(NewsUSA) – As parents send their kids back to school, it’s likely that the last thing they have time to consider is heading back to school themselves. But, they should ?.
Nearly half a million Washington residents, many of them parents, have started but not finished a degree; yet by 2018, two-thirds of all jobs in the state will require at least some college. A bachelor’s or master’s degree can bring career advancement, increase job security, and enhance earning potential, so how can busy parents finish their degrees and avoid being left behind?
For busy parents with tight budgets, the prospect of heading back to college can be daunting. While there are a number of college options, few are affordable and flexible enough to meet the needs of working adults.
But Washington’s new online university, WGU Washington, washington.wgu.edu, is designed to meet their needs — affordably. Nonprofit and endorsed by the state, WGU Washington offers 50 accredited bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in business, information technology, teacher education and health professions, including nursing.
WGU Washington’s programs allow students to move quickly through what they already know and to focus on what they still need to learn. Students advance by demonstrating what they know, not by logging time in class. This learning model, which includes the support of a dedicated mentor, is called competency-based education, and it represents a true innovation in higher education.
At less than $3,000 per six-month term (and unlimited courses per term), WGU Washington is about half the cost of other online universities and considerably less than most of Washington’s public universities. And, because WGU Washington allows students to work at their own pace, the average time to complete a bachelor’s degree is just two-and-a-half years — an average cost of about $15,000.
It’s likely that you are already encouraging your kids to plan for college. And, as all good parents know, kids learn best by example. Finishing a degree means more than career advancement and better earning potential — it is a priceless accomplishment that demonstrates the value of education to your children. This back-to-school season, don’t be left behind.
Note to editors:?Great for regional use in Washington state.
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