According to a recent article in the Hechinger Report, “more than 2.4 million students came to college last fall for certificates or ‘nondegree’ credentials, part of a shift in consumer and employer demand for ‘just-in-time' learning. Plus, 1.6 million high school students signed up for classes to get a jump on or skip the degree gauntlet. Learners are asking for new models.”

As we navigate the evolving landscape of higher education, it’s clear that the traditional pathways don’t always work for everyone. At WGU Academy, we’ve embraced this challenge by offering innovative solutions through our short-term programs including single course options, program-specific course bundles, and job-aligned certificate programs. Credits earned through these short-term programs can also count towards WGU bachelor’s degree programs.

WGU’s mission is simple and powerful: to change lives for the better by creating pathways to opportunity. Within that mission, WGU Academy expands WGU’s available pathways to academic and professional success with shorter, more attainable programs that can be stacked into degree programs. In this piece, I’ll talk about two kinds of short-term programs – on-ramp courses and certificate programs.

On-Ramps in an Introductory Term at WGU 

Imagine a student embarking on their educational pathway and feeling overwhelmed or underprepared for the scale of the commitment ahead. This is where WGU’s on-ramp courses come into play, providing an affordable and lower-stakes way to get started on their credential program. We call this on-ramp experience an “introductory term” at WGU, welcoming students openly to the university at an appropriate starting point that provides them with a higher likelihood of success at the lowest financial risk.

WGU makes these on-ramp courses available for only $99, a low-cost way to build momentum prior to their larger first-term commitment. We make recommendations to students based on their previous academic background coupled with their desired program of study. These carefully- curated recommended pathways serve as both a foundation and a launchpad, equipping students with key skills they will need to thrive in a degree program.

On-ramp completers boast four-year undergraduate degree completion rates more than 10 points higher than their non-Academy-completer peers. Among those students who have the least amount of past academic success (fewer than 12 completed competency units), those who complete a WGU on-ramp in their introductory term have a 65% lower drop rate (1.83% compared to 4.11%) than those who enrolled directly into a degree program.  

Certificates: An Accelerated Pathway to Opportunity

Now consider students who are seeking an immediate job opportunity in a particular field. Some of these students may have been working in that field for years but lack the credentials to earn a promotion or level up. Others may be new to a particular domain, new to higher ed entirely or have already completed a degree in a different area. Certificate programs give these students a faster path to gain verifiable skills to take their next step. Examples of these WGU programs include Accounting Fundamentals, Data Analytics Skills, and Front-End Web Developer. We have over a dozen certificate programs available at WGU now, with dozens more in the pipeline.

Because these programs “stack” or articulate to degrees, students who complete WGU certificates also build momentum by way of competency units toward an eventual degree for those who are interested in furthering their academic pursuits. We are especially focused on domains where students can make the traverse from on-ramp to certificate to bachelor's degree and even to master's degree, where WGU can serve those students throughout their entire career journey.

One example is Heather, whose journey was fraught with challenges after a traumatic brain injury left her feeling sidelined in her career. With determination and the flexibility to learn at her own pace, she completed her Accounting Fundamentals certificate and is now ambitiously pursuing her MBA at WGU. Her story is a testament to the transformative power of our programs, proving that barriers can become steppingstones to success. 

What's Next?

At WGU Academy, we deliver transformative and accessible experiences that ready students for success. Through our on-ramp and certificate programs, we meet students where they are and help them build momentum toward a prosperous future.

I’ll be sharing more in future posts about specific outcomes and initiatives to serve more students and open more pathways to opportunity.

In the meantime, follow me on LinkedIn or learn more about WGU Academy here.