WGU Missouri Offers Tips, Scholarships for Missourians Going Back To School in 2015

With the start of the New Year right around the corner, nonprofit online university WGU Missouri is urging working adults to make earning a college degree one of their New Year’s resolutions. For the 755,000 Missourians with some college but no degree, a diploma can be the key to better opportunities.

To help inspire potential students, the university is launching the new College Counts 2015 Scholarship. The scholarship subtracts $2,015 (over four 6-month terms) from WGU Missouri’s already-low tuition of about $6,000 a year. As going back to school later in life can be a challenging resolution, WGU Missouri offers some tips for working adults looking to return to school to advance their careers:

Tip #1: Define Your Educational Goals.
Goal setting turns your hopes into actions, whether you are looking to further your current career or change your field of work. Before you jump back into higher education, speak with employers in your area to find out what kind of educational credentials they value and the skills they seek in job candidates. Make sure your goals are specific, measurable, attainable, and relevant.

Tip #2: Consider Past Work Experience and Education.
Your work experience and education may mean that you don’t have to start over from scratch. Earned credits might be transferable into a program of study. Additionally, your workplace training and experiences may be used to help advance your degree.

Tip #3: Make Sure the School is Accredited.
As you look into different educational institutions, ensure those establishments have the appropriate accreditation, and confirm that your credits earned will be recognized by other higher education institutions and employers.

Tip #4: Pay Attention to Financing.
Continuing your education is a financial commitment. Consider the amount of tuition, book costs and other fees. Speak with a financial advisor about financial aid and other means of assistance that can lower your costs. Compare the tuition and fees of various schools to make the right choice for your budget.
Tip #5: Consider Online Programs.

Working adults have responsibilities that will continue throughout their educational journey. Online education has quickly become one of the most popular higher education alternatives. It gives you the most convenient, flexible and comfortable learning environment, often at a lower cost, and gives students access to a variety of programs and courses.

“The decision to go back to college and complete a degree is a major one,” said Angie Besendorfer, Chancellor of WGU Missouri. “Like any resolution, it takes time, effort, commitment and planning, which is why it is so important to do your homework when choosing a college. At WGU Missouri, we strive to address Missouri’s workforce needs, and our affordable programs can be a great option for adults who make higher education their New Year’s resolution.”

To be eligible for a WGU Missouri College Counts 2015 Scholarship, an applicant must be a new WGU student, and be officially admitted to WGU. While multiple scholarships will be awarded, it is a competitive program, with scholarships awarded based on a candidate’s academic record, readiness for online study, and current competency, as well as other considerations. The scholarship will be open to all bachelor’s and master’s degree program applicants now through March 31, 2015.

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