Zero to Hero Degree Plan

[oraibihm]

Hello! I am getting ready to change careers. I have been researching how to earn a degree in a way that would be agreeable with my needs and that led me down the road of accelerated competency based learning. Coupling this with cheaper alternative ways to earn credits than taking them with the actual University (sophia learning, study.com, etc), I think I am on the right path. I would appreciate anyone's input before I start this undertaking. You can see my stats below. Thank you so much for your time and attention!

Your Location: North East Ohio, United States.
Your Age: 28
What kind of degree do you want?  Information technology. Cyber security is the most interesting to me. But I have no experience in tech, and it seems a lot of people say not to start there. Or at least not to land a Cys position without experience. So I decided to go with a more general approach. I am looking at WGU for their accelerated BS IT/MS IT Mgmt course. I want to eventually be a PMP. I felt like this was the best direction to move, and then with some experience under my belt, transition to Cys, and with some leadership experience under my belt, pursue the PMP.
Current Regional Accredited Credits: n/a
I went to Edinboro University of PA, and have a few credits with Kent State University, but I owe both universities money and cannot access my transcripts. So I will be moving forward without those credits and basically starting over.

Any certifications or military experience? No

Budget: I'd like to go the cheapest route possible, but will consider spending more for easy and fast. I'm looking at around 1.5K for transfer course work and looking to get actual tuition covered elsewhere. I am aware that I might have to come out of pocket for any/all parts and will address that as needed.
 
Commitments: I help take care of my younger brothers, am in a relationship, and have a circle of friends that play games on Saturday's. However, everyone knows I am trying to get an accelerated degree, is on board, and knows that studying is going to come first for me until I complete it.

Dedicated time to study: I can study as much as is needed. This will be a full time job for me and I'm not afraid to put in over time

Timeline: I would like to finish in 1.5 years (18 months) I'm hoping to do the WGU course work in 2 terms, after completing 6 months of transfer credits and pre-studying the rest of the course material.

Tuition assistance/reimbursement: I am working with government aid to use a program called WIOA to have my course work paid for. 

New federal law went into effect on Monday preventing universities from withholding transcripts! Should be able to get them soon - hope it lessons your workload!