For those looking to get ahead at work or jump into a new career field altogether, not having the right education or skills can often lead to roadblocks in the path to success. But for many adults who are busy working and raising families, finding the time and money to go to class and complete coursework can seem impossible.
Luckily, there are affordable and flexible high-quality educational options for those who want to earn a bachelor’s or master’s degree in less time and for less money.
WGU Missouri, for instance, is leading the charge in making affordable, challenging, nationally recognized degree programs available to Missourians who have some college experience but no degree and are unable to attend traditional colleges and universities.
The university was created in 2013 by Gov. Jay Nixon as a state affiliate of Western Governors University and is Missouri’s only state-endorsed, accredited, nonprofit, online university. It offers more than 50 bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in the areas of business, education, IT and health professions, including nursing. These degree programs are career-focused and relevant to the needs of Missouri employers.
WGU Missouri allows students to balance work and family obligations while they complete their studies. The university’s industry-leading, competency-based structure lets students earn credits based on previous education, training and on-the-job experience instead of time spent in the classroom. This allows them to move quickly through material they already know and focus on what they still need to learn so they graduate faster and with far less debt. WGU also offers affordable, flat-rate tuition of about $3,500 each six-month term, allowing students to take as many courses as possible each term without any added costs.
This model is becoming an attractive option for students who recognize higher education as a worthy investment but need options that fit their lifestyles. Since its establishment five years ago, WGU Missouri’s enrollment has grown to 2,800 and 2,000 degrees have been conferred, 50 percent of them in the past 12 months. Graduates are seeing a difference in their lives as doors open to more career opportunities, with many earning an average of $10,600 more within a year or two of graduation.
WGU provides tuition discounts to employees of its many partners around the state and has awarded over $1 million in WGU-funded scholarships since 2013.
To learn more about the university, its programs or scholarships, visit Missouri.WGU.edu or call 855-948-8493.
