learners in Canada, the UK, Nigeria, India, the Philippines, and across the globe have used UPI Study credits to reduce their Newlane coursework. All coursework and exams are conducted online in English.
How long does it take to graduate from Newlane with UPI Study credits?
With maximum transfer credits (90 credits), only 30 credits of Newlane-specific coursework remain. At Newlane's self-paced competency model, motivated learners have completed 30 credits in as few as 9–15 months of Newlane enrollment — for a total degree cost of approximately $350–$600. A more typical timeline with 30 remaining credits is 12–18 months, at $468–$702 total. Start by spending 2–4 months earning 30+ credits through UPI Study first, then transfer in and finish fast.
Can I earn college credit without enrolling in a full degree program?
Yes. UPI Study allows you to take individual courses and earn ACE and NCCRS-recommended college credit completely independently — no university enrollment, no application, no admission process required. Complete the courses, get your official transcript, then submit it to Newlane for credit evaluation.
How do I check which UPI Study courses transfer to Newlane?
Use the equivalency table on this page. Search by course name, subject area, or Newlane course code to find exact matches. Courses showing a specific Newlane course code transfer directly. Courses listed as "Open Electives" count toward your elective credit requirements. When in doubt,
book a call with our team — we'll walk you through your specific degree plan.
What's the difference between ACE and NCCRS credit recommendations?
ACE (American Council on Education) evaluates non-traditional learning and recommends credit to colleges and universities. NCCRS (National College Credit Recommendation Service), operated by the New York State Education Department, does the same. Both are nationally recognized standards — the same evaluation system used by CLEP, DSST, and military training programs. UPI Study courses carry recommendations from both bodies.
How long does it take to complete a UPI Study course?
Most students complete individual courses in 2–6 weeks studying a few hours per week. Because there are no deadlines, you can move faster through subjects you already know, or slow down during busy periods — without any penalty.
How does UPI Study compare to taking courses at a community college?
Community college typically costs $300–$600 per credit hour, requires fixed class schedules, and involves semester deadlines. UPI Study offers ACE & NCCRS-recommended credits from $42/month (US) or $250/course (international) with no deadlines, no fixed class times, and no campus required.
Can military students or first responders use UPI Study?
Yes — military students and first responders (police, fire, EMS) are some of our most active members. UPI Study credits use the same ACE and NCCRS standards as military training evaluations and can be stacked with existing military training credits on a single Excelsior OneTranscript. US citizens and military personnel have access to subscription plans starting from $89/month with no additional fees for course materials.
Is UPI Study a good option for adult learners returning to school?
It's one of the best options available. UPI Study is fully self-paced with no deadlines — adult learners with jobs and families can study whenever they have time, pause when they don't, and pick back up without penalty. Most adult learners complete 6–12 courses in their first year around their existing lives.
What happens if I need to pause or cancel my subscription?
You can pause or cancel your subscription at any time with no penalty and no questions asked. Credits you've already earned remain valid permanently. If you pause and return later, you pick up exactly where you left off.
How many credits can I earn through UPI Study?
Up to 90 ACE and NCCRS-recommended credits — the equivalent of two full years of traditional college. Combined with other ACE/NCCRS sources like CLEP exams, DSST, or military training, many students build 70–90+ total credits before enrolling in university.