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

College Counts 2015 Scholarships will provide $2,015 to help working adults advance their careers

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Dec 23, 2014, 11:53 ET

ST. LOUIS, Dec. 23, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- 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.

About WGU Missouri

WGU Missouri is a competency-based, online university created to expand access to higher education for Missouri residents. The university offers more than 50 undergraduate and graduate degree programs in the high-demand fields of business, K-12 teacher education, information technology, and health professions, including nursing. WGU Missouri employs full-time faculty who serve as mentors, working one-on-one with students, offering guidance, support, and individualized instruction.

Established by the state through a partnership with nationally recognized Western Governors University (WGU), WGU Missouri is open to all qualified Missouri residents. Through WGU, all WGU Missouri programs are accredited, and the university is nonprofit and self-sustaining on flat-rate tuition of about $6,000 per year for most programs.

More information is available at missouri.wgu.edu or by calling 855.948.8493.

Follow WGU Missouri:
http://www.facebook.com/wgumissouri
http://www.linkedin.com/companies/western-governors-university
http://twitter.com/wgumissouri
http://www.youtube.com/wgumissouri

Contact for media inquiries:
Kelly MacNeil
314-677-2303
[email protected]

Contact for enrollment information:
855-948-8493
missouri.wgu.edu

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SOURCE WGU Missouri