WGU Washington Named Best Value Among Online Colleges and Universities

SEATTLE, Nov. 4, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Western Governors University (WGU) – along with its local, state-based affiliate WGU Washington – has been named the best value among online colleges and universities, according to OnlineU's Best Value Online College Rankings.

WGU earned top honors based on data from the National Center for Education Statistics, the Federal Student Aid Office, and schools' official websites. Student reviews from GradReports.com also factored into determining a school's value.

WGU Washington's value lies in its low, flat-rate tuition and competency-based model. Students pay approximately $6,000 per year for most programs – roughly half the cost of many other online institutions. The university's tuition is charged at a flat rate, allowing both bachelor's and master's level students to complete as many courses as they are able within a six-month term for no additional cost.

WGU Washington's competency-based model allows students to earn degrees by demonstrating what they know and can do, rather than spending time in class to accumulate credit hours. That system is ideal for working adults, because it allows them to apply what they already know and move quickly through the course material. Students can fit their studies into their busy schedules, studying when it is most convenient for them.

In addition to taking the top overall spot on OnlineU's list, WGU earned a top ranking in five of the guide's program-specific rankings:

• #1 for accounting
• #1 for business
• #1 for education
• #1 for human resources
• #2 for nursing

Washington is home to more WGU students than any other state in the nation.  WGU Washington's enrollment is currently around 6,500 students – representing roughly 12 percent of WGU's total enrollment nationwide.    

WGU Washington offers 55 degree programs, including bachelor's and master's degrees, as well as post-baccalaureate and teacher endorsement preparation programs.  Roughly 40 percent of WGU's students are enrolled in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) related programs.  WGU Washington awarded more than 400 degrees in STEM and healthcare related fields this year alone.

About WGU Washington
WGU Washington was established by the State Legislature in 2011 in partnership with nationally recognized and accredited Western Governors University to expand access to higher education for Washington residents.

The state-endorsed, online university offers more than 50 bachelor's and master's degree programs in Business, Information Technology, Teacher Education and Health Professions, including Nursing. WGU Washington's competency-based learning model is designed to meet the needs of working adults by providing an affordable, flexible option for earning an accredited, respected college degree. It's non-profit and receives no money from the state.

Degrees are granted under the accreditation of Western Governors University, which is regionally accredited through the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU). Teachers College programs are accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) and Nursing programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE*). 

The university has earned the support of more than 20 leading corporations and foundations. They include institutions such as AT&T, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Lilly Endowment, Hewlett-Packard, Lumina Foundation, Microsoft, Oracle and SunGard Higher Education.

* One Dupont Circle, NW, Suite 5380, Washington DC 20036, 202-877-6791

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SOURCE WGU Washington