Resolve to be a New Kind of You: WGU Missouri Offers Tips in 2018

The start of a new year is synonymous with a fresh start – a time to resolve to make life better. While some Missourians will seek to kick a bad habit or get in better shape, others will be putting plans in place to obtain a degree while balancing employment and family responsibilities. To encourage those eager to pursue a degree in higher education, WGU Missouri today released tips to help non-traditional students find the right fit, and announced it is offering up to $50,000 in scholarship funding to new students interested in enrolling in the nonprofit, fully accredited online university in 2018. These “New Year, New You” scholarships can be applied to any of the more than 50 bachelor’s and master’s programs offered through WGU Missouri.

“Those managing a career and family life are forced to take a different approach when it comes to completing courses towards a degree,” said Dr. Angie Besendorfer, Chancellor of WGU Missouri. “We encourage busy adults to do their own research before enrolling and find a university that will fit their individual needs and their families’ needs. WGU Missouri offers affordable competency-based education programs that are a fit for many working adults, and we look forward to helping more students achieve their educational goals in the coming year.”

Because choosing a school can be a difficult decision for many adults, WGU Missouri is offering the following tips to help ensure those returning to school in the New Year can find a university that will allow them to successfully earn their degrees and advance their careers:

• Determine a game plan. For many people who are going back to school later in life, the goal is moving into a higher-paying job or a different career field altogether, so they can better provide for themselves and their families. Thoroughly research schools to see not only what kind of programs they offer, but also how they are structured. Be sure your chosen course of study helps support your goals, and select a degree that is in-demand, relates to your field and is relevant to employers.

• Be sure to choose a reputable and accredited school. To ensure your degree and any credits earned will be recognized by employers and other academic institutions, it’s vital that you confirm the university you choose is accredited before you enroll. It’s also good to request information on alumni placements, employer surveys, and graduate rankings to ensure you are getting the most out of your degree.

• Consider non-traditional educational options. More and more schools are offering flexible, online, competency-based programs that allow students with prior work and school experience to quickly advance through subject matter they already know. This approach allows students to measure their success on what they learn instead of time spent in the classroom and can significantly decrease the time to graduation.

• Pay attention to financing. Continuing your education is a financial commitment. Before enrolling, research the costs of tuition, books and other fees, and compare the tuition and fees of various schools to make the right choice for your budget. Depending on your income, you may be eligible for a government grant, particularly a Pell grant, to help pay for your education. Speak with a financial advisor about financial aid and other means of assistance that can lower your costs, and don’t forget to inquire about scholarships. Many employers offer tuition reimbursement or assistance, so it’s best to check with your employer as well.

• Find out what kind of support your university offers. Going back to school, especially for the adult learners who are working full-time and raising families, can be challenging. You’ll need a good support team to answer your questions and encourage you along the way. Be sure to look into how you will interact with faculty, what type of mentoring is offered and any other types of support available before choosing a college. If you are choosing an online university, find out how you’ll be able to connect and network with other students.

WGU Missouri’s “New Year, New You Scholarship” is open through March 31, 2018. Each award is valued at up to $2,000 ($500 per term, for up to four terms). Scholarships are competitive and are awarded based on a candidate’s academic record, readiness for online study and current competency, as well as other considerations.

For more information or to apply, visit missouri.wgu.edu.