WGU Celebrates Veterans Day with $75,000 in Scholarships

In celebration of Veterans Day and to honor our military service members who sacrifice so much to keep us safe, Western Governors University (WGU) today announced it has partnered with the National Military Family Association to offer $75,000 in scholarships to veterans, active-duty military personnel and their spouses who are interested in furthering their education. The “Military Appreciation” Scholarship offering is available for new students who are interested in pursuing a bachelor’s or master’s degree from WGU in any of the online, nonprofit university’s 60+ programs in IT, business, K-12 education, and health professions, including nursing.

Each “Military Appreciation” scholarship is valued at up to $2,000 per student and will be applied at the rate of $500 per six-month term, renewable for up to four terms. The scholarship is open to new students who have been officially admitted to WGU and qualify as active-duty or retired military, U.S. military veterans, reservists, or military spouses or children. Scholarships will be awarded based on a candidate’s academic record, readiness for online study, and current competency, as well as other considerations.

“We truly appreciate our veteran and active-duty military students who work so hard to protect and serve our country and are happy to provide the flexible programs that will fit their needs and allow them to go far in their careers,” said Dr. Angie Besendorfer, Regional Vice President of Western Governors University. “In addition to the scholarship offering, WGU’s degree programs are approved for VA education benefits under the GI Bill and for tuition assistance for active-duty, reserve and National Guard service members. With WGU’s low, flat-rate tuition of about $3,500 per six-month term, this means tuition for veterans and military members is often covered.”

WGU is regularly ranked among the nation’s most military-friendly colleges and universities and provides the flexibility and workforce-focused degree programs needed by military personnel, veterans and their families. Approximately 11 percent of WGU’s students are active-duty military personnel, veterans or immediate family members of military personnel. Earning a four-year degree from WGU can help them transition into a rewarding, high-paying civilian position.

“WGU made it possible for me to earn a master’s degree in nursing education,” said Chris McElroy a recent graduate and an Army Nurse Corps veteran. “My children are currently serving in the military, and the flexibility of the program allowed me to celebrate all of their accomplishments. That has been one of the greatest perks of the university. I can now proudly say that I’m a veteran, proud military mom, wife and a WGU graduate.”

WGU’s programs are competency-based, providing the flexibility veterans and their families need. Designed to meet the needs of adult learners, competency-based education allows students to take advantage of their knowledge and real-world experience to move quickly through material they already know so they can focus on what they still need to learn. WGU faculty members work one-on-one with students as mentors, offering guidance, support and individualized instruction. While the university’s degree programs are rigorous and challenging, competency-based learning makes it possible for students to accelerate their programs, saving both time and money.

For more information about WGU or the “Military Appreciation Scholarship,” visit www.wgu.edu/military.