Ohio Department of Higher Ed Authorization Paves the Way for New State-Endorsed Online University, WGU Ohio

The formal launch of WGU Ohio will take place in late spring of this year. Prior to the launch, WGU will be working with business and community leaders to secure start-up funding. After start-up, WGU Ohio will be self-sustaining on flat-rate tuition of about $6,500 per year.

"WGU offers degree programs in fields that will help our state address critical workforce needs," said Chancellor Carey. "WGU's affordability and online, competency-based learning model provide another option for busy adults to earn a degree as they balance work and family responsibilities. We look forward to the launch of WGU Ohio later this year."

"WGU was founded by U.S. governors who knew that expanding access to quality higher education is fundamental to helping individuals change their lives as well as ensuring the economic health of their states," said WGU President Scott D. Pulsipher. "Today, WGU has more than 101,000 graduates, and we serve 94,000 students in all 50 states, including 2,100 here in Ohio. We look forward to playing an integral role in helping more Ohioans earn the degrees they need."

One of the nation's fastest growing universities, WGU's four colleges offer accredited bachelor's and master's degrees in business, K-12 teacher education, information technology, and health professions, including nursing. WGU programs are competency-based, a learning model designed to meet the needs of busy 21^st century students. Competency-based education focuses on measuring learning rather than time spent in class. Students study and learn on a schedule that fits their lives, supported by faculty who work with them individually, advancing as soon as they demonstrate mastery of material. This allows students to apply prior learning and experience to move quickly through material they already know while they spend more time on what they still need to learn. This more personalized approach to learning allows many WGU students to accelerate their time to a degree—the average time to a bachelor's degree is about two and a half years—saving both time and money.

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 94,000 students nationwide and has 101,000 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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Contact for media inquiries:                         
Joan Mitchell – VP of Public Relations
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Contact for enrollment information:
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SOURCE Western Governors University; WGU Ohio

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http://www.wgu.edu