Episode 22: WGU Indiana: Affordable, Fully Accredited Online Degree Programs for Active Military and Veterans

Veteran Cast

On this episode, we interview Alison Barber Bell, Chancellor of WGU Indiana, and Andrew Nagel, Registered Nurse and Graduate of WGU's Nursing Degree Program. We discuss WGU's unique non-profit, accredited online degree program and how it's especially good for active duty military, transitioning military, veterans, and their families.

WGU Indiana is an online, competency-based university established to expand access to higher education for Indiana residents. The university offers more than 60 undergraduate and graduate degree programs in the fields of business, K-12 teacher education, information technology, and health professions, including nursing.

Degrees are granted under the accreditation of WGU, which is accredited through the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU). Teachers College programs are accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), College of Business programs are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP), and nursing programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). WGU Indiana has helped 7,500 Hoosiers achieve their dream of completing a college degree. Another 5,900 students are currently enrolled.

Facts about WGU Indiana:

In 2010, Western Governors University was approached by Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels about creating a state-based model for the university. Indiana became the very first state model and the first state-endorsed online university, creating positions for a local chancellor and local advisory board.

• WGU Indiana serves more than 520 active-duty military members, veterans or military family members.
• WGU Indiana is a nonprofit, accredited, online university that serves students from all different backgrounds
• WGU Indiana is currently serving about 5,600 Hoosiers – a 166 percent increase in enrollment since 2011.
• WGU Indiana has awarded degrees to more than 7,500 Indiana residents.
• WGU Indiana serves students who are not well-served by traditional colleges and universities; 72 percent are classified as underserved in one or more of four categories: ethnic minority, low income, rural residents, or first-generation college students.
• As of 2018, 86 percent of WGU Indiana’s students work full-time jobs while pursuing a degree.
• According to a recent Gallup-Purdue index, which provides insight into the relationship between the college experience and outcomes, WGU consistently scored higher than the national average when measuring school compatibility, mentorship, challenging curriculum, cost-worthiness and more.

WGU Indiana’s tuition fees are nearly half the national average. Tuition is about $6,500 per 12-month year for most programs, and it is charged at a flat rate, which means students can complete as many courses as they are able in any term, at no additional cost. On average, WGU graduates increase their pre-enrollment income by $12,600 within two years of graduation and by $18,400 within four years. With an average cost of $16,500 for a bachelor's degree, most WGU graduates see a positive return on their investment within two to three years.

Special Guests: Allison Barber Bell and Andrew Nagel.

Sponsored By:

• DK New Media: DK New Media is a veteran-owned digital media and marketing consulting firm headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana. Promo Code: VETS

Links:

• WGU Indiana — WGU Indiana offers programs through the accreditation of our national partner, Western Governors University. The Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities first accredited WGU in 2003 and reaffirmed our accreditation in 2016, noting WGU's “institution-wide focus on helping students succeed.”
• WGU Military and Veteran Financial Aid and Tuition — All degree programs offered at Western Governors University are approved by the Department of Veterans Affairs for all education benefits offered under the GI Bill®. Education benefit options are available for veterans and active duty servicepersons, dependents, and those with service in the National Guard and Reserves. Eligibility for benefits and the amounts available depend upon the serviceperson’s period of military service, years of service, and other factors.
• WGU Scholarships — WGU’s scholarship programs make pursuing your goals even more budget-friendly. Now through March 31, new students are eligible to apply for an exclusive scholarship: The New Year Scholarship.