Should I earn credits at Sophia Learning before UMPI even with a PELL grant?

[arbitrarysky]

My opinion: there's no reason to push back enrolling at UMPI to focus on Sophia. With a full Pell Grant, you're profiting from attending UMPI since the tuition is so low. You only need to complete 2 courses per term (or 4 per semester) to stay eligible for financial aid. Complete two courses for Summer I, then use your refund to pay for Sophia and knock out whatever is easier there.

The OP wants to be done ASAP. By only taking 2 courses per session, it will drag out how long it takes them to complete their degree. Degree conferrals right now are taking 6-8 weeks! That's a whole additional session they have to wait for the degree to be awarded.

Two courses for Summer I only, while working on Sophia. At 30-40 hours a week, OP can easily finish 8 Sophia courses (I spent about 10 hours on each) plus at least 2 courses at UMPI in 8 weeks. They would be further ahead than if they were to defer a term to focus on Sophia only.