100,000 Graduates in 21 Years - WGU Marks New Milestone

SALT LAKE CITY, Jan. 26, 2018 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Just one week after the 21^st anniversary of its founding, Western Governors University (WGU) is passing another milestone—100,000 graduates. The online, nonprofit university established by 19 U.S. governors has grown to become one of the nation's largest universities, offering competency-based bachelor's and master's degree programs in business, K-12 education, information technology, and health professions, including nursing.

"WGU graduates could fill this year's Super Bowl stadium more than one and a half times," said WGU President Scott D. Pulsipher. "And, the impact extends well beyond our graduates—to their families, to their employers, and to their communities. About 40 percent of our graduates are the first in their family to complete a college degree, so these degrees have the potential to change families' lives for generations. It's exciting to consider what the impact will be as we continue to add thousands of new graduates every year."

Because of its focus on quality, accessibility, and affordability, WGU is able to serve working adults—effectively meeting students where they are, allowing them to study and learn on schedules that fit their busy lives. WGU pioneered competency-based education, which measures learning rather than time spent in class. Students can apply prior learning and experience, moving quickly through what they already know while taking the time they need on what they still need to learn, with regular, individualized faculty support. Rather than waiting for the end of a semester to complete courses, which are developed in collaboration with employers, students advance as soon as they demonstrate mastery. As a result, many WGU students are able to graduate sooner, saving time and money—the average time to a bachelor's degree is about two and a half years.

About WGU
Established in 1997 by 19 U.S. governors with a mission to expand access to high-quality, affordable higher education, online, nonprofit WGU now serves 91,000 students nationwide and has 100,000 graduates in all 50 states. Driving innovation as the nation's leading competency-based university, WGU has been recognized by the White House, state leaders, employers, and students as a model that works in postsecondary education. In just 21 years, the university has become a leading influence in changing the lives of individuals and families, and preparing the workforce needed in today's rapidly evolving economy. WGU is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, has been named one of Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies, and was featured on NPR, NBC Nightly News, CNN, and in The New York Times. Learn more at www.wgu.edu.

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SOURCE Western Governors University

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