Dr. K.L. Allen, Northeast regional vice president at Western Governors University (WGU), firmly believes in WGU’s mission. “Our mission is to change lives for the better by creating pathways to opportunity. For many of our students, their dream of a college education was deferred by life events, and it’s imperative that we make that dream a reality,” he says.
Allen points out that since its founding in 1997 by 19 U.S. governors, WGU has awarded over 400,000 degrees. “The average age of our students is 34, and we offer an affordable and flexible online alterative for those underserved by traditional institutions, including working adults, low-income individuals, and minority communities. Our average yearly bachelor’s degree tuition is $8,300 compared to almost $18,000 at most schools, and our average yearly master’s tuition is $8,856, compared to over $20,000 at other schools. Plus, our graduates land in-demand jobs after graduation, making it easier to pay back any loans they acquired at WGU.”
According to the 2023 Gallup Alumni Survey, more than 70 percent of WGU graduates report that their degree was worth the cost, which is more than double the percentage of national bachelor’s degree holders (34 percent) who say the same.
Allen says that some of the most popular programs at WGU include health care, technology, business, cybersecurity, and teaching. “The health care and education fields lost a lot of workers as a result of the pandemic, and our graduates can help fill those jobs,” he says.
WGU pioneered the concept of competency-based education, which allows students to earn competency units by demonstrating their skills through completing assessments. This approach not only provides the necessary skills to succeed in students’ jobs, but it also can lead to a quicker completion of coursework for students who can lean on knowledge they already have from previous work or school experience. “Instead of being confined to a set time in a semester, for example, students can advance by showcasing their knowledge and skill sets,” Allen adds. Students can also utilize the skills learned immediately in their current job, and employers value how WGU students can “hit the ground running.”
Many WGU students are looking to advance in their current job or eyeing a specific promotion. “After they obtain their degree, most stay in their community, as they have families and ties to the community,” Allen says.
Flexibility is also a big draw for WGU students. Some may have fewer time commitments, allowing them to complete their degree quickly, while others are juggling education, work, and families. “You can set your own pace. During the holidays, for example, some may want to take a break to be with their families, while others may decide to utilize that time to complete multiple assessments. It’s totally up to the individual student,” Allen explains.
Allen says that addition to the flexible format, WGU students also benefit from program mentors who provide one-on-one support. “The mentors are an incredibly important component of our students’ success. They check in once a week and can assist with course selection and setting goals to help keep students on track for graduation. Sometimes, they will notice that a student has not logged into their coursework online in a while, so they will check in just to make sure that everything is OK.”
To stay current with workforce needs and to ensure that students possess the skills needed to succeed in their field, WGU engages with the business community through advisory boards and existing partners. In addition to earning a degree, students can also earn critical certifications, making them even more desirable to employers.
Allen recalls one student who was embroiled in a domestic violence situation and wanted to earn a degree to better her life. “She was able to earn both a bachelor’s and master’s degree, and her son and mother followed in her footsteps and earned their degrees. I believe that education makes communities safer and better, and WGU plays a pivotal role in helping people better their lives and advance their careers.”
To learn more about WGU, visit www.wgu.edu.